National Signing Day is a major milestone for any American youth soccer player who is achieving their dream of playing at the college level. It marks the culmination of years of hard work both on and off the field.
The time spent training and preparing to handle the college soccer game is only matched by the time that each player places in figuring out their career and higher education pursuits off of it. It’s also a major moment for their parents, friends, and family members who have been a part of the recruiting process every step of the way.
But what goes into a player’s mind when they are ready to make the commitment to a particular college program?
Below are snippets from our interviews with SoccerWire Featured Player Class of 2024 members on why they chose to commit to their colleges, what some of the factors were that went into their decision-making process, and their experiences with the college coaching staffs.
“I have always loved BYU. When I was born my blood must have been blue – there’s definitely something in the water in Provo, Utah (in a good way). My parents both went to BYU and had the most amazing life experiences, some that can only be described as miracles. I also essentially grew up on campus, attending their soccer camps since I was 9, as well as visiting every summer and winter. To make sure I could attend two weeks of BYU Soccer Camp each summer, I would run my own soccer camp in my backyard to raise money, training younger players on soccer skills and techniques.
By attending these camps over the years, I came to know and love the amazing coaches, administrators and faculty at BYU, not to mention the stunning campus. Given all of these factors, as well as the fact I have never played a game on Sundays because of my religion and BYU doesn’t play on Sundays, BYU was just the overall best choice for me. It helps me in all areas of my life, is my second home, and on top of all of the other considerations, their soccer program is consistently one of the nation’s best (which is always a nice plus).”
[Full Interview]
“UNC Charlotte has a beautiful campus and everyone was very welcoming. The reputation of the school, history of success, facilities, and its amazing coaching staff was exactly what I was looking for in a school. The training session was high intensity and fit the level of play I was looking for in a program”
[Full Interview]
“I decided to verbally commit to Charleston because I love the campus, the coaches, and the team as a whole. The campus is beautiful, near the beach, and the downtown atmosphere is great! The coaches at Charleston are really supportive and I love how encouraging they are.”
[Full Interview]
“The academic rigor of the school and endless opportunities added to my decision as well. While on my visit I felt valued and I was really able to imagine myself at GW over the next four years.”
[Full Interview]
“The reasons I decided to commit to JU are (not in any order), the JU coaches, the girls I met on the team, wanting to be a part of building a winning team, JU’s great internship program, the majors offered and the class sizes. The teacher to student ratio is good for a big university.”
[Full Interview]
“I fell in love with Appalachian State after my official visit. It is a beautiful campus in the mountains and it didn’t compare to anything I had seen before. Aimee Haywood, Head coach, was a goalkeeper herself and understands the position very well. I love the direction and positive environment Coach Haywood has created with her players. The goalkeeper coach, Mikayla Krzeczowski, played at my same club Concorde Fire in her youth and we trained under the same goalkeeper coach, Glen Fox. I like the energy Mikayla has with her goalkeepers when I observed a training session, and I know I can learn a lot from her.”
[Full Interview]
“Marist places a great value in both athletics and academics, which, in addition to the beautiful campus and great soccer team environment, makes it a great fit for me.”
[Full Interview]
“I committed to NAU because I loved the location, coaches, and felt that the school fit me the best. Coach Berrios and the rest of the staff are people that I am really looking forward to playing for. I loved my conversations with Coach Berrios, and I also loved Flagstaff when I went (mostly because it wasn’t so hot like Texas is), and am excited to live in a place with all four seasons!”
[Full Interview]
“Everyone always says you get a feeling when you’re on campus or at a school when you know it’s the right one. That’s exactly what I felt at Oregon, and that I didn’t feel at other schools where I went on visits. I knew I was home and exactly where I was supposed to be.
On my visit, I got to meet the team and talk with all the staff members, and they made me feel so comfortable and confident I could succeed there. I’m most looking forward to playing with my future teammates and growing as a player with my future coaches.”
[Full Interview]
“Villanova has been my dream school since I was a little girl. My dad played Football at Villanova so I practically grew up on campus going to every sporting and school event. The community at Villanova is like no other. It is truly a family environment and everyone is super friendly. Academics are extremely important to me, being another reason why Villanova has always been appealing to me. Soccer of course has been a huge part of my life, but making sure that I am set up for my future is my number one priority. Being in the Philly area, and the medicine we have up north, Villanova can prepare me for my future career.
What really sold me on Villanova was the coaching staff. I was a little hesitant coming to Villanova with a brand new staff, but after meeting them, I could not imagine playing for a better staff. Samar [Azem], Courtney [Owen], and Ashleigh [Ellenwood] are all such empowering women which is exactly the environment I want to be in as a young woman starting her life. I am so excited to start in 2024 while having my family at every game!”
[Full Interview]
“I liked the school and the distance from home was perfect, and I want to play against the best competition possible. They had a rough couple of seasons with their old coaches but with the new staff (who I’ve really connected with) they seem to have a promising future that I want to be apart of. I believe I can make an impact there.”
[Full Interview]
