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Ian Story, Defender, Gulf Coast United (MS)
Class: 2014
Commitment: Wake Forest

When players make their college commitments, it often comes with the promise of playing a significant role right away.

And while no recruit is really guaranteed that, defender Ian Story was drawn to Wake Forest in part because of the challenge level to him by the coaching staff.

“I enjoyed the honesty coach [Jay] Vidovich and coach [Ryan] Martin displayed at the conclusion of camp last summer about what parts of my game needed to improve to be considered to play at Wake Forest, and in the ACC.” Story told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I wanted the opportunity to play in the ACC and to receive a great education, so when coach Martin called to express interest last fall I went for it and applied Early Decision with the hope that the soccer part would work out.”

The conference was a major draw, along with Wake Forest’s well-known approach on the field.

“Playing in the ACC was a major plus for me, and the possession based style of play with the opportunity to start the offense from the center back position is exciting,” Story said. “I also think that the coaching staff will push me to be the best player I can be and provide me the foundation to make a career out of soccer.”

With academics largely fueling his choice, Story took a strong liking to the campus’ vibe.

“I was very impressed during my admissions interview with the knowledge that was shared and how at home I felt in the Wake Forest campus environment,” he said. “Wake’s prestigious academic reputation and them allowing you to discover your career interests over the first three semesters before declaring a major was also a major plus.”

Story is the eleventh recruit for Wake’s 2014 recruiting class.

Tyler Beaudoin, Goalkeeper, DC United
Class: 2015
Commitment: Loyola (MD)

The starting goalkeeper for DC United’s U16 team, Tyler Beaudoin is a leader on the field who decided not to look too far from home for his next playing destination.

He opted for Baltimore-based Loyola (MD), which is under new coaching staff led by local coaching stalwart Steve Nichols.

“I chose Loyola because it felt right for me as soon as I stepped on campus,” Beaudoin told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Also, having known the coaches for years and played for them a few years back, I really wanted the chance to play under them again. The school is also close to home and I know Baltimore very well – a big positive for me.”

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The optimism behind a program led by Nichols was a pivotal factor.

“Loyola has a brand new coaching staff and I know the coaches and they will make this a very successful program very fast and I wanted to be a part of that,” Beaudoin said. “They also have excellent facilities and the stadium is amazing and those are things I wanted in a program. The coaching staff is making excellent recruiting choices and already has top players coming to support Loyola’s soccer program.”

Beaudoin is the first reported verbal commitment to Loyola (MD) for the class of 2015.

Other commitments:

Midfielder Ivan Canales (West Coast FC) committed to UC Irvine for the class of 2015.