SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows 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 Whitney Collet, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Colgate. Collet plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Mustang SC.
Collet plays high school soccer for the Branson School in Northern California.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to Colgate?
Whitney Collet: From the beginning of my soccer recruiting journey, I knew that I wanted a school that was small to mid-range in size, with rigorous academics, and preferably on the East Coast – and Colgate met all of these criteria. After meeting and working with the Colgate coaches, it became apparent that their coaching style and goals for the program were an ideal fit for me as a person and player. Lyndse and Abbey emphasized the importance of “investing” in training and the team, not only for the ‘now’ but for future benefit and success – and this really stood out to me. When I visited the campus, there were a lot of games taking place and the spirit and energy from the students, as well as the parents and fans who were watching and tailgating, were infectious and exciting. The academic support that players receive was also very appealing and when considering the workload of a college student-athlete, this benefit also sold me on this amazing school.
SW: How does their style of play fit your skillset?
WC: Colgate likes to play more possession-based, and that’s how I like to train and play.
SW: What subjects do you like to study and school and what are you interested in studying at Colgate?
WC: I really enjoy English and History classes and while I am undecided on a major at this time, I am hoping to study something that involves Journalism, marketing or communications.
SW: Outside of soccer, are you involved in any clubs or organizations (For example: National Honors Society, French Club, working a job, etc.)?
WC: Through a Fellowship Program at my high school, I was supported in starting an outreach project, S3 Goals (@s3goals), which helps to inspire and empower young female athletes through soccer. A soccer coach and mentor who I have trained with for the past 5 years (@futboltechnician) connected me with The Harlem Football Club in the Caribbean island of Dominica. I traveled there last week, and together, with the women’s team and Club Director, held a weekend-long soccer clinic and festival for elementary and middle school-aged girls. I reached out to my community, club, and local schools to collect gently used soccer gear, clothing and equipment, which I brought to Dominica. All of the girls who attended the clinic received cleats, jerseys or balls, which was awesome. It was an incredibly uplifting and powerful experience and I’m hopeful that my newfound connection with The Harlem Football Club will continue and evolve. I loved playing a small part in inspiring young girls to get involved with soccer.
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
WC: Over the years, I have loved watching Julie Ertz! She was a versatile player and super effective on both sides of the ball. She was a fantastic and energetic defender – great at playmaking and ball distribution from the back line and midfield. She was also a huge threat on set pieces. I miss watching her play!
SW: Do you have a favorite pair of soccer cleats?
WC: No, but I love my current cleats – Nike Phantom Luna Elite.
SW: What has been your experience like playing at Mustang SC?
WC: At the end of my freshman year in high school, I decided to move from my local club to Mustang SC ECNL (an hour + commute) for a more challenging and competitive soccer environment. It was a great decision; I love my Mustang coaches and feel that I’ve grown and excelled as a player. My teammates are fantastic and the training environment is always a healthy balance of commitment, competition and fun. My teammates and I attend eleven different high schools throughout the North Bay and East Bay of San Francisco and I have loved getting to know girls from so many different areas.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player who wants to be a defender what would it be?
WC: Always communicate with the other defenders and your goalkeeper to make sure the line is connected and you’re all on the same page. Since you are able to see the whole field, it’s super important to communicate with the lines in front of you, telling them where the space is, if they have pressure on them, etc. And… be confident! Sometimes it is hard to do that when you’re playing under pressure or making a difficult tackle, especially being the last line, but it’s critical that you believe in yourself and maintain composure.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you in your career?
WC: My family has helped me throughout this journey – specifically my mom! She has put so much time and energy into my soccer career and has been my biggest support system. She has traveled with me to countless showcases, games and events and I couldn’t be more grateful for her unwavering belief in me. My mom drives me to evening practices three times a week and packs dinner in the car which allows me time to finish homework and study. I would also thank all of my coaches at Mustang and the trainers who have helped me outside of team trainings to become the player that I am today.
