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MALE

Anthony Jeffries, Midfielder, Chicago Fire
Top 150 Rank: 72
Class: 2013
Choices: Louisville, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Michigan and more

A midfielder who spent time at the U.S. U17 Residency in the previous years, Jeffries has only recently recovered from a knock that kept him out for a good portion of the Academy season.

“As a result of injury I am still fairly early in the search process for a junior,” Jeffries wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email. “I have identified a few colleges I'm interested in but am still open to possibilities.”

Jeffries is a central midfielder who can play box-to-box, and the schools that have shown interest in him include programs like Louisville and Wake Forest. Along with Kentucky, Jeffries has made a few visits, all of which were positive experiences.

“They all had beautiful campuses, and all the schools had top notch facilities,” Jeffries said. “I really enjoyed each visit in a different way.”

While he continues going through the recruiting process, Jeffries also has eyes on a program that can help him play soccer at the next level.

“I am looking at schools that offer decent academics and who prepare their players to continue further with soccer so I find it really important to find schools that have good coaching staffs,” he said. “But like any competitive soccer player, I want to win and I want to find a school where I can do that.”

FEMALE

Samantha Kokoska, Midfielder, Carmel United
Top 150 Rank: 65
Class: 2014

Different programs in all corners of the country have shown an interest in Samantha Kokoska, and she’s been to several different states to make visits already, with a clear vision in mind.

“The most important criteria for me in choosing a college include outstanding academics, excellent soccer with great coaching and team dynamics, and a mid-size to large student population,” she wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email.

The Indiana native has made stops at schools in New York, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, California, North Carolina and Virginia, to name just a few, and isn’t ruling out any corner of the country.

“I feel I am open to any part of the country,” she said. “I am fortunate because my parents have guaranteed at least one monthly visit (and a meal of course) regardless of location, so I feel free to consider all geographic areas.”

And there’s plenty of reason for her doing her homework and due diligence.

“Apparently, women's soccer has the highest transfer rate of any sport, so that has led me to really consider and see a wide range of schools that meet the most important baseline factors to me,” she said. “Although it is a time consuming process, I consider it to be part of the necessary homework in reaching my decision.”

Natalie Goodman, Midfielder, Gwinnett Soccer Association
Top 150 Rank: 41
Class: 2014

All the commitment, effort and desire Natalie Goodman shows for her club team – she lives 4.5 hours away from them – she’s put into her search for the right college soccer program.

It’s not a new process for the soon-to-be junior.

“I have been looking at schools since last summer, and I have a list of about 8 schools that I am really interested in,” she wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email. “I am hoping to narrow it down and commit by the end of the summer or early fall.”

Schools from the SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and Big East have all shown interest in the midfielder, and she’s already made visits to five of them.

The aspiring doctor also cites academic reputation as one of the strongest influences in her decision.

“Some things that are important to me about my school of choice include academics, especially science because I intend to become an orthopedic surgeon,” she said, “distance from home, because I am very close to my family, the school's commitment to their athletics as a whole – and of course I want to play at the highest level and go as far as possible with my college team, but I want to be on the field and contribute to my team's success.”

Rubina Veerakone, Midfielder, Michigan Hawks
Top 150 Rank: 128
Class: 2014

The Veerakone family is definitely doing something right.

Rubina Veerakone is a standout midfielder for Michigan Hawks and Region II ODP. Younger brother Suniel is a member of the U.S. U14 Boys National Team and was part of US Club Soccer’s 2012 id2 team that defeated FC Barcelona.

For big sister, the recruiting process is the focus now, as she narrows down her list heading into her junior year.

“It has been exciting, but has been challenging and at times daunting in having to make a decision on just one school where I can enjoy my soccer experience as well as fulfill all my academic and personal dreams,” Rubina told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I am currently looking at the pros and cons of each school and narrowing down the list.”

The midfielder said she is looking to pursue a profession in the medical field so that has been a major part of her search for a school.

“I am interested in medicine and am looking for an academically prestigious college with a renowned medical school and a strong soccer program,” she added. “A major factor in evaluating the coaches is to look for high quality in the personal relationship between the coach and the players.”

The Hawks player described her style as a creative playmaker and wants to find a program that can truly utilize her skills.

Want to be featured in the next Recruiting Insider series? Email us at recruiting@topdrawersoccer.com