Emily Bates, Forward, Dallas Texans
Top 150 Rank: 35
Class: 2015
Commitment: Texas A&M

Like many other native Texans, Emily Bates was drawn to the in-state opportunity provided by Coach G Guerrieri’s Texas A&M program.

The speedy forward, who likes to set up her teammates as well as score goals, cited Guerrieri as one of many reasons for picking the school.

“The coaching staff was awesome, and I felt like I really clicked right away with them,” Bates told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “The girls on the team were really nice, and made me feel welcome. Coach G has built a consistent, winning program.”

The program’s recent success was also attractive to Bates, and with the other commitments heading there over the next few years, she’s confident the team can stay near the top.

“The Aggies are always in the top 20, every year,” she said. “I never imagined being part of such an electric atmosphere like the Aggies have, and the other athletic teams support the soccer team so much. The home crowds are amazing. Being part of the SEC and playing against other great teams, week after week, really appealed to me to make me a better player. We also have some great players coming into A&M in the next few years, and I hope to fit in.”

“I wanted to stay close to home, but not too close, and still play for a top 10 soccer program,” she said. “A&M gives me that.  The school is beautiful, and the facilities are amazing. The people are so friendly to everyone, and I just felt at home being on campus. I cannot wait to be there!”

Sabrina & Monica Flores, Defenders, Soccer Domain FC 09 (New Jersey)
Top 150 Rank: 16 & 29
Class: 2014
Commitment: Notre Dame

The talented twins from New Jersey are heading to South Bend.

Sabrina and Monica Flores recently committed to Notre Dame, and will join Randy Waldrum’s powerhouse program in a couple of years.

The two outside backs never really considered going to school independently throughout the recruiting process.

“We chose to commit to Notre Dame because we felt that it was the perfect school for us,” Sabrina wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email. “It is both strong academically and athletically, and we knew that we wanted to be challenged both on and off the field. Everything about it, from the coaching style, to the campus environment, made us fall in love with the school.”

The school’s success over the past few years makes it a difficult choice to turn down, but both of the twins really like the way Waldrum approaches the game and allows his team to play with the outside backs coming forward to join the attack – obviously a big deal for the pair.

“We both love their style of play,” Sabrina said. “They focus a lot on possession and getting the outside backs forward. We knew that this would be perfect for us, as we have played with a similar style of play with our club team.

“Also, all of the training/programs they do, whether it be fitness, strength, nutrition, or getting to know more tactically about the game, is all sport specific- they focus on all of the little details so that all players can improve each day.”

Charlotte Brascia, Forward, Heat FC
Top 150 Rank: 40
Class: 2014
Commitment: Arizona

Charlotte Brascia, profiled in our Recruiting Insider in April*, made her verbal commitment to Arizona earlier this month.

“In the end, I wanted to stay close to home and my family and I saw myself as a Wildcat when I stepped on the campus,” Brascia told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Coach Lisa Oyen and coach Tim Bennett made me feel at home; like I was part of the University of Arizona family, which was also very important to me.”

The forward has enjoyed a stellar start to the season with her club team Heat FC in ECNL play. Brascia has four goals in the first three games. The Wildcats are hoping that carries over to the collegiate level, as the Pac 12 program has searched for consistent scoring threat over the last two years.

In the Las Vegas striker, the Wildcats are adding a player who has been a standout at the club and high school level. Brascia led Bishop Gorman High School to its first Sunset Region title in 12 years last season.

Now, that the recruiting process is over for the junior, she is back to focusing on her club team in the quest to win an ECNL championship, but she does look back fondly on her experiences with all of the colleges.

“The opportunity to go through this process not only was a great experience but also helped me expand great relationships and friendships that I know will last forever.  I can't thank all of the college coaches enough and everyone else who helped me with my decision.”