Back in 2009, Madi Killeen traveled to the African nation of Swaziland for a journey that went a long way – in figurative terms.

Working with humanitarian group Heart for Africa, Killeen spent a week and a half painting new homes and distributing soccer balls to enthusiastic children. It was in the faces of the children that Killeen saw the passion she recognizes in herself.

“It gave me a great insight into how worldly the game really is and how much people love it,” she said.

We can imagine that for Killeen the world seemed a little smaller that day, and her perspective has hardly narrowed since.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan, goalkeeper entertained her share of college suitors ranging from the Midwest, to East Coast and back. In the end, she found her enthusiasm matching up with Mississippi, where she has given her verbal commitment for the 2013 season.

“I visited the campus and immediately knew that is where I belonged,” Killeen said. “I found the head coach to be a lot like one my favorite (club) coaches whom I won a national championship with.”

Killeen was named the MVP of her US Club Soccer National Championship run in 2010 and has been a team captain ever since. She’s an athletic keeper who commands her zone with good communication and is always working to get better.

“I love the game and will do whatever I can to make my team better,” she said. “You always have to play; that is what I always do and will continue to in the SEC.”

Schuyler DeBree Commits to Duke: The PDA 2014 defender recently gave her verbal to the ACC powerhouse.

DeBree is a frequent U.S. National Team call-in who is ranked No. 98 in our Top 150 Ranking. A couple of weeks ago she gave us an in-depth look at her criteria for her college choice and the Blue Devils certainly qualify on all fronts.

Filling out a rather big list of recent commits, are: 

Rachel Ivey (Herndon FC), who has verbally committed to James Madison for the 2014 season.

Meghan DiPippa (Herndon FC) has verbally committed to St. Joseph’s for the 2013 season.

Cassandra Smith (Herndon Fc) has verbally committed to Eastern Kentucky for the 2013 season.

Sara Perlman (Team Boca) has verbally committed to American for the 2013 season.

Lauren Sajewich (Eclipse Select) has verbally committed to TCU for the 2013 season.

Brianna Bosson (Real So Cal) has verbally committed to Nevada for the 2013 season. 

Brittany Temple (Hershey Attack) has verbally committed to Coastal Carolina for the 2013 season.

Shelby Lanksbury (Tustin United Red) has verbally committed to Cal State Chico for the 2013 season. 

Mattie Wojcik (Flagstaff SC) has verbally committed to Northern Arizona for the 2013 season. 

Haley Rodriguez (North Texas Strikers) has verbally committed to Louisiana-Monroe for the 2013 season. 

Marissa Lipar (Challenge SC) has verbally committed to Texas Tech for the 2013 season. 

Lauren Power (Carolina Soccer Club) has signed to Mount Olive for the 2012 season.

Amber Coca (Brandon FC) has verbally committed to Wagner for the 2013 season. 

Molly Pfeiffer (FCX North) has verbally committed to Marquette for the 2013 season. 

Kelsey Killean (FC Boulder) has verbally committed to Georgia for the 2014 season.