For most seniors, the college application process is already well on its way. But for a few specific seniors, it is a lot more than filling out applications. For many athletes verbal commitment can get them into their dream college.

A verbal commitment is when an athlete fills a spot on a team, but is not on official records yet. Thousands of teens use their athletic skills to play for college teams through this system.

Senior McKenna Tollack plans to play soccer at USD. Playing since she was four years old, soccer has worked out well.

“It’s something I love to do, “Tollack said.  “It can help get me into college. It all pays off.”

Senior Morgan Batcheller, another soccer player,  will beplaying for Cal State Fullerton next year.

“They gave me a generous scholarship to play, and I love the school and all the coaches and the program,” Batcheller said.

Although Batcheller makes it sound easy, the process is very challenging and time consuming.

“Basically you select a bunch of schools that you would like to go to and they watch you play. You have to go on an official visit and basically they tell you if they want you,” Batcheller said.

The process can be excruciatingly long and nerve racking, but the results are worth it.

“It’s a good feeling, more relief than anything to not have to do any more college applications,” Batcheller said.

Soccer gave Batcheller and Tollack a ticket in to college, but Senior Emily Oliver found her way to college through volleyball.

“My mom introduced me to it in fifth grade. It’s a fun sport and it is really competitive,” Oliver said.

There are lots of ways to find a college, but Oliver found Holy Cross on an East Coast college trip.

“There were a bunch of colleges I was emailing and calling,” Oliver said.

With so many different sports and colleges to choose and hopefully be accepted to, the process can become a little overwhelming. Regardless of the sport, the athletes all agree the hard work pays of.

“Do not be afraid to call the coaches. Put yourself out there. They’re not going to come to you,” Oliver said.