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Katelyn Carter, Goalkeeper, Albion SC (CA)
Class: 2016
Commitment: Oregon 

Leading, winning and pressure are all aspects of soccer that Katelyn Carter embraces wholeheartedly.

A trip up to Oregon for a tournament initially triggered her interest in one day committing to player soccer there.

“I'm a California native but I was drawn to the Pacific Northwest climate since playing in Oregon at the Nike Manchester Cup when I was 14 years old,” Carter told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “My visit to U of Oregon only served to confirm it was the place I wanted to be. I love how the town of Eugene is a real college town and everywhere you go you see Ducks fans. I also like how all the different sports support one another to create a real athletic community.”

Every player has a long list of what to look for during a college search, and in Carter’s case that was no different – she was looking for quality facilities and the right kind of environment, both that she found in Eugene.

“I was looking for a true soccer family and I found that in head coach Kat Mertz and her staff,” Carter said. “I really like the fact that Coach Mertz was a goalkeeper. We can relate on many levels and we share the same philosophy; we both want to win an NCAA championship. Coach Mertz is building a dynamic soccer program and I am excited to be a part of that future.”

The campus and student athlete support stood out to Carter as well.

“The University of Oregon is absolutely beautiful and has a great ‘outdoors’ feeling,” she said. “Their programs and commitment to their student athletes is amazing. I know I will be in an environment that will support my academic and athletic growth.”

Carter is the fourth commitment to Oregon for the class of 2016.

Riley Bowers, Midfielder, Buffalo Soccer Academy
Class: 2017
Commitmeent: Ohio State

A technical attacking midfielder, Riley Bowers was drawn to Ohio State during a five day summer camp.

She found the “home” feeling that she was looking for at the home of the Buckeyes, coming away very impressed by the soccer program.

“I liked the intensity of their trainings and the way the coaching staff interacts with their players,” Bowers told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I fell in love with the coaches and know that they will challenge me and help me develop to be the best player I can be. I also like the fact that the soccer facilities are amazing. In addition, I believe that the coaches at OSU are trying to build a program that will compete for the National Championship, and I want to be a part of that.”

Some people are overwhelmed when stepping on large campuses, but it had the opposite effect for Bowers, who liked the endless stream of opportunities at the Big Ten school.

“Ohio State is special to me due to the fact that because it is such a large university the amount of majors they offer is endless,” Bowers said. “The academic support the athletes are provided is top notch and the campus has everything to offer; from beautiful academic buildings to amazing athletic facilities and wide open green spaces. For such an incredibly large campus, it feels smaller to me.”

MORE: 2016 Girls IMG Academy 150 | Girls Commitments | ECNL Scoreboard

Bowers also felt that the school was far enough, but not too far, from home.

“The location was also a factor, I wanted to go away to college, but not be a plane ride away from home,” she said. “The distance from Columbus, Ohio to Buffalo, New York was the perfect distance for me. It also means my family can come and see the majority of my games, because the majority of the schools in the Big 10 are a car ride away for them. Another factor that impressed me is the school spirit you immediately feel when you are on the campus. It's a feeling and immediately wanted to be a part of it.”

She is the second commitment to Ohio State for 2017.

Other commitments:

Midfielder Rachelle Serrano (Eagles SC) committed to Newberry for the class of 2014.

Defender Brynn Moga (SC Del Sol) committed to Arizona for the class of 2016.

Goalkeeper Kate Hart (Strikers FC) committed to San Diego State for the class of 2015.

Midfielder Bailey Hierholzer (Dallas Sting) committed to Gardner-Webb for the class of 2015.

Defender Kyra Cooke (Maryland United FC) committed to Butler for the class of 2015.

Goalkeeper Jazmin Gonzalez (United German Hungarians) committed to Charleston Southern for the class of 2015.

Forward Samantha Rosette (New Jersey Stallions Academy) committed to Virginia for the class of 2016.

Goalkeeper Gretchen Cagle (Birmingham United SA) committed to Tennessee for the class of 2015.

Defender Ciara Donnelly (FC Dallas) committed to Mississippi State for the class of 2016.