Celia Balf gave University of Albany soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe an early Christmas present when she verbally committed to play soccer for the Great Danes a couple of days before the holidays. The Beverly native and Waring School junior was Monroe's No. 1 recruit, and a player UAlbany had on its radar for a long time.
"I was invited to come for a visit in September, not an official one because I'm a junior, but I stayed overnight with the team. I loved the school and the team atmosphere," said Balf, a captain for both Waring and her Aztec Club team. "They have been following me for a while since first seeing me when I was in the ninth grade at the Score and Shore Showcase Tournament in Florida.
"I've been e-mailing the coaches since then, and the school has everything I am looking for including very strong programs in two areas I am very interested in pursuing — journalism and urban education," Balf said. "It's just what I'm looking for and completely different from my school (Waring is a very small private school with around 150 students from grades 6-12). There is a very tight knit sports community, and the distance is perfect. It's about three hours from home so I can come home when I want to. They offered a fair amount of money along with a book scholarship (that covers the cost of all books), and depending on my SAT scores I can probably get an academic scholarship, too."
Balf visited Hartford, Bryant, and Boston University before making her final decision, and George Washington was also very interested in her. Monroe first made the scholarship offer when Balf visited, and wanted a decision before she headed for a big soccer tournament in Florida with her Aztec team.
"We fly out on New Year's Day, and there will be lots of college coaches there," said Balf. "Because I am her top recruit coach Monroe wanted an answer so she could free up the money for someone else if I wasn't going to accept. I've wanted to play soccer in college since Day 1, and I fell in love with Albany. My parents and coaches were helpful, but told me it was my decision. They also said if I loved the school I should go for it, and I decided why not take the offer now.
"My athletic director Mike Kersker said it's a business, and the best offers come early before any money is spent. The time is right, and it's nice to have the while process over so early. I feel so lucky it's been decided; it was a long debate to figure this out. I can help my teammates look better so they'll get offers, and I'll probably play better now that the stressful part is over."
Eric Slack, who coaches Balf at Waring said she deserves every honor and accolade that comes her way.
"She is a three time MVP, who led the team to multiple IGC titles," said Slack. "Celia's a defender with the Aztecs, but primarily is center mid at Waring. She's a sublimely skilled, tactically advanced player, who will be an invaluable asset at Albany.
Balf loved the camaraderie she experienced on her visit and the fact there were no seniors on the squad this season.
"The freshmen and juniors all hang out together. Having no seniors in a way brought the team closer," said Balf. "Everybody looked after everyone else instead of having the seniors run things. Nobody graduates this year, and they are bringing in a big freshman class with me. We'll all be together learning the system and developing together.
"I feel very comfortable with their coach. She came to my ODP (Olympic Development Program) over the summer and worked with us in scrimmages. She played on the National Team, and has a great relationship with all her players. I'm excited about the opportunity to take my game to another level by playing for her."
Dushawne "Doc" Simpson is Balf's coach on the Aztec team, and said she can play anywhere on the pitch and excel.
"Celia is my team captain and a phenomenal leader," said Simpson. "I play her everywhere on the field because she represents our philosophy as a club. We develop soccer players first before positional players. Celia was heavily recruited and just about every D 1 School I spoke to saw her in a different role. She has worked very hard to accomplish this, and it couldn't happen to a better kid."
Balf said Albany talked to her about playing center back. She has no personal preference as long as she gets out there. At many Division 1 programs freshmen sit on the bench.
"I'll play anywhere if I can get on the field," said the Waring basketball and lacrosse player. "I really don't care as long as I can help out in some way. They want to see me as a defender, but also like my attacking mentality so might move me up. Albany calls me an impact player so if all goes well I could be starting as a freshman and not be on the bench. I like that idea a lot.
"It's funny because Albany plays in the America East Conference and competes against most of the other schools I looked at. I'll be coming to New England and the Boston area for games frequently which is exciting."
