Jackson's Jordan Nelson signs to play soccer for her parents at Southeast Missouri State

It was only fitting for Jordan Nelson to sign a National Letter of Intent with Southeast Missouri State on Wednesday.

The daughter of longtime Southeast soccer coach Heather Nelson and associate coach Paul Nelson, Jordan has always been a Redhawk. Only now it's official.

"I played for [my parents] growing up as I was younger, and I always sat on the sidelines during the Redhawks' games," Nelson said earlier in the week. "I told myself that I wanted to be one of those players when I was older, and I got the opportunity. And I couldn't wait to play for them."

Nelson said she explored other options as well. She reached out to several other Ohio Valley Conference schools, including UT-Martin, Morehead State and Murray State, but chose Southeast after getting to know some of the players on an official visit.

"Last year, I was looking at schools all around the area. I even went as far as to look at schools in Canada, so I was all over the map. But just recently, I took a visit to Southeast, and I talked to some of the girls," Nelson said. "I got to know a few of them personally, and I fell in love with the team and the campus. I felt more at home than I ever had before. ... They're just so outgoing and fun. I felt like everyone that I met I could be best friends with, and that's the kind of environment I'd like to be whenever I'm playing on a team for four years."

Nelson wrapped up her junior campaign at Notre Dame with a team-high 18 goals and 13 assists and was named the Semoball Awards Player of the Year. She'll likely play as a center forward for the Redhawks but said she's not concerned about where she plays.

"If they decide to put me somewhere else on the field, I'll do whatever I can to get playing time," Nelson said.

Nelson transferred to Jackson High School prior to her senior year, and she'll finish her varsity career with the Indians this spring. She said the biggest challenge in playing at the college level is adjusting to a faster pace.

"I'm going to need to learn how to be quicker and how to mentally think faster because to play a step up is great," Nelson said. "It's going to be an awesome opportunity for me just to improve my game."

Looking back, Nelson said it's been a long journey to reach this point in her career.

"Being able to get a Division I offer and it being so close to home has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me," she said. "Being able to play soccer, what I love, for the next four years of my life and carry on my career is great.

"It's what I love to do, and I can't wait to do it more."