Some players feel a sense of relief and less-to-prove after committing to a Division 1 college program.
In the case of Class of 2026 midfielder/defender Trevor Steele (Wilbraham, Mass.), who recently committed to Notre Dame, he’s using his commitment as fuel to prove even more.
"Everybody knows where I’m committed, every team I’m going to play is going to have a scouting report that says my name on it. So, I feel like my standard is higher," said Steele. "It’s something I’m embracing."
The 6-foot Steele plays his prep soccer for Loomis Chaffee and plays his club soccer for IFA New England MLS Next. His talent and athleticism are obviously both major factors in his blossoming soccer career, but so is his willingness to fearlessly meet challenges.
