It’s been a long journey for goalkeeper Naomi Willett, spanning years and clubs. And after putting more than a little into her young career, the road is paying off.

Willett recently committed to Notre Dame for the 2012, an achievement that speaks to her hunger to develop as a player.

It was that hunger that prompted her move to the So Cal Blues this season, after spending other valuable seasons with quality clubs West Coast FC and Slammers FC. At each stop, Willett absorbed valuable lessons and learned from other great players around her.

“I have trained with Victor Nogueira since I was 11 and I remember Victor and I would watch his daughter Casey train with the Women’s National Team in Chula Vista,” she said. I’d watch the goal keepers train and I always wanted to play with players like the ones I saw at the WNT training camps.”

Willett decided against playing high school soccer this year in order to focus on higher level training and attend soccer camps. It was at a camp in Texas when Willett met Notre Dame coach Randy Waldrum. One trip to the campus sealed the deal.

“Our family visited and I loved it right away,” she said.  “I had always thought I could play in a top D1 program, but I feel blessed to be recruited by such a great program as Notre Dame’s.”

In other news:

Defender Audrey Gibb has committed to Oregon State for the 2012 season, deciding against the likes of BYU, Florida and Virginia.

“The most influential factor was how I felt during my on-campus visit,” Gibb said. “Oregon State’s coaches made sure I met with professors in fields that I am interested in. I saw what I might be doing when I talked to the players and watched the team and coaches do a session. The team and coaches made me feel really at home so I could see myself there.”

Reanna Marino (Massapequa SC) has verbally committed to Villanova for the 2012 season.

Sydney Raguse (Legends FC) has verbally committed to Michigan for the 2012 season.

Sarah Chambers (Westside Metros) has verbally committed to BYU for the 2012 season.

Mehan Bolton (St. Croix SC) has verbally committed to Minnesota for the 2012 season.

Elle Dykema (Dakota Revolution) has verbally committed to Minnesota for the 2012 season.

Regina Kelly (Pittsgrove Pride) has verbally committed to Lenoir-Rhyne University for the 2012 season

Bella Mitrevski (Empire United) has verbally committed to Wake Forest for the 2013 season.

Victoria Burns (Mustang Blast) has verbally committed to Washington for the 2012 season.

Jenna Dubs (Penn Fusion) has verbally committed to Marshall for the 2012 season.

Allie Gorgol (Carmel United Soccer Club) has verbally committed to Kentucky for the 2012 season.