Northwestern Lehigh junior Sarah Segan visited a number of schools as she sought to continue her soccer career at the collegiate level.

After visiting schools toward the end of her sophomore school year, Segan had no question as to where she wanted to play upon her final college visit in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Segan had visits to Syracuse University, the University of Pittsburgh, George Washington University and James Madison University, but The College of William and Mary, where she has given a verbal commitment to play women's soccer, left an impression on her that she couldn't refuse.

"I knew I wanted to play soccer in college because I've been playing almost my whole life, and playing year-round at a really high level," Segan said. "So the fact that I wanted to play in college made me aware that I needed to start looking at colleges.

"I was actually thinking about really going to George Washington, but as soon as I went to William and Mary, it was a no-brainer. I really respect their coach [John Daly], and I'm really happy to have the chance to play for him."

A number of schools took notice of Segan during various college showcases playing for her club team, FC Revolution, toward the end of her sophomore school year. After hearing from William and Mary in March, as well as a couple of visits in June, Segan gave her verbal commitment to play as a member of the Tribe after graduating in 2015.

"It just felt right," Segan said. "It felt like that's where I wanted to go. I had visited other schools, and it felt the most comfortable to me."

To go along with its respectable women's soccer program as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, Segan was greatly impressed by the school's academics as well.

"I had looked at several places, and William and Mary just stood out to me," Segan said. "I loved how it was a highly-regarded school for academics, and has a soccer team that is a highly-ranked program."

She's interested in joining the medical field after college.

"If I'm injured, or if I have to go see a doctor, I am so fascinated by them trying to diagnose what is wrong or anything like that," she said. "I've always wanted to do that."

There was also plenty to like about the program. William and Mary has been CAA champions under Daly 10 times, including its most recent a league title in 2011. The team won six straight titles from 1996-2001, and Segan is excited about joining the Tribe in the 2015 season.

"I've seen them play, and I really enjoy the way they play," Segan said. "Coach Daly's coaching style is one I can definitely see playing for. He's respected by a lot of other coaches, too."

Segan's parents and Northwestern girls soccer head coach Kelly Bleam have been key supporters throughout the process of making her decision.

"I remember I was texting Mrs. Bleam when I was conflicted between William and Mary and George Washingon," Segan said. "But then I just had to really think about it, and realized William and Mary is where I want to be.

"And my parents, they just said, 'Do whatever feels right. I'm not going to pressure you into anything. This is your decision.'"

In her junior season, Segan scored 36 goals and added 12 assists for the Tigers, who captured titles in leagues and districts. For her career, she has totaled 101 goals, and is just three shy of tying the school record for career goals. She also has 32 career assists.

Segan also plays basketball for the Tigers, and has averaged nine points, four rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game over her career. Last year, she averaged 10.3 points and 2.5 steals per game, and is one of the team's best on-ball defenders.