New Beginnings: Larkins signs with Mineral Area College

The scenery will change for one Poplar Bluff Lady Mule, but her work ethic toward becoming a better person and athlete will remain the same at the collegiate level.

Graduating Senior Nevaeh Larkins signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career by playing soccer at Mineral Area College.

“I feel really good,” Larkins said about her signing with her family and teammates in attendance. “I'm really happy and excited with a hint of nervousness, but it's a good kind of nervous to begin my next chapter.”

As the goalie, Larkins was pivotal in helping the Lady Mules to a 12-8 record while recording 11 shutouts and going 7-2 in their final games. She recorded 191 saves while averaging 10 saves a game. She received the MSHSAA Missouri Good Sports Award for PBHS, is a four-year letterman and captain and is a two-time All-District and All-Conference player.

Many factors went into Larkins’ decision to attend Mineral Area College. She wanted to go somewhere that allowed her to grow on and off the field, and she believes she’s found that space.

“I felt that the city and campus were the right fit for me,” she said. “When I walked onto the campus, I felt relaxed and didn't feel nervous. I just liked the feeling the campus gave me. It made me feel like I was home and welcomed.

Nevaeh Larkins lunges for a save for the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules� soccer team during her last home game of the season.D�Courtland Christian/DAR

I just feel more comfortable going to a two-year college where I have time to grow, and that could be my judgment if I want to continue to play soccer or not, which I want to at this point, but that could change in two to four years.”

During her last few years as a Lady Mule, Larkins said both her coaches, Rusty Crafton and Aaron Duncan, did a great job preparing her for the next level and trusting her as the team captain. One of the key skills she will take along to college is the leadership they instilled in her.

Crafton is ready to see Larkins play college soccer, and it’s fulfilling to see one of his captains continue their career.

“I’m super excited and glad she’s going to the next level, and I know she'll do some good things and excel,” Crafton said. “At the same time, it’s sad that she's leaving us because she was a big leader in the backfield for us and shut down many good teams. It will be hard to replace a good player like her.”

Crafton has no doubt that Larkins will do fine on the collegiate level if she keeps that competitive edge and continues to work hard.

Larkins has been playing Poplar Bluff soccer since the age of six, so it will be an adjustment to not being home and playing around those familiar faces. Though it may be out with going from a Mule to a Lady Cardinal, she is ready to get started.

“I'm going to miss my teammates, especially from this year, because they've taught me so much, and we were so loving and caring to each other,” Larkins said. “I was always there for them, and whenever I made a mistake, they always lifted me back up, so I'm definitely going to miss this year's team.”

As the goalie, Nevaeh Larkins helped the Lady Mules to a 12-8 record, recording 11 shutouts and going 7-2 in their final games. She recorded 191 saves while averaging 10 saves a game. She received the MSHSAA Missouri Good Sports Award for PBHS, is a four-year letterman and captain and is a two-time All-District and All-Conference player. D�Courtland Christian/DAR

Though Larkins is going to Mineral Area to play soccer, she has a much bigger plan for her future. She plans to major in psychology and eventually work up to become a sports psychologist.

“I want to help other athletes with their mental health,” she said. “I know that I've had enough struggles as an athlete with my mental health, so I want to help others with everything that they're going through. I feel like I would be a good person to help guide people through that.”

As for her expectations as a freshman goalie, Larkins plans to put in as much energy to becoming a better soccer player and person.

“I strive to be someone better,” Larkins said. “I want to grow as a person, and I want to grow more independent. I will focus on growing as an athlete and goalkeeper because there's so much I don't know. I've taught myself so much, and it's going to be a lot different playing under another coaching staff. I want to become a better technically skilled goalkeeper and an all-around athlete.”