Nicole Johnson, Midfielder, McLean Youth Soccer

Class: 2013

School: Virginia

Nicole Johnson’s verbal commitment to Virginia is also a dream come true for the central midfielder.

“I have wanted to attend Virginia ever since I can remember, in part due to the fact that both of my parents attended Virginia for undergrad,” she wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com an in email. “Coach Swanson, Coach Raab, and Coach Dziczkaniec are great people and have an outstanding reputation as coaches throughout the soccer world.” 

The native of the Northern Virginia/Metro D.C. area also has the added bonus of heading somewhere well within reach for her parents to come and take in a game when they’d like.

Then of course, Johnson was impressed by what the academic part of her experience could offer.

“Virginia is a beautiful school with outstanding academics,” she said. “The traditions and especially the honor system at UVA stand out to me the most. Also, I like the fact that Virginia has a strong allegiance among its alumni.”

 

Sydney Dudley, Midfielder, Ohio Elite SA

Class: 2014

School: Ohio State

When it came to finding the right fit for college, Sydney Dudley didn’t have to look too far from home.

The midfielder discovered that Ohio State checked a number of the boxes with both the school and soccer team.

“I wanted to play in a program that has been to the NCAA tournament recently but was still close to home,” Dudley wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email. “Ohio State fits that for me. I also wanted to make sure that I could mesh with the coaches. Lori Walker and the other coaches have been great, very knowledgeable but with a fun sense of humor.”

Dudley also liked the vibe and team unity she saw on display during her search process.

“On one of my visits, I met a lot of the players and I was surprised by the attitude that they had toward each other,” she said. “More than just teammates, it seemed like they were more close knit, like a family.”

 

Carly Settles, Midfielder, Gwinnett Soccer Association

Class: 2014

School: Georgia

Georgia’s ever-growing incoming freshman class of 2014 added another player with the recent commitment of Georgia native Carly Settles.

“I chose Georgia because it is a great academic school, and also has a good soccer program with great coaches,” Settles wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email.

The midfielder also appreciated the way the school look after their athletes.

“The way Georgia has organized the study hall and tutoring for student-athletes stood out to meet because they are really looking out for you and your grades before anything else.”