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Rachel Holloway, Forward, Cincinnati United Premier
Class: 2015
Commitment: Cincinnati

Rachel Holloway doesn’t live that far away from the University of Cincinnati.

And while the lure of staying close to home was a huge part of her decision to commit to the Big East program, it was so much more than that.

“To me, Cincinnati just seemed like the perfect fit,” Holloway told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Coach Stafford's emphasis on academics really clicks with my attitude toward being a student athlete, and the academic support network UC has established is fine-tuned to the individual athlete so that each player can succeed both on and off the field. The campus is beautiful and the atmosphere is great, it just seemed like the perfect place to continue my career as a student-athlete.” 

Along with the desire to stay close to home, the attacking player’s parents also went to UC. But a visit to the school and an on campus tour left her impressed with what the school had to offer away from the soccer field.

On the field, the coach staff’s mentality impressed her, as she knows that the bar will be set high for her once she steps on campus.

“Coach Stafford likes to push players to be their best, and he always expects the most out of each athlete,” Holloway said. “He doesn't settle for average, and this is similar to what I expect out of myself. I know that at UC, I will improve unconditionally, both as a teammate and as a player. Coach Stafford and Coach Lie have done great things with the UC soccer program, and will continue to do so in the future, so I can't wait to be a part of that.”

Anna Tapen, Goalkeeper, FC Virginia
Class: 2015
Commitment: George Washington

The starting goalkeeper on her FC Virginia U17 ECNL side, Anna Tapen is a vocal and commanding presence in goal.

Her college search ultimately led her to pick a program that isn’t too far from her Springfield, Va. home. 

“I decided on George Washington after looking at all my options and realizing it was my first choice by an overwhelming amount,” Tapen told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I was first drawn to the school because of their academic opportunities but, when I visited and met the players and coaches it felt right for me. During my recruiting process, every visit I went on after GW, I found myself comparing them all to what I had experienced at GW. I committed to George Washington because it is the right fit for me academically, athletically, and it just feels right.”

Living in the suburban Washington, D.C. area, a positive experience at an ID camp last summer made the prospect of playing for George Washington all the more appealing, as she got to know the coaching staff more and more.

“The coaches are all amazing and on my unofficial visit when I met the team I really liked everyone too,” she said. “The team dynamic they have at GW is exactly what I want and many of the players had similar personalities to me. The GW women’s soccer program is growing and I am excited to become a part of it.”

George Washington is smack in the heart of D.C., and it took some time for Tapen to warm to the idea of being on an urban campus. However, it didn’t take long for her to change her mind.

“Initially, I did not think I would like going to a school in the city but, after visiting the school a few times, I fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere. Every other college I visited could not compare to how I felt about GW and when I visited it just felt right. Another reason I like GW is that it is close enough to home that my parents can come and watch me play, which was important to me.” 

Other commitments:

Defender Chelsea Barry (Mustang SC) committed to Cal Poly for the class of 2015.

Defender Meredith Crilley (FC Bucks) committed to Richard Stockton for the class of 2014.

Midfielder Kristen Swope (Pittsburgh committed to VCU for the class of 2015.

Defender Allison Higgs (Maryland United FC) committed to Pittsburgh for the class of 2015.