Fell headed to D-I UNA

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast soccer player Chloe Fell will continue her collegiate soccer career at North Alabama after signing with the NCAA Division I Lions.

UNA, coached by a fellow Brit named Chris Walker, got in touch with Fell, who is from Bury, England, following the MACJC All-Star Game.

"He showed a strong interest in me," Fell said. "He saw my highlights and sounded like he was really interested. He kept me up-to-date with everything that was going on. He showed me pictures of campus and took me on a tour around since I couldn't really visit. He was talking to me every day and making me welcome."

Fell earned All-MACJC honors as a sophomore when she scored three goals and had an assist. She played mainly as a defender, but also saw time in midfield and in attack.

She scored six goals and had five assists as a freshman, both team highs.

"She was a very important player for us," Gulf Coast coach Jackie Rhodes said. "She had to take control of the defense, and she did a really good job. She's a strong, physical player and a big presence. She had a lot on her shoulders and she did a good job."

The Lions, who play soccer in the ASUN Conference, are entering their third season of Division I play. Fell is hoping to return to holding midfielder at UNA after valuable time at Perk.

"The facilities, the training and the coaches, they all managed to keep me on a path to make sure I was progressing every day," Fell said. "Obviously, the intensity is pretty high. You have to make sure you keep up with their standards, and also keep working in your own time. You've got to better yourself for the team. Without the push of everyone else, I wouldn't have gotten better. I'm thankful to Gulf Coast for that."

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