Like so many athletes that choose to further their sporting careers at the University of Texas, Lake Travis sophomore Amy Neal never really had a choice that was a close second.

The dynamic outside hitter verbally committed to the No. 2 program in the nation last week, and the choice was easy.

“I love all of the coaches and I love the campus,” Neal said. “The entire staff is so much fun and I know a ton of people going there, both the commits in front of me and even some that might play behind me.”

More than anything, though, she wanted to go to a school where she could compete for a national title. Even if that meant she wouldn’t be recruited as an outside hitter. The Longhorns would likely play Neal on the back row.

“Through the whole process, my mom asked me what was most important to me and how I saw myself playing at the next level,” Neal said. “I told her I wanted to play at the highest level and wanted to play for national championships.”

She was able to sort that out after dealing with the shock of being targeted by colleges so early in her career.

“It’s a huge honor. I never thought it would happen,” Neal said. “And now, I feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders. Both my mom and I were really stressed out for a while.”

It’s not hard to imagine why the process has been so stressful, either. Neal had also paid visits to Baylor, Pepperdine, UCLA, Texas A&M and Virginia. That would have been just the beginning if she hadn’t made a decision so early.

“I know she’s had a few offers, but I think if she had waited, things would have gotten really hectic for her,” Lake Travis head coach Julie Green said. “We’re excited for her. She represents our program really well. She’s humble, puts the team first and does everything we ask of her and more.”

Neal is not alone on the recruiting front, either. According to Green, sophomores Mackenzie Mayo, Katy Beals and Piper Toler are all already considering schools. It doesn’t hurt that the Lady Cavs also just go a move-in, Sierra Patrick, who is also getting the attention of DI schools.

“That’s just the start, really,” Green said. “There are girls that will get more attention from schools as they play more club volleyball.”

Like in every other instance, Neal led the way by making the first college choice, and now she hopes she can focus all of her attention on a state championship.

“I think we’re going to be amazing next year,” Neal said. “We have every position covered, we’ve played together a while and we’re already really good. It’s going to be awesome.”

Asked if the pressure of expectations would be too much for her and her teammates – both now and at Texas – Neal shrugged it off.

“I guess it can be a little nerve-wracking,” she said. “But honestly, I don’t really get nervous. I just go out and play. I don’t think it will phase us.”

Neal was the only six-rotation player for the 46-4 Region IV finalists last year, the unanimous MVP of District 25-4A and averaged over four kills per game, with 538 total on the year.

She joins past Lake Travis DI commits Morgan Hendrix (Alabama), Meredith Murphy (Central Florida) and Honor Hinkle (New Mexico State).