Evocative of the speed and purpose that Alex Shinsky displays every time he steps on a soccer field, the young up-and-comer was equally decisive in choosing a college for 2011.

Shinsky will be heading to Maryland.

A native of Baltimore, he has long been an admirer of the Terrapins. And while he visited many of the top programs in the ACC – the conference he had his heart set on competing within – in the end, Maryland won out. .

“I believe the ACC is the best conference in the country with the best competition, but I chose Maryland because of its long and ongoing reputation of developing players and taking them to the next level,” Shinsky said. “I am very excited and relieved that I made a decision. I am looking forward to seeing the other great players that commit to the University of Maryland. I am also very excited to start playing.”

A player characterized by his ability to make things happen, Shinsky is a special athlete with loads of potential. He was recently named an NSCAA/adidas All-American and has been in U.S. Soccer U17 Residency.

Under U.S. coach Wilmer Cabrera, Shinsky has thrived and amidst a disappointing performance by the Americans in the U17 FIFA World Cup, Shinsky was one of the bright spots.

Alongside great teammates Earl Edwards, Tyler Polak, Bryan Duran, Jack McInerney, Stefan Jerome and Jared Watts, Shinsky scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Malawi and was noted for his consistent activity and great runs during the competition.

“The World Cup was a great experience and well worth the two years I spent training. It was a little disappointing where we finished but still a great experience,” Shinsky said. “I really enjoyed the Residency program. I have become a much better player and even though it is tough being away from home I would do it again with no questions asked. The atmosphere cannot be duplicated. Playing with the best players every day really makes a player better in all aspects.”

Shinsky is banking on the same holding true at Maryland where his speed and quick decision-making should make coach Sasho Cirovski a happy man.

“I still would like to improve my physical strength and I would also like to work on my 1v1 skills,” Shinsky said. “My goals for the next couple of years are just to continue to develop as a player. That is the goal that I strive for everyday on the pitch. I would like to win a National Championship in college and eventually make it on to the next level.”