University of the Pacific

HIGH SCHOOL:
Nielson was a four-year varsity letter winner out of Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, where he totaled 59 goals and 33 assists on the soccer field during his career. He also recorded 162 points as the varsity football team's kicker his junior and senior year. Overall, Nielson made 138 of 148 PAT attempts will converting 8 of his 12 field goal opportunities during his two seasons on the gridiron. As a result of this success, he was named the 2018-19 North Bay League Kicker of the Year, as well as being selected as a First Team All-League and All-Metro Team member.
 
Despite these accomplishments, Nielson proved to be a gamechanger on the pitch. Playing all four years at the varsity level, he was a First Team All-League selection in 2017-18 and 2018-19, including leading the conference (North Coast Section) with 24 total goals his junior year (2017-18).

Academically, Nielson was a scholar athlete for both the football and soccer teams at Cardinal Newman, earning honors as a student-athlete in 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2018-19. Additionally, he was also a member of the Associated Student Body during his senior year (2018-19).