BUFFALO TWP — The past 12 months have been a bit of a whirlwind for Kayla Eckman — not that she's minded it.

Most recently, the Freeport High junior helped lead the Yellowjackets girls soccer team to the WPIALClass AA quarterfinals, where they lost to No. 2 seed Greensburg Central Catholic.

Just before the start of the season, Eckman made a verbal commitment to play soccer at Ohio State University beginning in 2009.

And at the end of last season, Eckman was chosen to play for the under-17 national team, which she joined through the Olympic Developmental Program.

She will be heading to Boca Raton, Fla., in another week or so to play in a tournament that brings together players from the five regions.

"I tried out for the state team, then the regional team," said Eckman. "Then I went to Boca Raton (last Nov. 18), where I got looked at for the national team."

Sean Glackin, in his first season as Freeport's varsity coach, has worked with Eckman through the organization he coaches, Northern Crew.

"I consider her a technical finisher," said Glackin. "She has good vision on the ball and makes passes that you don't see at this level. She's a step above everyone else.

"She works very hard, too,"he added.

Eckman made her college choice early, narrowing her choices to the Buckeyes and Penn State.

"Honestly, I made my decision just walking on the field and being there," said Eckman. "When I was on the campus, I could see myself being there. I just loved the campus."

The thought of playing at a Division I school was something Eckman had dreamed of since she began playing, but knowing she could play at that level never sank in until recently.

"Probably this year because of playing on the national team and being asked to train in California," Eckman noted.

This season, Eckman registered 32 goals and 21 assists as the Yellowjackets went 16-4-1. She was named a Section 3-AA all-star, as well as earning all-WPIAL and all-state honors.

Last season, Eckman scored 42 goals as the Yellowjackets won their first section title. They also reached the WPIAL semifinals and qualified for the PIAAplayoffs.

The success is something Eckman is proud of, something that can help the Yellowjackets program continue to thrive.

"We have a big junior class," said Eckman. "We've all played since we were little. The girls are great. We work together and all want to play.

"I think the younger players look up to us a lot. We're kind of the big girls on campus. We have that huge class, and it's a very talented class," Eckman added.

That leadership is something that's not lost on Glackin.

"She's one of our captains and did a great job," said Glackin. "She's mentoring the young kids and have helped some of the youth teams in my organization (Northern Crew)."

Having already committed to Ohio State, Eckman knows there is still a lot to learn, especially when competing on the national level.

"I think when you play at that high level, you have to use your skill and you have to play at that level constantly, she said.