1. Why did you decide to sign with Brookhaven?

Because it was their second year of starting up the program again, and I wanted to be able to help start something new. I knew it would be a great experience and a great opportunity to play with a great college and with an awesome coach!

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I feel very excited! It’s a crazy feeling knowing you’re part of showing what your college is made of, and what great players and teams you have. I’m excited to show what the soccer players of Brookhaven can do.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

To look and try hard. If the school you want to go to doesn’t want you, keep on trying because you’ll find something better and you won’t even regret it. Always keep your head up, because if coaches don’t come to you, then you GO to them. There’s something out there for everyone. You just have to work for it.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence in my life would have to be my family. They’ve always supported me. When coaches or teammates didn’t think I was good enough, they were always there to back me up and make me remember, WHO CARES what people think, as long as I know I’m good then I’ll keep doing what I love to do: Play soccer. If it wasn’t for them I would have given up when I had the chance. But just look at me now, I’m a COLLEGIATE ATHLETE!

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I want to play harder than I have ever played. I want new comers to know who I am once I’m done playing for Brookhaven. I want people, kids, girls, whoever to look up to me and be like “She never gave-up, even when she was so weak she came back up to the top.” I don’t want people to be just like me, I just want them to not give up because if they don’t they could become WAY better then me. I’m willing to make a change and believe in those soccer players who don’t have anyone to tell them “to keep going,” because I know how that feels. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I did, because no one deserves to be put down from reaching their dreams.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Over the summer we shared some tips on how to prevent athlete burn out. These tips may not have rung too true at the time, as many student-athletes do get a break over the summer. Now that you’re deep in the school year and the season, it’s time to check out those old tips and see below for few more.

1. LEARN TO RELAX: Life as an athlete is extremely busy and stressful. Slow down and take at least 15 minutes a day to relax; read a book, listen to some music, or write in a journal. You’ll find that taking a few minutes everyday to recharge your batteries will give you more energy to perform well on a daily basis.

2. FIND A BALANCE: Sports are time consuming and can easily become the single focus in your life. Force yourself to find a balance between sports, school, extracurricular activities, and a social life. This will help prevent you from getting both physically and mentally exhausted.

3. MORAL SUPPORT: You need support and encouragement to succeed in athletics. Make sure you have a parent, coach, or teammate who acknowledges your achievements and dedication to the sport, and who will encourage you to continually improve your game.

Be sure to visit our Education Page for more resources for student-athletes and parents.