SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Kherington Yezik, who plays for FC DELCO in the ECNL, and has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer for TCU in 2027.
SoccerWire Featured Player since April 2022.
What made you decide to verbally commit to TCU?
What made me decide to verbally commit to TCU, besides the amazing women’s soccer program, is the amazing coaches, facilities, and resources that TCU has. While I was on my visit, I got to know a lot of the girls on the team and got to explore all of the amazing resources available for students and student-athletes. They were insane to say the least! I also really loved the environment on and off the field. The girls were all so respectful and the coaches really made me feel like I belonged there.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The recruiting process was honestly one of the most stressful things I’ve ever gone through. Soccer is supposed to be fun, and it always has been for me, but the recruiting process definitely added some pressure and stress the season. It gets to be a lot when it’s a week before a showcase and you’re trying to prepare to play your best on the field and off the field you’re emailing a list of 50 different coaches your schedule. Thankfully for me, both of my parents were always extremely supportive and were always there to help me. My dad especially, as he did everything he could to get me resources that could help me and take some pressure off. The ACTUAL recruiting process that took place after June 15th was kind of a blur.
Everything happened so fast, but almost every coach that I talked to was super understanding of my timeline and thankfully, that made my process a little bit easier. The main thing I learned from this whole thing is that things will work out however they’re meant to. There is a place out there for you and you will find it, it might just take some time. I also learned that I’m a lot more resilient than I thought. It’s so easy to get knocked down in the process, but as long as you keep getting back up and continue to put in the work, everything will fall into place.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help the Horned Frogs?
TCU plays a possession style of game. They’re encouraged to keep possession and not force anything that isn’t on. I love this style of play as it’s the way I was taught to play. I think that my game IQ, versatility, and technical skills will fall into the Frog’s style very well and hopefully help them continue to win games and championships.
What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
My favorite subject in school is anything science. My favorite class I’ve ever taken was biology. I’m not exactly sure what I want to study, but I’m thinking about bio or business.
What has your experience been like playing for FC DELCO in the ECNL?
Playing for FC DELCO in the ECNL has been an amazing experience and I am so grateful that I get to do the thing I love most with the people I love most. My teammates are literally like my family. They are my best friends and I can’t imagine growing up with any other girls. Getting to travel all over and compete with them is one of my favorite things ever. Nothing compares to the team traveling to the ECNL Florida event every January and getting to spend every second soaking it all in. My coaches at DELCO have also been amazing. They’ve helped me grow and develop so much and I’ll be forever grateful for the help that they gave me throughout the recruiting process. Playing in the ECNL is amazing. The competition and the talent is next level. I don’t think I’d be the player that I am today if I didn’t play in the ECNL.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
My favorite pair of cleats is my current one. Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly x Elite FG, style white, blue, and purple.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
One piece of advice that I would give is to put the work in. The only person that will get you to reach your dreams is you. You want something, you have to put the work in to get it. NOTHING is handed to you, you have to earn it. If you put the work in, good things will come.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey. I’m so grateful for all the love and support that I received from family, friends, and coaches last season. Huge shoutout to my parents; I can’t thank them enough for everything that they’ve put into me and my future. Also to my best friend and teammate Lilah Helwig as she kept me going through the whole process. She is always hyping me up and pushing me to be my best. She’s one of my biggest supporters and I’m so grateful that I Had her at my side through this process. Finally I’d like to say thank you to my trainer, Matt Baker, at Perfect Touch Soccer, his training and encouragement have shaped me to be the player that I am today.
