Nunn named among nation’s top soccer players by USA Today
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PARKERSBURG -- Samara Nunn insists busy is good. Yet, don't blame her if she takes a moment or two to savor the honor she collected last week as one of 24 female soccer players recognized nationwide as members of the 2021-22 All-USA Today High School Soccer Association Girls Soccer Team.
"I just heard about it today -- I never thought someone from little Parkersburg would get an award like this," said the Parkersburg South standout, who will be leaving for Lorman, Miss., as part of move-in day on Aug. 1 on the campus of Alcorn State University.
The 24 female soccer players also are nominees for the national Girls Soccer Player of the Year. The winner, along with three finalists, will be revealed July 31 during an on-demand broadcast, which will feature top athletes in 29 boys and girls sports awards categories as well as special honors like Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Rising Star and Play of the Year.
"I saw an awards show from a past year that United States national soccer player Alex Morgan announced the winners -- I thought that would be awesome if she said my name," Nunn said. "I've looked up to her since I was a little kid. She is a forward just like my myself. She is a really good player with a good mindset. She knows how to read the game.
"I'm not sure she will be the person announcing this year, but it would be cool if it was her and I had my name called."
During her senior year at South, Nunn scored 36 goals and finished with 90 points. She was named the Class AAA Player of the Year for girls high school soccer in West Virginia.
"This award means a lot and everything I accomplished with all this hard work," Nunn said.
"Coaches along the way have definitely helped. I also give a shout out to my teammates who played with me on my travel teams and in high school. We had a really good bond and they pushed me to be the best player. It was because of them I learned leadership skills."
Nunn joins an Alcorn State women's program coached by Kevin Larry, who enters his third season with the Lady Braves. Larry added 12 newcomers to the roster, including eight freshmen. The Lady Braves are a Division I program which finished 3-14 last season. Opening day of practice is set for Aug. 2. The regular season begins Aug. 18 with a match against Southern Utah in nearby Vicksburg, Miss.
Last season's win total was the most since 2017 when the Lady Braves finished 4-10. Nunn is encouraged by the approach coach Larry brings to the table.
"Basically, the head coach has brought in a new team," Nunn said. "I'm excited to see how we do and how we work together. I will definitely miss home, but I am excited to meet new people and branch out."
Nunn, who plans to major in social work, stuck to her workouts throughout the summer while working two jobs. She was rarely at a standstill.
"I had a couple of free days, but I was usually on the go," Nunn said. "I would rather be on the go than sit in my room."
Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com