Junior Kailyn Dudukovich (’21), daughter of Debbie and Dan Dudukovich, has verbally committed to play soccer and continue her education at The Ohio State University.
1. What led you to your decision to attend your chosen college?
I loved the campus, it really felt like home to me. I really respect the coaching staff and the relationship I built with them through the recruiting process. It is very exciting for me to play in my home state, in the Big 10 Conference, that can offer unbelievable resources both academically and athletically.
2. What other schools did you consider?
Top 5: Penn State, Notre Dame, Duke, Michigan
Others: Vanderbilt, Auburn, Alabama, West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Xavier, UC, Dayton, Clemson
3. Do you know what you want to study?
I want to go into something in the mathematical field of business, such as Actuarial Science.
4. When did this school come into the picture?
My recruitment with them started initially in my 8th-grade year.
5. Have you visited the school? If so, when? How did it go?
Ohio State was my first unofficial visit, the summer before my freshman year. I visited numerous times after that. It was great to get the feel of the campus, the culture of the program, and begin relationships with the coaches. It felt like home.
6. Did anyone help you through the recruiting process? What kind of help did they provide?
My parents and my club coaches, Bobby Puppione and David Robertson really helped me through the process. Due to the recruiting rules, my club coaches helped me to communicate with the coaches. My family and my coaches also really helped me weigh my options and gave guidance on what was best for me.
7. What are your strengths?
My strengths are my knowledge and understanding of how to read the game, my experience playing at a high level, my technical skill on the ball, my competitive drive, physical size, and my finishing ability.
8. What do you think you need to improve before starting college?
I think that I need to increase my overall strength and explosiveness. I also need to learn to quicken my speed of play to be prepared for the college level.
9. Please list any special awards, accomplishments or distinctions you may have earned:
I am ranked 6th overall player in the country in the class of 2021.
I am the #1 ranked player in the Great Lakes region, and the #3 overall forward in the country.
I have been a part of the U14 and U16 U.S. Girls National Teams, where I had 4 international goals and 2 assists in a tournament in Italy.
I was Central Conference Best VI for the Development Academy 2017-18 season.
My club team was National Runner-ups in 2017.
I won the Golden Ball for the 2017 US Soccer National Championships.
Congrats Kailyn! #WestPride
