By AILEEN BURKE
Executive Editor
Nina Predanic has been “a national player” since freshman year. The senior striker has come up big this season, and has continued to play well into the postseason.
“The team chemistry is really good this year,” said Predanic. “The younger core is embracing the standard, I am very happy.”
The sports management major took her college decision rather seriously, having many conversations with her mother about factors that were important to where she would play and where she would study.
She was named an All-American athlete this year, in addition to the All-East Player of the Year and Conference; titles she said she would readily give up for the further success of her team.
“Living with Nina has been some of the greatest memories of my life and something that I will always cherish,” said Morgan Burchhardt, fellow team captain and roommate. “She has a daily routine that I have never seen her break which I believe is one of the reasons she is so successful on the pitch as well as in the classroom.”
The road to soccer stardom started at a young age for Predanic, she started going to her father and brother’s soccer practices at 6 years old and fell in love with the game. When she got older and had to choose between running track and playing soccer, the choice was obvious to her.
“It’s not a popular sport for girls [in Slovenia],” said Predanic. “You have to explain everything.”
Although it was hard for her to find girls to compete with and against, “it’s getting bigger,” said Predanic.
She cites her country’s women’s league growing from the success of other leagues internationally.
“She can strike a ball cleaner than most men,” said Coach Laurie Darling-Guthiel. Predanic has 72 goals in her collegiate career.
When choosing a school, she had quite a few boxes to check with her mother. Weather, academics, flight distance, and historically strong soccer teams were some of the factors that were considered. Saint Rose was a school that “could really get you somewhere,” said Predanic.
Predanic attests her success to the support of her friends, coaches, and other faculty at the college.
“She’s been a leader in our program,” said Darling-Guthiel. “She is representative of the college and the team in everything she does, she is the total package.”
