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Troy High School girls soccer player Mary Flores neared the final stage of her recruiting journey on National Signing Day much wiser about herself and the process.

The 17-year-old planned to sign her National Letter of Intent with USC on Wednesday or Thursday, the first two days student-athletes can sign for sports other than football.

“I’m super excited,” she said. “The weight is done. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point, to play Division I soccer.”

Troy girls soccer player Mary Flores planned to sign with USC on Wednesday or Thursday. She recently played for Mexico in the FIFA under-17 World Cup in India. (Photo courtesy of Troy girls soccer).

Flores, a gifted forward/midfielder, committed to Stanford in the fall of 2021 but decommitted early this past summer. She committed to the Trojans in mid-July.

Flores said she was in the process of applying to Stanford but saw an uncertain pathway to the soccer program because it depended on her acceptance to the university. She added that she began to feel more comfortable with USC and believed it was the better fit for her happiness.

Flores, who carries a 4.1 grade-point average, said the process helped her understand herself better and the importance of having options and strong support like her family.

“I learned a lot about myself,” she said of her recruitment. “It was a good experience and an eye-opener.”

Flores had another remarkable experience at the recent FIFA under-17 World Cup in India. She started for Mexico throughout the tournament, scoring a goal in a victory against Spain.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” she said.

BIG DAY FOR O.C. SCHOOLS

Several high schools in Orange County held large “Signing Day” events on Wednesday where athletes were surrounded by their family members, friends and teammates as they made their college choices official.

One of the biggest gatherings was at Santa Margarita, which had 34 student-athletes take part. It was an all-time high for the school.

Mater Dei’s ceremony featured 28 athletes and Los Alamitos had 18 signees.

TWINS TAKE DIFFERENT PATHS TO COLLEGE 

Laguna Beach twin sisters Lauren and Jordan Schneider took different routes in committing to USC and Michigan, respectively, for water polo.

Lauren has been a standout since her freshman season, earning All-County honors. Jordan spent two years on the junior varsity before reaching the varsity level last winter.

“I’m so proud of my sister,” Lauren said Wednesday. “She may not have been in the spotlight in her early years but she is now a top contributor to the team and I know she will make a big impact to the Michigan women’s water polo program.”

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WILL BURNS PLANS TO BE BUSY 

Will Burns of Trabuco Hills planned to sign Wednesday with Texas Tech for baseball.

The senior also starred at quarterback for the Mustangs football team this fall, and he aims to play football and baseball at the Big 12 Conference school.