Alex Sampson, Left Back/Wing, Arizona Arsenal
Class: 2020
Commitment: Pepperdine
A versatile player who can both defend and attack down the left wing, Alex Sampson jumped at the chance to continue her playing career and education at Pepperdine.
"I wanted to go to Pepperdine because of the amazing culture and atmosphere. I fell in love with the school as soon as I stepped foot onto campus for the first time. I am looking forward to being a part of the Pepperdine family and the amazing soccer and education that comes with it."
Sampson won't be joining the team right away, as the sophomore at Desert Vista still has to wait. But when she does, she'll be competing in talent-laden West Coast Conference also also features Santa Clara and BYU. Pepperdine has also made the NCAA DI College Cup three out of the last four seasons.
Sampson, who has played for Arizona Arsenal the last four seasons, credits the development there in helping her reach the next level.
"Arsenal helped me prepare by giving me a platform to play at a high level. The club is invested in player development. The speed training program has helped and will continue to help prepare me for the college game. The amazing coaching staff not only has helped me develop as a player but also a person."
When Sampson joins Pepperdine, she'll be surrounded by new faces which doesn't faze her at all due to her involvement in Arizona's ODP.
"Playing in Arizona's ODP has benefited me because over the year I've become more comfortable playing with other girls from different teams and playing against other states has made my game better."
Sampson still has two more years to create memories in Arizona and when asked about her favorite thus far she didn't even hesitate.
"My favorite memory would be winning back-to-back State Cup Championships. My team and I had the desire and heart to win and we pulled through and won. That was an amazing experience."
Grace Kaufman-Fuller, Defender, Tucson Soccer Academy
Class: 2019
Commitment: Boise State
Wanting to be able to take her game to the next level, Tucson native Grace M Kaufman-Fuller found the perfect fit at Boise State.
"I'm looking forward to being able to play at the next level and tap into a physical mode that I haven't discovered yet."
In addition to competing at the Division I level, Kaufman-Fuller added that Boise State has been helpful in many aspects off the field.
"The academic aid and the willingness to help in every aspect of the players life."
While Boise State is more than 900 miles away, Kaufamn-Fuller credits Tucson Soccer Academy (TSA) for helping her get to the next level.
"The coaches did a really good job making sure we got the exposure we needed and got in front of the right people. All the girls really do play for each other."