High school soccer players committed to Division I colleges for soccer

With signing day right around the corner for many local high schools, we wanted to take a look at where some local girl's soccer players will go to college to continue their athletic careers. Whitney High junior Lauren Hunter announced her commitment to Santa Clara University back in October. Hunter helped lead the Lady Wildcats with 19 goals leading them to a Division II title where she scored the game-winning penalty kick against Granite Bay High. "Playing in college is such an amazing opportunity that not everyone gets to do," Hunter said. "I am most looking forward to meeting new people and playing at that high level I've always wanted to play. Out of the four years I get to play there, I hope to win a national championship as they did in 2020." Many athletes in any sport who go on to play in college typically don't commit until their senior year. For Hunter, being committed as a junior is a giant weight off of her shoulders. "Being committed is a huge stress reliever when it comes to the recruiting process," Hunter said. "The process is very long and stressful but it all pays off when you find that specific place that has everything you wished for. Knowing that all the work you put into your sport you love was noticed and recognized is the most exciting and rewarding thing." The Lady Wildcats also have four other girls committed to schools, including Courtney Wagner who will play at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. Devyn Costo is verbally committed to Chico State University while Lakelee Perkins is committed to the University of California at Davis. Emma Hardy is verbally committed to California State Polytechnic University at Humboldt. Woodcreek High senior Mia McSweeney has been committed to the University of Oregon since last year and recently went on a follow-up visit with her recruiting class. McSweeney led the Lady Timberwolves in assists with eight and scored seven goals. "I'm super excited to be able to play in college next year and I'm excited to be able to play in a big conference like the Pac-12," McSweeney said. "I'm looking forward to being able to play for a great coaching staff in a great conference. I'm excited for the competition that I'll get to play and being able to go against some of the best players in the country. I hope to be able to make a positive impact immediately both offensively and defensively and help us win lots of games." Oregon's coaches saw McSweeney play in a college showcase and then called McSweeney to show their interest for her to join the team. McSweeney had other offers from the University of Utah, Santa Clara University, Oregon State University and Louisiana State University. "Right when I walked on campus at Oregon, I knew it was the right place for me," McSweeney said. "Coach Graeme is an amazing coach and I'm super excited to play for him. I love all of the facilities and how important athletics are to the school. I also love the school spirit and how it's a big sports school." The Timberwolves lost in the section semifinals last season and only graduated three players. They will have their top three goal scorers returning in 2022, including Sarah Granno, Lexi Schroeder and Ellie David. Granno is also committed and will continue her soccer career at the University of Memphis while David is committed to Sacred Heart University. "Woodcreek have been the league champions for the last three years and we are looking to do it again this year and also make a run in the playoffs," McSweeney said. "I've been the league Most Valuable Player twice so far and I hope to have a great season to win it again." West Park High will have its first signings in school history with seniors Madison Hamm and Erica Grilione. The duo combined for 51 goals last season and led the Panthers to a 9-7-1 record and third-place in the Foothill Valley League. They also won two playoff games before losing to Kimball in the section semifinals. Grilione will go to Stanford University while Hamm verbally committed to Grand Canyon University back in July. Granite Bay High has three seniors who are committed to Division I colleges and universities as well. Goalkeeper Alyssa Savig will continue her athletic career at Stanford University. Midfielder Carly Stewart is committed to Valparaiso University in Indiana while defender Kennedy Swift is committed to the University of Memphis. Del Oro High junior goalkeeper Gray Willson is committed to the University of Miami. Rocklin High senior Caitlyn Winter is signed and committed to California Lutheran University while junior Nalani Damacion is verbally committed to the University of Hawaii.