As part of our Featured Player content series, SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who are Featured in the SoccerWire Player Directory. The series will allow players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Aubrey Wagner, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2024 at the Oklahoma State University. Wagner plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Heat FC.
SoccerWire Featured Player Since September 2021.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Oklahoma State University?
Aubrey Wagner: I committed to Oklahoma State because Coach Colin is so welcoming and they have the best facilities in the country just for women’s soccer. I really like how the program values family and I was attracted to the way OSU plays. The university has my major, and I fell in love with the college town.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
AW: The recruiting process for me actually went pretty fast. It was somewhat stressful, but it was nice to know that my hard work on the field and off by reaching out to coaches paid off on June 15 last year. I learned to always go with your gut and go where you are wanted. Also, it’s important to be open to every school that reaches out to you even if you think you already know what you want.
SW: How has social media and being a SoccerWire Featured Player helped you with the college recruiting process?
AW: It really helped me because it gave me a way to connect with coaches by posting highlight videos and pictures. It was just another way to help my recruiting process. I have a separate social media account just for soccer, which I really recommend doing.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
AW: My favorite subject is English. In college, I am interested in studying fashion merchandising.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
AW: I was a part of the inaugural class of the St. Jude Leadership Society in Las Vegas and was one of the top fundraisers. My faith is also very important to me and I attend Kanakuk camp each summer in Missouri.
SW: Growing up, who were some of your favorite soccer players?
AW: My favorite soccer players are Alex Morgan and Mallory Swanson. I actually got to meet Mallory and have my picture taken with her when she briefly played for UCLA. I also, of course, love Messi and Neymar.
SW: Do you have any pregame rituals that you like to do to get yourself ready for a game?
AW: On the way to the game, I always get hyped in the car with my music and I visualize what I am going to do in the game. I never forget my handshakes with my teammates, and right before the whistle blows, I take a really deep breath.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play soccer at a high level what would it be?
AW: Do lots of technical training! It’s really the best thing you can do to improve your game and something you can work on by yourself. Also, it’s really important to be a confident player. It doesn’t matter how skilled or how big your opponent is, all you have to do is want it more.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
AW: I would like to give a shoutout to my Dad, who has always motivated and pushed me to be the best player I can be and to live up to my potential.
