On February 3, 2016, Hannah Hoefs was one of 12 athletes to commit to the athletics program of his/her future college. On National Signing Day, she took the first step towards her future in collegiate soccer by signing her letter of intent to the University of Maryland.

Many members of Hoefs’ family have attended the University of Maryland, so she had always hoped to follow in their footsteps. Hoefs said, “I knew I wanted to go to Maryland. I was just waiting to get a scholarship from them.”

Hoefs has been playing soccer since first grade, and has been a dedicated varsity player for five years. (At her previous school, eighth grade students could play on the high school level.) During her senior year, she had 31 points, 10 goals and 11 assists.

According to her father, Kevin Hoefs, Hannah was 15 years old when Maryland coaches first noticed her.

“My club coach is friends with the Maryland coach, and [the Maryland soccer coach] came and watched me play for a while,” said Hoefs

She verbally committed soon after. Hoefs has always been resolute in her dedication to soccer, but she remains unsure about what to pursue academically. “I’m either going to study kinesiology to become a physical therapist or journalism and photography,” she said.

Even so, she has faith in Maryland’s many programs. Hoefs said, “It’s going to be tough, but the University of Maryland has a lot of tutors and mentors for their athletes, so that will help me balance it out.”

Her family encourages their daughter’s decision. Mr. Hoefs said, “When she’s gone, of course, we’re going to miss her, but I’m glad that she’s going to continue her education and play at the school that she’s always wanted to go to.”

After years of training and hard work, Hoefs is finally taking the next step in her athletic, and personal, journey. Even with all her experience and skill, she admits that the years ahead will be difficult. However, Hoefs says, “It’s going to be interesting, but I’ll be prepared for it.”