GROVE CITY - It wasn't the soccer program at Ashland (Ohio) University that piqued Ashley McKnight's interest.

It was a certain course of study that did.

Not one to conform with the status quo, either on and off the soccer field, McKnight was intrigued by the toxicology major offered by Ashland.

"When I was looking for colleges, I was looking for something in forensics," McKnight said. "Then, I saw Ashland offered toxicology. I hadn't seen that at any other college. It really interested me."

McKnight's soccer skills interested Ashland's coach, John Hall.

It didn't take long for the two to conclude theirs would be a good match.

So now the Grove City High senior will study toxicology and play soccer at Ashland in the fall.

"Ashland was the only school I visited," McKnight said. "They were so friendly to me. When I met with the admissions person, they made me feel welcome."

Hall saw McKnight play at a college combine for soccer players in February. The Cleveland combine allowed some of the best regional recruits to show off their wares in what amounted to pickup games.

McKnight, who played center-midfield for the Eagles, scored 16 goals, had 13 assists and helped Grove City to an undefeated regular season.

Eagles' coach Ernie DeSue said he believes McKnight can make an immediate impact with Ashland, one of the most respected Division II soccer programs around.

"I believe she has an opportunity to," DeSue said. "I think she will be an asset anywhere they play her."

McKnight is very versatile. She played outside-midfield for the Erie Admirals, a Premier team. She also played various positions for the Pittsburgh Strikers.

"That experience is invaluable," DeSue said. "It's one thing playing in high school; it's another to play with a select team that picks the best players."

"I just wanted to play," McKnight said.

Now she will get that opportunity with a program that is 66-6-6 in the last four years.

Ashland went 19-2-1 last season and lost in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.

That team lost four seniors to graduation, but McKnight isn't taking anything for granted.

"(Hall) didn't really tell me anything about playing time," McKnight said. "I figure I can learn a lot from watching them play."