By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

For LaGrange High’s Caroline Thompson, finding the right college wasn’t just about soccer.

Thompson knew she wanted to keep playing the sport she loves in college, but she didn’t want that to be the sole factor in her decision-making process.

So Thompson went through the process, made campus visits, did her research, and made her choice.

On Thursday afternoon during a ceremony in the LaGrange High media center, Thompson unveiled her decision.

Thompson, with her friends, family members, teammates and coaches there to share the moment with her, announced that she’ll be attending the University of North Georgia where she’ll play soccer.

“I met the girls up there, and they’re awesome, and they’re welcoming,” Thompson said. “They’re just great girls all around, and the coach as well. I could really see myself going to North Georgia even if soccer wasn’t in the picture. That was kind of the deciding factor.”

North Georgia is getting an exceptional player who knows how to put the ball in the net.

During a memorable junior season, Thompson scored 30 goals while helping LaGrange win a third consecutive Region 5-AAAA championship and advance to the second round of the state tournament.

Andy Fritchley, who coaches the LaGrange High team along with Colin Ross, believes Thompson’s willingness to keep pushing herself is a key factor in her development.

“What I really appreciate about Caroline is that she’s never satisfied with where she’s at,” Fritchley said. “That to me is the sign of a really elite player. Someone who’s driven. Someone who wants to put in the work, and knows that I can be just a little bit better on the ball.”

Thompson, who said it’s been a goal of hers to play in college “for a long time,” is grateful to have this process over with.

“It’s like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “I know where I’m going to go. It’s awesome.”

Thompson has one more season of high-school soccer remaining, and she and her teammates have set a high bar.

The Lady Grangers have not only won three straight region titles, but they haven’t even lost a region game during that stretch.

LaGrange has also enjoyed success in the playoffs, including one trip to the state quarterfinals.

Thompson enjoyed an extraordinary junior season, and she was named the Region 5-AAAA player of the year.

Thompson had 19 goals as a freshman when LaGrange made it to the third round of the state playoffs, and she had 20 goals as a sophomore.