The Flyers continue flex their perennial recruiting muscle in the state of Ohio and added another top in-state recruit to the 2002 class recently as Toledo St. Ursula product Meghan Borysiak gave Coach Mike Tucker and his staff a verbal commitment to attend the Univ. Dayton. Borysiak was one of the best, if not the best, prospect in NW Ohio this year as she finished her HS career with nearly 50 goals and 20 assists as a forward and midfielder. A D-I 2nd Team All State selection in 2001, Borysiak was also voted First Team All-District, First Team All League, NW Ohio District Player of the Year, and NW Ohio Scholastic Soccer League Player of the Year while earning her stripes as a four-year varsity starter. She was also voted Offensive MVP in the postseason senior All-Star game. Borysiak is a member of the OH North State Team as well as the ODP Region II pool comprising the best players from a 14-state area — the same pool of players as two other 2002 Flyer recruits (Laura Boland, Hudson HS, and Katie Lowstuter, Cin. Mother of Mercy HS).

Borysiak continues the long tradition of accomplished scholar athletes in the womens soccer program. A member of the National Honor Society, she was also the Senior Class President at St. Ursula and was a Rotary Club Student of the Month. With an intention on majoring in exercise science at UD, Borsyiak has her sights set on bigger and better things on the soccer field and in the classroom next season. Here what she had to say to UDPride about her future with the Dayton Flyers.

UDP: What were the major reasons in choosing the University of Dayton and what schools did you also consider as you shortened your list?

MB: My decision to attend Dayton was pretty much a no-brainer. The University of Minnesota was my second choice, and I also took official visits to Iowa State, Butler University, and A-10 member St. Bonaventure. I like everything about UD, so there wasn’t one driving factor. The fact that it is a private school with strong academics with my major was an important factor. I like the size of the campus, the size of the student body and the distance from my home. Many St. Ursula graduates attend UD and everyone I talk to loves everything about Dayton. Therefore, the toughest part of my decision to attend Dayton was turning down my other scholarship offers (telling the other coaches no).

UDP: Toledo St. Ursula is one of the stronger teams in NW Ohio and as a career starter and team captain, the other players look up to you. What role did you play on the team this year and were your expectations, by and large, met?

MB: This season we had a young team with six freshman making varsity, so my role as a 4 year varsity player and team captain was especially important. My role on the team was to do whatever I could to win the game whether it was scoring goals, controlling the midfield or motivating my team to fight harder. In Northwest Ohio everyone wants to beat St. Ursula, so I played against a lot of teams who played their best game of the season against us. Although we never made it to the state tournament in my four years at St. Ursula, our team goal of improving every game and always leaving everything on the field was definitely met. I went to St. Ursula to play with the best and against the best, so in that regard my expectations were met.

UDP: What are your first impressions of Coach Tucker and his staff?

MB: Coach Tucker and his staff have an excellent reputation all across the Midwest region, including Northwest Ohio. My initial impression of Coach Tucker and his coaching staff is that they will help me to become a better soccer player and always treat their players fairly. They were definitely a big factor in my choosing UD, as were the current players. Winning the A-10 and advancing to the NCAA sweet sixteen after losing a player like Missy Gregg says a lot about UD’s coaches and current players.

UDP: You are part of an elite group of players who’ve made it to the ODP Region II pool, a group of soccer stars comprising the best pool of players from a 14-state region. Along with fellow 2002 Flyer recruits Katie Lowstuter (Cincy Mother of Mercy) and Laura Boland (Hudson), what’s been the biggest benefit from playing at such a high level outside your high school and club responsibilites?

MB: Trying to win a spot on the Region II Pool Team is very challenging mentally and physically. You have the 250 or so best players from fourteen states competing for 26 field spots. One impact on your game is you find out if you have the skills and desire to play at that level. Another is any weaknesses in your game become exposed quickly by the competition at regional camp so you learn what you need to work on. Every soccer player at regional camp can play soccer at a high level. The challenge is using your strengths to make yourself stand out from other players. The decision may come down to two players of equal skill and strength, but you have to show the coaches that you want it more and have the mental focus to compete.

UDP: Where do you see yourself contributing on the field as a Flyer, or have those details even been discussed with the coaching staff?

MB: Coach Tucker recruited me mainly as a forward, but I’ve played all over the field for St. Ursula and Ohio-North, so I’m willing to play anywhere the coaches think I can help the team. However, I doubt that I’d help the team very much at keeper!

UDP: With the Flyers advancing to the Sweet 16 this year, was it a bittersweet decision on your part knowing you made the right college choice as UD went on to unparalleled success? Did it merely underline your initial thoughts on the UD program?

MB: Yes and yes. I had a lot of fun this past fall following UD as a fan, especially during their run through the A-10 tournament and the NCAA championships. I know Coach Tucker wants to go even farther next season, and one my college soccer goals is to compete in the “Big Dance.”

UDP: Briefly handicap your game. Suppose you had to size up your strengths and weaknesses. What should Flyer fans expect right away from you and what things are you planning to work on before you arrive?

MB: I think my main strength is my versatility and ability to help the team in a lot of different ways. Keeping pressure on the opposing defense, winning the ball, creating goal scoring opportunities for my teammates and of course scoring goals myself. My speed and aggressiveness are also strengths that I can use to help UD anywhere I play on the field. I know I have to become stronger physically and I want to continue refining my technical skills before next year.

UDP: What singular goal do you have as you prepare for your first season of collegiate soccer at a Top-20 program?

MB: I am looking forward to helping the team repeat as A-10 champions, getting back to the sweet sixteen and defeating top 25 opponents.

UDP: Finish this sentence. “Dayton soccer is…

MB: Dayton soccer is on the rise!