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Briana Alston, Defender, FC Virginia
IMG Academy 150: #117
Class: 2016
Commitment: Florida State 

An elite defender with plenty of pace to burn, Briana Alston is a passionate player on and off the field. With dreams of a professional career one day, the college search was an educational experience.

After several unofficial visits at some power programs in the Pac-12 and ACC, the choices eventually were narrowed down 

“I had to weigh my options and after speaking with my parents and my [club] coach Terry Foley, it became to clear to me that FSU was my school,” Alston told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “After visiting FSU and meeting with coach Mark Krikorian and [assistant] coach Mike Bristol I just had a great feeling about FSU. It met every one of my requirements and I really feel that I will be an impact player for Florida State.”

Currently on a streak of three straight College Cup appearances, it’s not hard to understand what Alston liked about the team. 

“The soccer program at FSU is top notch,” she said. “Every question I had they answered it exactly how I felt and I agreed with all of it. From their training approach, to the mindset of the players, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I met with the team captain Dagny Bynjarsdottir and one of the first things she said was that her reason for choosing FSU was ‘to become the best player in the world.’ This really hit home for me and I immediately could relate. One thing I know for sure is that I want to play for a school that will help me become the absolute best that I can be.”

Already a standout defender for her ECNL club side FC Virginia, Alston has aspirations to one day suit up for the U.S. national team. She’s putting in the work at the moment to hopefully achieve her dream. 

At FSU, she also liked the support provided for the student-athletes to succeed in the classroom. 

“I really liked the advanced academic programs that FSU offers,” she said. “I like that they send tutors to all of the games when we travel and that will allow me to focus on my academics and not miss a lot of school work. They definitely emphasized the requirements for academic excellence for student athletes as this is a major priority for me.”

Alston is the fifth commitment to Florida State for 2016.

Jordan Holt, Defender, San Juan SC
Class: 2016
Commitment: Kentucky 

Jordan Holt is a center back with strength, size and the defensive ability to shut down the best attackers she faces.

There’s an attacker in here as well, as she likes to join the attack as well when she sees opportunities. 

A slew of reasons drew her to make a commitment to Kentucky.

“I had taken multiple unofficials to different schools, but when I stepped foot on the UK campus, I knew it was where I belonged,” Holt told TopDrawerSoccer.com “The gorgeous campus, the strong academics, the exciting school spirit, and, of course, the amazing soccer program coach Jon [Lipsitz] and his coaching staff have built over the years just pulled me in. I cannot wait for my journey to begin at the University of Kentucky.”

Head coach Jon Lipsitz certainly has Kentucky trending in the right direction, and the environment he is creating there was another major factor. 

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

“What I love about the Kentucky soccer program is that it's made of passion, heart, and good character,” Holt said. “It's about more than the score at the end of the game. The relationship the coaches have with the girls is like a family. You can see how proud coach Jon is of his program, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of the culture he and his staff have created and continue to develop.”

Holt is the third commitment to Kentucky in the 2016 recruiting class.

Other commitments:

Midfielder Ashlyn Heckman (Dallas Texans) committed to Tulsa for the class of 2017.

Midfielder Hailey Williams (Bethesda SC) committed to Stetson for the class of 2015.

Forward Taylor Bennett (Revolution Empire) committed to Syracuse for the class of 2016.

Defender Madeline Pack (Bethesda SC) committed to Syracuse for the class of 2015.

Forward Shaelan Murison (MVLA) committed to UC Santa Barbara for the class of 2016.

Goalkeeper Helen Burleigh (Greater Flemington SC) committed to Army for the class of 2015.

Forward Emma Anderson (Maryland Rush) committed to Columbia for the class of 2015.

Defender Price Keogh (Charlotte Soccer Academy) committed to San Francisco for the class of 2015.