That’s why they’re called ‘verbal’ commitments. Because until the ink dries on Signing Day, a player or program is well within their right to have a change of heart.

Jasmine Paterson did.

Our No. 22 ranked Top 100 prospect for the 2012 class had originally committed to Duke last month, but she’s decided to go in another direction confirming to us that has now committed to Miami (FL).

“(Duke coach) Robbie Church is a super nice coach and Duke is a great program but things just didn’t’ work out,” she said. “I’ve now committed to Miami and I’m super happy and excited to become a part of the Canes family. I’m also really excited to help bring a fresh start to the Miami program.”   

Miami and Duke were the two frontrunners on Paterson’s list all along, but now the Renegades Soccer Club striker intends to remain close to home.  

In other news:

One of the biggest young names in club soccer has announced her decision: Gabrielle Miranda (Colorado Rush) has verbally committed to UCLA for the 2013 season. Miranda is the No. 3 ranked prospect in her class and an exceptional midfielder with silky skills, probing field vision and a fantastic soccer brain.

Miranda was recently in U.S. U17 WNT Camp and she continues to mature into a tremendous player, which bodes well for the Bruins and coach B.J. Snow.

“UCLA is everything I am looking for and it felt right from the first step I took on their beautiful and lively campus,” Miranda said. “I feel confident in UCLA’s academic and athletic programs and how I can develop as a person and player there - so the early commitment was not intimidating.”

Madeline Bauer (Slammers FC) is the No. 12 ranked player in the 2013 class, and she just recently verbally committed to Stanford. Bauer is a regular call-in to U.S. National camps and is a steady defender with good size and a bright future.

Meagan McCullough (Sting Dallas), another big-time 2013 graduate, has verbally committed to Texas Tech. McCullough is the No. 61 ranked player in her class, and a strong competitor in the ECNL.

She’s capable of playing in the midfield or as a defender and will only get better in the coming years prior to her college career.

Caroline Brown (CASL) has verbally committed to Villanova for the 2013 season.

Ashleigh James (Challenge SC) has verbally committed to Baylor for the 2012 season.

Forward Marisa Wolf (Ohio Elite SA) has verbally committed to Ohio State for the 2012 season. Wolf is the No. 14 ranked player in the Great Lakes Region.

Eliza Van de Kerkhove (Michigan Wolves) has verbally committed to Central Michigan for the 2012 season.

Van de Kerkhove, the leading scorer on her ECNL squad chose from a prospective list of programs that included: Miami (FL), Grand Valley State, Wisconsin Milwaukee(w), and Cornel(w).

Rachel Bourne (Baltimore Bays) has verbally committed to Mount St. Mary's for the 2012 season.

Julia DiGiacomo (Penn Fusion) has verbally committed to Mount St. Mary's for the 2012 season.

Madeline McCormick (Kirkwood Freedom) has verbally committed to UNC Wilmington for the 2012 season.

Dana Bernetich (Wall Soccer Elite) has committed to Richmond for the 2012 season.

Chloe Brackett (FC Alliance) has verbally committed to Pittsburgh for the 2012 season.

Cassie Collins (San Diego Surf) has verbally committed to Michigan for the 2012 season. Collins indicated a little over a week ago that she was leaning toward Michigan and she followed through by making it official. Or, verbal, anyway.