D1: Norwayne's Vaughn and Wooster's Kostohryz bound for Div. I college programs
There isn’t any doubt how good seniors Shelby Vaughn and Grace Kostohryz have been over the past couple years.
The two local stars have carved out their place among the area’s elite in multiple sports, but especially in soccer. Vaughn has proven herself time and time again as a primetime player at the offensive end for Norwayne and Kostohryz has been the rock that has kept Wooster in more than few games.
Over the past year, they both earned scholarship offers to Div. I programs with Vaughn committing to Michigan State in 2022 and Kostohryz committing to Northern Kentucky University this year.
Northern Kentucky sits just off of I-275 in Highland Heights, Kentucky and is about seven miles from Cincinnati.
“I just love the campus and the coaching philosophy that Coach Bob Sheehan has, is great,” said Kostohryz. “They are very academic oriented, and he genuinely cares for his players.”
In October of last year, Vaughn committed to Michigan State.
Kostohryz, whose major is yet to be determined, will hit campus with two other goalkeepers already on the roster.
“They will definitely push me to get better,” said the Wooster senior.
Making it even more impressive, they did it in the era of AAU coaches and clubs trying to make athletes single-sport players. Vaughn has shined on the basketball court and on the track, Kostohryz in hoops and throwing the shot put and discus, while they both have stars on the pitch.
This summer, Vaughn helped lead Canton-Akron United Force, to the national championship game for the State Cup. There, just like she did a year ago in the NPL national championship game for her club North FC, she helped her team handle business and walked away national champions with a 4-1 win over Mt. Rainier FC from Washington, with Vaughn posting a hat trick.
“Closing out my club years with two national titles is really amazing,” said Vaughn. “I can’t be more proud of everyone who was there with me for both years.”
Making it a little more meaningful was the chance to do it with North FC.
“Playing for North FC my entire life has meant a lot to me,” added Vaughn. “The coaches are beyond amazing, and the club is an all-around great environment.”
For her coach Attila Csiszar, Vaughn is player who will resonate.
“She stuck with me, and she trusted me, even when other clubs and coaches offered her, she stuck with me,” said Csiszar. “She is proof that training supersedes anything. I pushed her like crazy and then it was up to her, and she wanted it.
“She never veered off the path, mentally she knows how to produce, she loves the game and what makes her special is her maturity. She wants the pressure, she can take the pressure and she wants the game on her shoulders. She knows how to deal with it and always finds a way to get things done.”
He then went on to add, about the personal side of the game.
“It’s more than just soccer,” he added. “I will always be there for her and her family. They are special.”
With a new season upon both of them, their attentions have turned and now they are focused with their respective teams for their final campaigns.
“Everyone has definitely improved and we have some key players coming back, so that will definitely help out,” said Kostohryz. “The biggest thing is that we have to play as a team, know where people are so that we can use them and just being able to figure out how to play together.”
For Vaughn, even with the loss of some talented players from a year ago and injuries, she still sees great things for the near future.
“This year, we have a ton of young girls, and we have a lot of starters out due to injury,” said Vaughn. “But I am confident in this team, and I know we are going to dominate in the WCAL like we always do. I believe that this team can do great things.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Girls Soccer: Norwayne's Vaughn, Wooster's Kostohryz going D-I
