In this week's recruiting insider, top ECNL players from all across the country talk about the recruiting process and potential destinations. 

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Kyra Carusa, Midfielder, San Diego Surf
Top 150 Rank: 95
Class: 2014

“This will be a busy summer for me in narrowing my choices,” Kyra Carusa told TopDrawerSoccer.com about the recruiting process.

It could be a very busy summer for the leading scorer of the San Diego Surf U16 ECNL side. Carusa has 18 goals and six assists in 22 games. Her offensive outbreak has Surf in position to qualify for the ECNL National Championships in late June.

“Growing up on the West Coast provided me with a good background for schools from the Pac 12 and the WCC,” Carusa said. “What ECNL has done is allow me to visit many of the other schools that I’ve heard of but didn’t know much about.”

Carusa said that she has narrowed her list to a top 10, but “finds that the list changes as she does more research and visits new schools.” The attacking midfielder has had interest from schools in the ACC, Pac 12, Big 10, Ivy League, Big 12, and WCC.

“I definitely want to look for strong academics and a competitive soccer program,” she said. “Another factor is the environment for a student athlete, I want to make sure that it is comfortable and supportive.”

Savannah Trujillo, Forward, KCFC Alliance
Top 150 Rank: 37
Class: 2014
Choices: Missouri, Pepperdine, Notre Dame, Marquette, Boston College, Northwestern, Texas and more

Nearing the end of her sophomore year of high school, Savannah Trujillo is in the full swing of things with her college search.

A hard-working forward who can also play in the midfield, Trujillo has already made a number of visits to an assortment of quality programs. But at the end of the day, her choice is likely to be most influenced by the books.

“The main factor in my decision will be academics,” Trujillo wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email. “Also, finding a university where I feel comfortable, like being at home, as it will be my home away from home for 4 years.”

So far, she has visits to Missouri and Notre Dame under her belt, both of which were great experiences. She’ll also be considering the sort of soccer difference programs and whether or not she can contribute right away.

In no rush to make a decision, she’s going to use the time off in the summer to do more research.

“I am trying to see where the great fit is,” she said. “I plan to get several more visits in over the summer and make a decision by August, the start of my junior year.”

Alison Jahansouz, Goalkeeper, So Cal Blues
Top 150 Rank: 133
Class: 2014

Alison Jahansouz knows she has time on her side.

As one of the top keepers for her graduating class, there is interest in her services from all of the country, which means the ball is in her court.

“There are amazing colleges, soccer programs, and coaches all across the country,” Jahansouz told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “It seems so early in the process to limit myself.”

The recruiting process has been both “very exciting and somewhat stressful” for the So Cal Blues keeper.

“I have been able to visit a few schools already and see the tremendous facilities available to athletes,” Jahansouz said. “My dream school is the one that will provide the academic and athletic challenges that will prepare me for the future.”

Jahansouz said she has been in contact with coaches from the Pac-12, Big 12, and ACC.

Nicole Niro, Defender, Eclipse Select
Top 150 Rank: 94
Class: 2014

Sometimes, dreams do come true – especially if you put in the hard work.

For Nicole Niro, a stellar defender on Eclipse Select ECNL U16, the hard work is starting to pay dividends as she searches for a potential college.

“The recruiting process has been really exciting, but also stressful,” Niro told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Exciting because my hard work may lead to something I’ve dreamt about for a long time. However, it is stressful to make sure that I find the right school and the right program.”

Niro said that a number of schools have expressed interest in her, but she wants to keep her options open for the time being.

“I am interested in learning about different schools and their programs so I will be able to make the right choice,” she said. “The most important factor for me is finding a school and soccer program that fits my personality and interests.”

She has been interested by a certain part of the country due to previous trips to the area.

“I would love to attend a school in the south, if possible,” Niro said. “I have done some volunteer work in that part of the country and really enjoyed it. I am excited to visit more colleges this summer and fall.”

If she has time off this summer that is, Eclipse Select is in line to qualify for the ECNL Championships, which will be held in her home state Illinois in June.

“Right now, I am mostly concentrating on playing soccer and focusing on our team goals,” Niro said. “Continuing to learn from my coaches has also helped me stay steady with the process. If I do this, I know every else will fall in to place.”