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Jalen Woodward, Midfielder, Crossfire Premier
IMG Academy 150: #115
Class: 2016
Commitment: USC

A central midfielder for Crossfire Premier’s first place U16 squad in the ECNL, there was no doubt in Jalen Woodward’s mind that USC was the right fit for her.

“For me, I felt very certain about my decision to attend USC,” she told TopdrawerSoccer.com. “The university is one of the top academic schools in the nation and the soccer program plays in one of the top conferences. I know that when I graduate from college I want to be a better person and a better player and I am confident I will reach my potential in both areas playing for [head coach] Keidane [McAlpine].”

Woodward, the daughter of Seattle Univeristy women’s head coach Julie, saw the success coach McAlpine achieved recently at Washington State, a major factor in her decision-making process.

“He was extremely successful at WSU in his first years and it is very clear that he is a driven, committed coach who cares a lot about his players,” she said. “USC won a national championship a while ago and I want to be a part of their return to national prominence. I also love that USC plays in the PAC 12 conference and you know every day, every practice, every game you have to be ready to compete at the highest level.”

Plenty of positives away from soccer sealed the deal.

“There are so many things I enjoy about the school itself,” Woodward said. “I love that I am a short plane ride away from my family. The athletic facilities are amazing. I love the campus and the outlining area and the fact that it is located in such a diverse community. The team and administrators I met were all so welcoming, friendly and helpful. At the end of the day it felt like a big family.”

Woodward is the fourth commitment to USC for the class of 2016.

Molly Lynch, Goalkeeper, Carolina Elite Soccer Academy
Class: 2015
Commitment: Miami (FL)

A high level of sacrifice by Molly Lynch helped her earn the attention of Division I programs.

The Louisiana native made the commute from her native Louisiana to play for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, eventually deciding to commit to an ACC program.

MORE: 2015 Girls IMG Academy 150 | Girls Commitments | ECNL Scoreboard

“I chose Miami over other top programs because it is the perfect fit for me academically and athletically,” Lynch told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “It has been a learning experience in working hard to achieve my goal of playing at the highest level.” 

Lynch is the seventh commitment to Miami for the class of 2015.

Other commitments:

Midfielder Hope Hyde (Dallas Texans) committed to Florida for the class of 2016.

Goalkeeper Hannah Warner (TSC Hurricane) committed to Oklahoma State for the class of 2017.

Forward Zoe Redei (Eclipse Select SC) committed to North Carolina for the class of 2016.

Midfielder Meg Brandt (Iowa Rush) committed to Nebraska for the class of 2016.

Midfielder Mattie Cutts (Pride SC) committed to Wright State for the class of 2015.

Defender Rebecca Michael (PDA) committed to LIU Brooklyn(w) for the class of 2015.