Missouri State

At Missouri State: Thomas Vania will bring experience and veteran leadership to the squad during his senior year.

2010: Vania had another productive year for the Bears in 2010. After playing in the midfield for the Bears in 09[apos], Vania moved to the backline for the team and helped the MSU defense to a .73 goals against average on the year. Vania started in all 18 games for the Bears last season registering 6 shots and earning his third letter in the process. For his work in the classroom, Vania was named to the first team MVC Scholar-Athlete team.

2009: Vania played in all 19 matches and received a starting assignment in 14 contests to earn his second letter as a Bear. He recorded his only point of the season on an assist of Ryan Hennessy[apos]s goal against Oral Roberts (10/14). He took 16 shots, putting six on goal.

2008: Vania played a significant role for the Bears, as he started 11 contests and appeared in a total of 20. Aside from being a key member of the Bears[apos], Thomas still compiled a total of four shots on the season with one each against Akron (9/14), Howard (10/3), Creighton (10/21) and Bradley (10/25).

Background: Vania was a four-year starter as a defender and midfielder for North Cobb High. The Warriors finished fourth in state and went 16-6 during Vania[apos]s junior season. As a sophomore, Vania earned his team[apos]s academic award for performance on the field and in the classroom.

Personal: Thomas Paul Vania is the son of Robert and Susan Vania. He was born January 29, 1990, in Kennesaw, Ga. He is an accounting major at MSU.