Soccer Standout Picks UNC

Most high school student-athletes dream of going to a prestigious school, on a full scholarship, with a guaranteed starting position.

But South Side High School's Crystal Dunn is not your average student-athlete.

Dunn, who has captained the girls varsity soccer team for four years, has forgone several more lucrative offers, with guaranteed playing time, to instead fight for a starting spot on the University of North Carolina's women's team. Though Dunn has starred at the international level, playing with the women's World Cup U-17 and U-20 team since 2008, she will start from scratch and have to battle for her position with many other Tar Heel hopefuls.

"UNC is a great school academically, and also has a great soccer program. I knew the competition would be tough, which would mean no starting positions were guaranteed," Dunn said. "Playing in such a competitive environment will make me a better player."

North Carolina — one of the top athletic programs in the country — will be receiving a versatile recruit with extensive experience at the high school, club and international level. Dunn stars as a forward and attacking midfielder when she played with the Cyclones and her club team, where she utilized her creative footwork and fantastic vision to spread the ball around or put in the back of the net.

Internationally, she has seamlessly transitioned to the defensive side of the ball, playing outside back for the U-17 squad, and center fullback more recently at the U-20 level.

Dunn's club coach, Phil Casella, said he knows that her versatility only makes his star player more valuable to whichever team she plays for.

"She has proven that she can play at all levels and has also shown that she can play at any position," Casella said. "It takes a very special person and player to change positions in no time and make this kind of impact and make it look as if she's been playing there for years."

While most people spend their teen years gossiping with friends, Dunn's been traversing the world. But this doesn't come without a price — Dunn has spent many of her birthdays overseas without the comfort of her family.

"I love traveling, even though I miss my friends and family back home," Dunn said. "Most importantly though, I love representing my country because most girls dream of putting on a U.S. jersey. I feel honored."

South Side High School has a long history of dominance in girl's soccer. They have won 17 of the past 20 New York state championships, but no one player has had the talent of Dunn, who has been featured on the cover of ESPN's RISE magazine, a publication that covers high school athletic stars. Having already accomplished so much at a young age, the question now is how far Crystal Dunn can go in the game of soccer.

"I don't think she will run into too many challenges in college." Casella said. "She will be a great one. UNC has a special one coming."