Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — Badin High School junior Sydnee Fields has verbally committed to play soccer at Xavier University.

"There were other schools I was in contact with, but Xavier has always been my No. 1 choice," said Fields, a forward and outside midfielder.

"I toured the campus a couple of months ago, and I really liked it," she added. "And I plan on sitting in on a few philosophy classes next year, because that's what I want to study there."

The daughter of Shawn and Kellee Fields of Fairfield, Sydnee transferred to Badin from Ursuline after her sophomore season and helped lead the Rams to a 12-6-4 record and a fourth consecutive district championship.

"Even though I still have a year left, I figured if I have a great offer from my top school, why not say, 'Yes,' right now," Fields said. "My mom went to Xavier, and my uncle went there, and a couple of other relatives went there. It's always been in the family, so that's why it's always been my No. 1 choice.

"Plus, I really like (coach) Alvin Alexander," she continued. "I want to go there and help turn the program around because he deserves a great team."

Fields is a member of the National Honor Society, and she said she's as excited about what Xavier can offer in the classroom as well as on the soccer field.

"I really like the whole religious surrounding we have here at Badin, and I thought that was important to have in college, too," Fields said. "I want to study philosophy with a little bit of psychology and forensic science. Eventually I want to be a clinical psychologist who works with forensics and can diagnose murderers and psychopaths and all that kind of stuff."

Fields also recently switched club teams, joining Classics Hammer. The moves have made for a hectic home life at times, but she said her parents helped her get through it all.

"I really want to thank my parents because the last two years I've gone through so many ups and downs, with switching schools and clubs," she said. "Without them, and without my coaches, I'd be nowhere near where I'm at now. This is all because of them."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193 or jmorrison@coxohio.com.