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 Chloe Shimkin, who has verbally committed to playing NCAA Division I soccer in 2024 at the University of Texas, where she will be teammates with her sister Jilly Shimkin. Chloe plays club soccer for IMG Academy in the Girls Academy (GA).
SoccerWire Featured Player Since May 2021.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Texas?
Chloe Shimkin: For me, Texas provided the full package. The atmosphere and culture in Austin is unmatched and Coach Kelly runs the team with the same energy and spirit. The style of play is attractive, offensive minded, and suits my strengths as a player. It didn’t hurt that I’ll be joining my sister Jilly in pursuit of a National Title. It’s a family business.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
CS: The recruiting process was exciting, and I was able to learn what I was really looking for in a school and a program. It’s easy to get caught up in the name or the hype of a program but you need to be in a place that’s going to help you develop as a player and a person and not just look at who’s higher ranked.
SW: How has social media and being a SoccerWire Featured Player helped you with the college recruiting process?
CS: The recruiting process has evolved over the last few years, and it’s become almost a necessity to use social media as a marketing tool. I’m grateful that SoccerWire has helped give me a platform to get my name out there and show people the work that I’ve put in and what I’m capable of.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
CS: My favorite subject is English, so I can see myself studying something along the lines of communications or marketing.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
CS: I’m involved in the UNICEF club at IMG where we look to raise money and awareness in support of children around the world who’s lives, and future are at risk. I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunities that I’ve had, and I just want to pay it forward.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for IMG Academy?
CS: Playing for IMG Academy has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being around like-minded individuals all working towards the same goal with state-of-the-art facilities and training is a dream come true for any athlete looking to compete at a high level.
SW: Do you have any pregame rituals that you like to do to get yourself ready for a game?
CS: I eat a Jimmy John’s sub and crush a Red Bull. A slight modification of the Jamie Vardy special.
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?
CS: Trust your skills and the work you put in. If you’re a student of the game, and you truly know in your heart that you’re doing all that you can to be the best then you should have all of the confidence in the world.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
CS: Shoutout to my family. I’m so blessed to have the support system that I do and it gives me the strength to perform on the field knowing no matter what happens they always have my back.
