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7.0 years ago by Jeff Alderman

Brianna Hatfield commits to Florida Gulf Coast University for Soccer - The Telegraph - 9/9/2016

SOCCER: Hatfield makes inter-regional squad, commits to Florida Gulf Coast

 

Hatfield commits to Florida Gulf Coast

By Pete Hayes - phayes@civitasmedia.com

 


Alton junior Brianna Hatfield has committed verbally to play at Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall of 2018.

 

Billy Hurst File Photo | For The Telegraph

ALTON — Alton High junior Brianna Hatfield believes in taking care of business – early, if possible.

Since the end of the girls high school soccer season last May, Hatfield has been busy with her Scott Gallagher Soccer club team, taken part in camps and has been selected to represent her region at an upcoming U.S. Soccer event this Thanksgiving.

And. oh yeah, she made a verbal commitment to play college soccer at Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall of 2018.

“The recruiting process for girls is starting earlier and earlier,” Hatfield said. “I had been (to Florida Gulf Coast U.) and had experiences there at camps and I knew that is where I want to go.

“So, I decided to make a (verbal) commitment.”

While the verbal commitment isn’t binding, Hatfield said she’s sure she won’t be changing her mind and will officially sign with the school once she’s able.

“It’s a great school, has great coaches and a really growing (soccer) program,” she said.

FGCU, in Fort Myers, Florida, has been among the nation’s highly ranked programs the last two seasons. Hatfield said when she attended a camp there in August, she met some of other players who had verbally committed to the Eagles.

“The whole (2018) class is pretty dang impressive,” she said. “There are girls from all over.”

Hatfield was selected to the roster for US Soccer’s Inter-regional Event over Thanksgiving week in Boca Raton, Florida. She will be one of 18 girls representing Region 2 at this event.

In July, Hatfield attended the Region 2 training camp in flint, Michigan with about 60 other girls from the 14-state region. While there, she trained with Region 2 and U.S. Soccer coaching staff for five days.

She was selected to compete for the Region 2 team against the other three regions during a six-day tournament Thanksgiving week. If she performs well in Boca Raton, Hatfield could have a chance at a national team camp invitation or a possible roster spot on an upcoming international trip.

At Alton High last spring, Hatfield scored 14 goals and added 10 assists and helped lead the Redbirds to a 12-6-2 season. She scored six game-winning goals for first-year AHS coach Jeff Hayes.

“(Hatfield) does a lot for our team,” Hayes said. “She sees the field very well and just knows the game.”

Hatfield’s versatility on the field has made her a valuable commodity.

“I’ve played just about everywhere but defense or goal,” Hatfield said. “I’m most comfortable playing attacking midfielder, but I’ll go wherever I’m needed.”

Hatfield plays midfield or forward for the most part on her club team, which is coached by former Alton high coach and former Marquette player Laura Ridolfi.

“(Ridolfi) has been a lot of help to me through all this,” Hatfield said. “I’m so glad she has been there to help and to motivate me.”

Reach Pete Hayes at 463-2500 or Twitter @HayeserPete

 
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