While many seniors are in the process of choosing their colleges and sending in applications, junior soccer player Jordan Zade has already made her plans to continue her academic and athletic career. Zade verbally committed to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to play Division I soccer and join their class of 2025 on Aug 18. 

While she still has a year of high school left after the 2019-20 school year, Zade is excited to have already decided on her plans for secondary education. 

“I’m so very excited to have committed to UNL. I’m still a little shocked that it happened so early, but it’s nice to be able to now spend time exploring the university as a whole since I have a couple years before I go,” Zade explained.

However, Zade’s commitment to Nebraska is more than just college plans to her. The program for her has a personal feel. 

“From the first summer camp to the one that I participated in this July, UNL has always felt like home to me. I have always been impressed with the facilities and all that’s offered to their athletes,” Zade said. “However, it truly was the coaches and the players that impressed me the most. I didn’t meet anyone from this program that wasn’t genuinely kind and interested in me becoming a better soccer player. The culture of the program is something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of.” 

Zade’s commitment does not come as a surprise to many, however. She has been a starter for the De Soto High School girls’ soccer team since her freshman year, and also holds the fifth-place record for most assists in a season with a total of 15. Zade was also named first team all-conference in the United Kansas Conference in 2019, as well as co-player of the year. In addition, she also assisted in leading the team to winning three conference championships and two Regional championships. 

Senior varsity midfielder Maddy Mascareno is also excited for her teammate’s large accomplishment, and believes that she has much to bring with her to the college playing field. 

“I think Jordan [Zade] will do amazing at Nebraska. She is one of the quickest players we have, and it definitely makes a difference when she is on the field,” Mascareno explained. 

Mascareno also explained that Jordan brings more than just skill to the field. 

“Her finishing makes her a dangerous player, but I think over the years Jordan has also become more confident. She has always been amazing, but she continues to improve every year somehow. She’s also so fun to be around and so positive about everything,” Mascareno said.