Dopps gives verbal commitment to Boise State

She waited until near signing day to make announce her destination.

The timeline in itself is not newsworthy, except South Kitsap junior Riley Dopps made her college decision a year early.

She committed to Boise State at the end of January over the Air Force Academy. Arizona State and Washington State also showed interest.

Dopps, who played several positions in 2009 to help the Wolves advance to the Class 4A state tournament for a second consecutive year, will join a program that won the Western Athletic Conference and had a 13-6-4 record last year. She visited the campus in mid-January.

“I liked the atmosphere down there, all the coaches and the girls,” Dopps said.

After watching others struggle with making their college decisions, Dopps said she is happy that her recruitment is complete. She also is finished with her Olympic Development Program soccer team, and will run track for the Wolves again this year. She wants to break the school record in the 400-meter dash.

Dopps said she also might run the 1,600, displaying similar versatility in track as on the soccer field. She spent the first half of the season as a defender for South before playing forward and midfield. She finished with five goals and four assists in 2009.

“Riley’s a game-changer,” South coach Julie Cain said after the season. “She’s so fast, tenacious and is able to take players on. She’s one of those players that can play anywhere on the field and perform well.”

Dopps said Boise State is recruiting her as an athlete, someone with the ability to play multiple positions, but suspects she will end up as a midfielder. That could set her up to face former South midfielder Christina Boddie, who signed with rival Idaho on Feb. 3.

“That will be interesting,” Dopps said. “I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her. I’m looking forward to the friendly rivalry.”

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

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