NC Wesleyan's academic reputation lured Bill

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 9, 2013 1:47 PM

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A small-school setting that thrives on academics? North Carolina Wesleyan sounded like the perfect spot for Logan Bill.

Once the Rosewood senior visited campus and attended open house, she knew she belonged in a Battling Bishop uniform.

Bill signed a grant-in-aid to play soccer for the Division III school next season.

"I call it a 'mini Rosewood'," laughed Bill, who has aspirations of making the President's Honor Roll each semester. "I needed a smaller-based school. Wesleyan strives for academic goals and that's what I do. Coach Beverly (Biancur) told me how much she cares about academics, and you don't see that a lot (at some schools).

"Everybody comes together to study as a group before soccer (practice and games). That's what brought me to this school more than anything."

A four-year varsity player at Rosewood, Bill's skill level has improved each season. The diminutive, but energetic and feisty midfielder, went from firing missile-like shots on goal during her early career to distributing the ball and getting her teammates more involved in the offense.

While on the pitch, Bill helped guide Rosewood to three consecutive Carolina 1-A Conference championships from 2009-11. The Eagles shared the 2010 crown with Princeton and Goldsboro, and tied with Princeton for the 2011 title.

Bill admits she has to continue to learn more about working within the team concept -- on and off the field. She struggles with independence outside the classroom, which is an academic skill she'll need to develop at the next level.

Biancur encourages it. Her players generally post one of the athletic department's top team grade-point averages each year.

N.C. Wesleyan finished 6-10-1 overall this season, including a 3-8 worksheet in USA South play. The Battling Bishops have won nine conference championships in program history and made 10 appearances in the NCAA tournament.

"Athletically, I think I can bring leadership, goal-setting and the ability to build friendships," said Bill, who will pursue a degree in athletic training that may lead to physical therapy.

"I want people to see me become a better soccer player."

And more importantly, a well-rounded student-athlete.