Senior Sarah Miller (’19), daughter of Josh and Emily Miller, has verbally committed to play Soccer and continue her education at Anderson University (South Carolina) next school year.

What led you to your decision to attend your chosen college?
This school encompassed the three things most important to me Soccer, School, and Faith. For a while, I was fighting this decision because it was so far away from my family, but ultimately I felt this was the school God was pushing my heart towards,

What other schools did you consider?
I considered many other schools, but ultimately my decision came down to Anderson or Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville.

Do you know what you want to study?
I plan to study Kinesiology, with the intention of attending a Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy program for graduate studies.

When did this school come into the picture?
This school has been in the picture since March of 2018, after the Jefferson Cup college showcase.

Have you visited the school? If so, when? How did it go?
Yes, I have visited twice. I went once in April to meet and talk with the coach and go on a visit; Then I went again the first week of August for an ID camp, so I would be able to meet the team and be on campus one more time before I made my final decision.

Did anyone help you through the recruiting process? What kind of help did they provide?
I had help from John Beard; he helped me with narrowing down schools, sending emails, preparing me for phone calls and visits, talking through visits on which places would be a good fit for me. He is a big reason why I have committed to Anderson.

I also had help from Brigit. She helped in the very beginning by going through my first email I ever sent, sending me conferences I should look through of schools that could potentially be good fits for me, and throughout the process also helping me prepare for phone calls, and visits, then after the visit listening to how it went. (she would say she knew it was Anderson after my first visit)

What are your strengths?
I believe my work ethic and unwillingness to settle for average are my biggest strengths. I have been identified as a leader on various teams, which I credit towards my hard work and doing my best to encourage and push my teammates around me to become better.

What do you think you need to improve before starting college?
Soccer-wise: speed of play, and overall technical skill
School/Everyday wise: not freaking myself out/causing myself more anxiety, and building more confidence

Please list any special awards, accomplishments or distinctions you may have earned:
I’ve been on high honor roll every quarter through my high school career, member of national honors society, JV captain sophomore year, Varsity captain this year, Schafer-Kalkhoff award last high school season

Coach Brigit Reder says “Sarah is an incredibly hard working, self-motivated, high class young lady with a bright career ahead at Anderson University. She has emerged from the JV level after her Sophomore year as a leader amongst her peers, and earned an important role within our team. Anderson is extremely lucky to have her, as I have no doubt she will help elevate the players around her, bring a blend of next level talent and drive, all while excelling academically and growing in her faith. Our program has been lucky to have her. We are excited for her senior year and continuing to help in her preparation for the next chapter of her career. We wish her nothing but the best!”

Congrats Sarah! #WestPride