Seniors Abby Rendle and Ellen Gose committed to play Division I college athletics over the summer.

Rendle accepted an offer from William and Mary for basketball in August, while Gose was accepting her admission to the College of Charleston for soccer.

Gose is interested in College of Charleston for more than its soccer program.

“Charleston is my dream school,” Gose said. “I am excited because it’s on the beach, they have good academics, and I get to play soccer.”

For Rendle, William and Mary did not reach the top of her list until she visited the Williamsburg campus this summer. She accepted the school’s offer the night after the trip.

“I originally did not think I would like William and Mary,” Rendle said. “It was actually one of my last options, but when I visited I realized I loved it.”

Love for the game as well as consistent practice allowed them to play at a level that caught college attention.

Rendle played multiple sports but turned her focus toward basketball in sixth grade. Gose, however, always focused on soccer.

“I started playing soccer when I was four,” Gose said. “When I got older I began playing six days a week.”

Rendle and Gose’s parents supported them through the process of college recruiting.

“My parents didn’t really influence me on my decision to go to William and Mary,” Rendle said. “They were supportive, no matter what school I chose. They would even be happy if I chose not to play basketball in college.”

Gose always aspired to play soccer at the collegiate level.

“My parents were a great support to me, but they never pushed me,” Gose said. “Playing in college was my choice and they helped me achieve that goal.”

Rendle does not plan to play basketball professionally but is excited to pursue it during college. Her primary goal in college is to do well academically.

“I put academics first,” Rendle said. “Unlike men’s basketball, playing women’s basketball won’t make you a living, but getting a good job will.”

Gose also plans to focus on both her academics and soccer during her college career.

“My soccer never came before my academics, but when I was traveling for soccer often, keeping up with schoolwork was hard,” Gose said.

Both cannot wait to begin the next chapter of their lives while continuing the sports they love.

“I’m am most excited to meet new people and live near my aunt,” Gose said. “I cannot wait to play soccer and go to Charleston.”