Blake Townes, Midfielder, Crew Soccer Academy Wolves
Class: 2014
Commitment: Notre Dame

Townes, a long time member of the Michigan Wolves Soccer Club (Livonia MI – now known as Crew Soccer Academy Wolves – recently became one of the newest commitments from the class of 2014 to announce his decision.

Over the past few years, Townes gained international experience while playing with the 96 Region II US Olympic Development Team at events in Costa Rica as well as club experience in England.  In 2010 he received honors as the USYSA Michigan State Cup Tournament MVP when he led his Michigan Wolves team to their third consecutive State Cup Championship.

He considered offers from other strong programs at Michigan State(m) and  Michigan(m), he chose Notre Dame because “they demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the growth of their student athletes, both academically and as contributing members of society.” 

Townes credits his early success to the dedication and commitment of his coaches Lars Richters, Sam Cheaib, Ed McCarthy and Bryan Thorp (Region II ODP.

Cameron Drackett, Midfielder, Solar Chelsea SC
Class: 2013
Commitment: Tulsa

Considering the quality of players produced by Solar Chelsea in recent times, Tulsa scored a real coup with the commitment of midfielder Cameron Drackett.

In his own words, a trip to see the school tipped the scales in favor of the

"During my official visit, the coaches and players really made me feel welcome,” Drackett told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I felt like it would be a great place to play soccer and go to school. Also, Tulsa is not far from home only about 4 1/2 hours from Flower Mound, TX so my family can come see me play more often.”

And like so many other recruits before him, Drackett felt a good vibe from the team’s coaching staff.

"Coach [Tom] McIntosh has put together a really good program and he has great assistant coaches, I really like their style of play," Drackett explained.

Alex Sommer, Midfielder/Forward, Mustang Celtic (Danville, CA)
Class: 2013
Commitment: Cornell

A versatile attacking player who likes playing either in midfield or up front, Alex Sommer is swapping California for upstate New York.

The future Cornell player secured what was his top destination when considering the right college program.

“Cornell was always my first choice academically and athletically. My college counselor at Head-Royce [his high school], Kate Augus, pointed the school out to me last year, and I immediately took a great interest in the university.

“Academically, it is regularly considered the best Ivy for engineering – a field I plan to major in – and the quality of education mixed with the research resources are top-notch.”

Education aside, the soccer program is also clearly on the rise, already with six wins so far on this season and faring very well under head coach Jaro Zawislan. Sommer took a swift liking to Zawislan and the rest of his staff, another huge factor in his decision.

“I believe the relationship between a coach and his players to be essential in team chemistry and success as a group,” Sommer said. “I immediately felt comfortable with Coach Zawislan, and realized how much he cared for his players and their development mentally and physically. He has a great record as a coach – leading Cornell to 4th place last year – and tons of coaching experience at other notable division I programs, such as Stanford and Syracuse.

“I look forward to working with him over the next four years as we look to take the title. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to play at such a well-respected institution with other student-athletes who are just as passionate about the game as I am.”