We can project, predict and prognosticate a college freshman’s success level until we’re blue in the face, but the truth is anticipating a collegiate career is a little like meteorology – no matter how much the forecast calls for clear blue skies, sometimes you just get rained on.

There really is no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, and even the so-called can’t-miss prospects seem to understand that.

We spoke with a few of our own, a collection of our 2011 girls’ Top 100 players, to find out how they’re preparing for the great unknown.

“Recently I have been watching local games between the Atlanta Beat and various college teams they've played,” said Concorde Fire SC defender Brittany Conley, our No. 53 ranked prospect who is heading to Missouri in the fall. From what I have observed you have to be fit enough to play the whole game.”

Conley knows she will have her hands full in containing Big 12 attackers next season, but her athleticism and willingness to observe and learn should serve her well.

Conley will be joined at Missouri by KCFC Alliance goalkeeper Caroline Stanley. The No. 92 ranked player on our Top 100, Stanley has been preparing in a much more tangible way.

“After high school practice I do bleacher circuit runs or run with the track sprinters, and then I lift weights every other day,” Stanley said.  “I think the toughest transition for me is going to be that the level of training is going to be considerably tougher. The Mizzou soccer program has extremely intense training on and off the field. The players there say that it doesn't matter how fit you show up because it's not going to be fit enough.”

Allie Sirna is concerned about being strong enough. She’s our No. 90 ranked player despite not possessing imposing size. So her focus leading up to the season has been trying to establish a physical edge.

“I’m definitely working out a lot, said Sirna, a defender for Cleveland FC. “I’m building up endurance and I’m building upper body strength because I’m small and I need to stand my ground against much taller girls.”

The pace of play is an area each player has identified as a big transition at the next level. Stanley should have a good jump start on it from her recent stint in U.S. U18 Women’s National Camp where she played along such elite athletes as Laura Liedle, Stephanie Amack, Cari Roccaro, Caroline Lindquist and Caprice Dydasco.

“Whenever I go to national team camps I get awesome goalkeeping training that I feel like has really matured my game for college,” Stanley said. “I’m really focusing on game management and more meticulous tactical plays that are going to be a huge part of the college game. Crosses and set pieces are also a huge part, so getting lots of repetitions and practice with those will help me for next year.”

But even with endless training and groundwork, these incoming standouts know that there are no guarantees, and so they approach the game and the future with a newfound intensity.

“I think the toughest transition next year will be the seriousness of the game and the expectations,” Conley said. “It’s not just a game anymore, it's a job.”