As part of our Featured Player content series, SoccerWire will be 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 Deters, who has committed to playing NCAA Division I soccer next season at Hofstra University. Chloe plays in the Girls Academy (GA) for IMG Academy and previously competed for Tabor Academy High School in Massachusetts.
SoccerWire Featured Player since April 2022.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Hofstra?
Chloe Deters: When I was initially looking for a program, I had a few criteria in mind that was nonnegotiable. First and foremost, I wanted a solid academic program that would push me to further my career aspirations. As an academically motivated player, it was paramount to find the balance between a highly competitive soccer program and a strong academic institution. Hofstra was the best of both. The second determinant was the team. When I went on my official, Hofstra immediately felt like home. Unlike some programs that I had previously considered I immediately could feel the warm and welcoming culture that makes up Hofstra women’s soccer. [Hofstra Women’s Soccer Head] Coach [Simon] Riddiough and [Associate Head Coach Gerry] Lucey both have a coaching style that fits into my style of play and I know that I will be pushed to perform and compete and I’m excited to compete for another CAA championship.
SW: How does Hofstra’s style of play fit your strengths on the field?
CD: As a natural fullback, it is in my nature to contribute to both the attack and the defensive aspects of the game. Hofstra’s style of play fits my strengths on the field as I thrive in an aggressive attacking system that uses a high-pressing approach to create scoring opportunities. I enjoy overlapping with midfielders and forwards and delivering crosses into the box. Hofstra’s possession-based game is similar to how I play currently, as I can keep the ball and control the game but also play quickly and directly as needed. Overall, I believe that this style of play will enable me to demonstrate my abilities to the fullest extent at the collegiate level.
SW: Throughout your club career what have been some of your favorite moments on the field?
CD: Actually, one of my favorite moments on the field actually happened this weekend when my team traveled east to play one of the top teams in the league. We were positive, the movement of the ball was fantastic, and we were able to hammer out a 3-0 win against one of the best teams in the nation.
SW: What are you interested in studying in school?
CD: At the moment, I am enrolled in Hofstra’s Honor College and Business School. However, I am passionate about many things and I am considering switching to studying biology on a pre-med track.
SW: Off of the soccer field, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved with?
CD: Off the soccer field, I am a member of the Girls Academy advisory panel as a Club representative for IMG where I organize service opportunities as well as provide the club feedback with the wants and needs of the players at IMG. I am also a member of the National Honors Society and when at home, I am a front desk agent at a local hotel. I also hold 7 specialty SCUBA certifications that allow me to participate in shark ecology studies when available.
SW: Growing up who was your favorite soccer team and why?
CD: Colorado Rapids! As a little kid, it was really the first connection I had to professional soccer and I fell in love with the energy surrounding the game. Back home in Colorado, I practiced at Dicks Sporting Goods Park (where the Rapids play) and simply felt a natural connection to the team. I also was a Tim Howard fan girl so maybe that had something to do with it.
SW: When you are warming do you have a pump song that you like to listen to? Do you have a pregame ritual that you like to do to get ready?
CD: My favorite pump-up song is Childs Play by Drake! My only pregame rituals surround listening to music. Before a game, I have to at some point listen to 3 songs. I have to listen to WIN by Jay Rock, Murder on My Mind by YNW Melly and Addicted to My Ex M City JR because it was the right of passage song to memorize on my previous high school team. Go Tabor Seawolves! Other than my song listening requirements, the only other thing I like to do is visualize myself on the field having success against my opponent.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger soccer player who is interested in playing soccer at IMG Academy what would it be?
CD: If you were a younger player interested in playing soccer at IMG I would really stress the importance of fundamentals. One such fundamental I found extremely important for my transition to IMG was the work ethic and love you should have for your sport. Those who are willing to put the time and effort to improve will have so much success here. I also would stress learning to embrace constructive criticism and using challenges as an opportunity to grow. If you have those key aspects, I recommend applying or reaching out to coaches.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you on and off of the soccer field?
CD: I would like to give a shout-out to my parents because they have always supported me throughout my soccer highs and lows.
