Fairbanks High School senior Diego Shaw, left, and Marysville High School senior Nick McIntosh, right, front row, sign to play soccer at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Pictured in the back from left are David Shaw and Maria Quinonez (Shaw’s parents), John Lawrence (club coach), Zach Ganzberg (MVNU soccer coach), Brent Harmanis (Marysville High School head coach) and Parrish McIntosh and Tracy McIntosh (McIntosh’s parents). Not pictured, Matt Humphrey, Fairbanks head coach. Both play for Club Ohio U18 of Dublin. (Photo submitted)
They played high school soccer just down Route 38 from each other.
Now, Nick McIntosh of Marysville and Diego Shaw of Fairbanks will be college teammates.
Both athletes recently signed to continue their careers at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
McIntosh was a senior forward for the Monarchs during the 2020 season, while Shaw was a senior midfielder for the Panthers.
McIntosh tallied four goals and notched four assists as the Monarchs posted a 2-12-2 record during the fall campaign.
“It’s been a joy to coach Nick over the past four years and I couldn’t be more excited for him to continue his soccer career at the collegiate level,” said Marysville High School head coach Brent Harmanis.
“Nick’s speed and finishing make him a threat from any position on the field,” he said. “However, it’s his desire to learn and work hard that will allow him to be successful on and off the field in college.
“We’ll miss Nick’s leadership next year and I cannot wait to see him on the field at Mount Vernon.”
Shaw tallied nine goals and added eight assists during the Panthers’ 2020 campaign.
He finished his Panther career with 16 goals and a time number of assists.
Fairbanks finished with an overall record of 13-3-3.
The Panthers tied with Greenon for the Ohio Heritage Conference championship with a 6-0-1 mark.
“Diego was a senior captain who helped lead us to the Division III district finals the past two seasons,” said Fairbanks head coach Matt Humphrey.
“He is a creative player who has benefited from all the hours he put in by himself working on his kicking touch,” said the coach. “His growth has been incredible to watch the past four years.
“Diego has been a great mentor to our younger players and he is just a great person,” said Humphrey..