NCE Soccer is proud to announce the commitment of Audrey Palmer to the University of Maine. Audrey, a standout player in our training programs, will be joining the Black Bears for the Fall 2025 season. Her journey from youth soccer to securing a spot at this prestigious NCAA Division I program is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the support she received from NCE Soccer along the way.

Choosing the University of Maine

Audrey’s decision to commit to the University of Maine was influenced by a combination of factors, including family ties, a strong soccer program, and the welcoming environment of the school. “I emailed Coach Atherley this Spring because I wanted to play in the Northeast, and I know Maine has an excellent soccer program,” Audrey explained. “Plus, I have a lot of relatives in Maine and have been going there all my life, so it just felt like home.”

After connecting with Head Coach Scott Atherley, Audrey knew she had found the right fit. “When I visited the school and met the coaches and players, it really just felt right to me. I was impressed by the focus on athletics at Maine, especially their new soccer stadium,” Audrey shared, confident in her decision.

Academic and Athletic Aspirations

At the University of Maine, Audrey looks forward to balancing both her academic and athletic goals. The connection she felt with the soccer program and the campus community was clear from her first visit. “When the coaches described their style of play, I realized it was the way I was taught to play when I started out. Everything just seemed like a perfect fit!” Audrey explained.

Soccer Beginnings and Club Journey

Audrey’s soccer journey began at a young age, kicking the ball around with her older siblings before officially joining her local league in kindergarten. “I started playing in the Colchester Soccer Club rec league, and then I tried out for travel soccer in third grade,” Audrey recalled. Her love for the game grew, and by eighth grade, she joined Oakwood Soccer Club, where she competed in the US Soccer Development Academy and later in the Girls Academy (GA).

In addition to her club soccer experience, Audrey also plays for her high school team at Bacon Academy, where she helped lead her team to victory in the 2023 Connecticut State Championship. “Playing for my high school has been a special experience because I get to play with my school friends, and winning the state championship was such an incredible moment.”

Finding Her Position

Over the years, Audrey has played multiple positions on the field, from midfield to striker. However, her preferred position is as a central midfielder, specifically the number 6 role. “I like controlling the play and setting up plays for the offense,” she explained. “I enjoy being the link between defense and attack and having an influence on both ends of the field.”

The NCE Soccer Impact

Audrey’s involvement with NCE Soccer began when she was in fifth grade, following the recommendation of her coach at Southeast Soccer Club. “I’m so glad I joined NCE,” Audrey said. “The extra training sessions really helped me develop.”

Throughout her time with NCE, Audrey has made lifelong friendships and gained invaluable experience, with one of her highlights being her participation in the 2022 Gothia Cup in Sweden. “Playing in the Gothia Cup was a dream come true. I was invited to go in 2020, but it was canceled due to COVID. Going in 2022 was such an amazing experience – representing NCE and the USA, making friends from all over, and competing on the international stage.”

Development and Progress

NCE Soccer has played a pivotal role in Audrey’s growth as a player. The challenging training sessions helped improve her technical skills and soccer IQ. “The sessions were tough, but I always looked forward to them,” she shared. “NCE really helped me understand the game at a higher level and how to think ahead, always considering my next move.”

Navigating the College Pathway

Like many young players, Audrey found the college recruitment process to be both exciting and stressful. “The process lasted about a year for me, and I learned how important it was to stay in touch with coaches and keep them updated on my games and showcases,” she explained.

NCE Soccer was instrumental in helping Audrey navigate the college pathway. “My first showcase experiences were with NCE, and that really helped me get comfortable talking to college coaches. The NCE summer overnight camp at DeSales was also a great opportunity to connect with coaches, and it helped me a lot in the recruiting process.”

Future Aspirations

Audrey’s future goals are focused on making an impact both at the University of Maine and beyond. “This fall, I’d love to win back-to-back state championships with my high school team. Then, it would be great to make the GA playoffs in my last spring at Oakwood,” she said. “At UMaine, I hope to help the team repeat as America East champions and compete in the NCAA tournament.”

Balancing Soccer and School

In addition to her soccer success, Audrey is also deeply involved in her school community. “I’m Vice President of the Class of 2025, and I’m in the National Honor Society. I also work part-time after school and on weekends,” she said. Audrey attributes her ability to balance academics, extracurriculars, and soccer to the discipline and organization she’s gained from playing the sport.

Starting at the University of Maine

Audrey will begin her journey at the University of Maine in the fall of 2025, joining the Class of 2029. With her determination and passion for soccer, we are confident that Audrey will continue to excel both on and off the field.

NCE Soccer is incredibly proud of Audrey’s achievements and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her at the University of Maine and beyond.

For more success stories and to learn about our comprehensive training programs, visit NCE Soccer Programs.