SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have profiles 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 Jordan Turner, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Wake Forest University. Turner plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Northern Virginia Alliance.
SoccerWire Featured Player member since October 2022.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Wake Forest?
Jordan Turner: What made me commit to Wake Forest was the opportunity to be able to play in the ACC, study at a top academic school, and how it made me feel the moment I stepped foot on campus. It felt like home.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
JT: For me personally, the recruiting process was stressful and time consuming, but definitely worth it. Getting on phone calls with coaches (especially the ones you have never met) was scary, but it was a really cool experience to get to know more about each school and learn what their programs are all about. Throughout the process I learned more about things I like and what was important to me. It made it real to know how much of a factor the decisions I make now have on my future.
SW: How has social media helped you with the college recruiting process?
JT: Social media definitely played a huge role in my recruiting process whether it was from posting game schedules to getting featured on various platforms (like SoccerWire) with highlights or achievements. In my opinion social media was 100% of the reason some schools got to know me and see my team play. Some of the highlights trended and expanded the looks I got from coaches.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
JT: My favorite subjects in school are math and science. I plan on majoring in biology or health & exercise science.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
JT: I volunteer through my community and donate to local charities. Over the Summer our soccer team raised over $20,000 to spread awareness about food insecurity for Feeding America. I also enjoy working with kids and love volunteering at my soccer club to coach younger players. I was also recently certified as a soccer referee.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Loudoun Soccer and Northern Virginia Alliance so far this season?
JT: I’ve been with Loudoun Soccer (now Northern Virginia Alliance ECNL) since elementary school. I started out as a striker and switched to defense. Being a part of Northern Virginia Alliance has been really cool so far. We bumped up the amount and increased the intensity of our practices. I feel like this will definitely impact the strength of our team this ECNL season and will create a big name for Northern Virginia Alliance’s debut.
SW: Do you have a pregame warmup routine?
JT: I like to listen to my game day playlist through my Airpods. I typically eat a cup of peanut butter right before we start warm ups while talking to my teammates. I do some stretching before beginning our team warmup.
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?
JT: If I could give one piece of advice to a younger player it would be to put in the work on/off the field and be patient.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
JT: First and foremost, I would like to give a shoutout to my family for being my biggest supporters. I would also like to thank all of my coaches – especially Coach Phil Liversedge & Coach Rae Ann Taylor. They pushed me to be the player I am today. Lastly, I would like to thank Loudoun Soccer & Northern Virginia Alliance for providing such a competitive environment, always supporting me, and developing me as a player over the past 9 years.
