In 2009, soccer player and Miami Lakes resident Melony Poviones was excelling at the sport while at American Heritage High School as a two time state champion and Broward County Player of the Year.
Poviones has not slowed down since, having taken part in the Olympic Development Program and setting her sights on a Collegiate National Championship with the Bobcats of St. Thomas University.
Since joining the Bobcats in 2010, Poviones has led St. Thomas University to three straight Conference Championships, finally defeating their rivals to the North, Embry-Riddle University this year and becoming Sun Conference Champions, the 5th team to do so in St. Thomas history.
Poviones and her Bobcats team headed to Alabama seeking a National Title, ranked as the #10 team in the nation and Melony, ranked second in the nation with 28 goals scored and 66 overall points.
After a nine-game winning streak earlier in the season, and successful entrance into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women's Soccer National Championship, the Bobcats closed their time at nationals after losing to Concordia University.
The Miami Lakes product and her Bobcats team finished the season ranked at #11 in the NAIA Coaches' Postseason Top 25 poll, with an overall record of 17-2-1 and ranked #10 in the nation.
Poviones has garnered the following honorable mentions since 2009:
2013 – Ranked 2nd Nationally 28 Goals 10 Assists, 66 points
2013 – 1st Team Sun Conference
2012 – St. Thomas University Offensive Player of the Year 11 goals 7 assists
2011 – St. Thomas University Rookie of the year 7 goals 3 assists
2009 – 10 FHSAA Soccer State Champions
2009 – 10 1st Team All County, Broward County Player of the year
2009 ODP State Team
2008 – 09 2nd Team All County Broward
2008 – 09 FHSAA Soccer State Champions
Poviones is the daughter of Miami Lakes residents Jorge and Linda Poviones and sister of Priscilla Poviones.