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Owen Marshall, Forward, D.C. United
Class: 2015
Commitment: Columbia

A center forward with a nose for the goal on D.C. United’s U18 Dev. Academy side, the draw of a prominent program in the Big Apple was something he couldn’t turn down.

“Columbia is one of the best universities in the world,” Marshall told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “It offers a world class education while having a committed and ambitious soccer program. Its location in New York City was also an important factor for me, as it offers many opportunities career-wise.”

Parallels between his club team and the way that the Columbia men’s program tries to play possession soccer caught his eye. 

“Columbia's style of play is very similar to what we play at DC United – keeping the ball on the ground with a lot movement off the ball,” Marshall said. “This style suits my abilities well, so I felt that the transition into the college game would be more familiar. Furthermore, Columbia's coaches are driven to win titles and to develop their players for the next level. Columbia's athletic facilities are also state-of-the art, with a new $70 million dollar athletic center for athletes right next to the locker room and home field.”

Marshall’s intended major of choice sealed the deal, as he’ll be able to learn from some of the world’s smartest minds while he pursues his degree.

“I intend to major in economics and the faculty has several Nobel Prize winners and great professors, including Sunil Gulati, President of U.S. Soccer,” he said. “Despite its location in the middle of New York city, the campus is spacious and beautiful, and has an international, culturally diverse student body. Overall, the world-class education as well as the prime location is two factors that are invaluable.” 

Kristian Heptner, Forward, Christian Brothers High School
Class: 2015
Commitment: UC Davis

As a player I would describe myself as a goal scorer. I will get the ball in the net any way I can. 

Geography, opportunities and the high level of competition drew Kristian Heptner’s interest in UC Davis.

“I decided on Davis because I wanted to stay on the West Coast for college, and Davis fits that model,” Heptner told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “After visiting and seeing the facilities and how the school worked I knew it was the perfect fit for me.” 

Heptner was also a fan of the competition level he’ll get in UC Davis’s conference.

“The soccer program is very good,” he said. “Davis competes in the Big West conference where some of the best college soccer in the nation is played. The coaches are very passionate about the game, and they are fun [group]. The facilities are very nice, especially the soccer field itself.”

Along with the academic opportunities available at UC Davis, Heptner also liked the surroundings of his future home.

“Davis also offers a great college town that regularly attends athletic events,” he said. “Davis is quickly becoming the largest UC in California, but it still encompasses a nice homely fit that is not overwhelming in the slightest.”