Kayla Armstrong wanted to find a college where she could play soccer at a high level and study to become a pharmacist.

She found both at Drake.

Armstrong, an all-state player who helped Xavier win the Class 2A title last spring, has committed to the Bulldogs and will enroll as a freshman next year.

"I visited the campus and I sort of fell in love," she said Friday night. "It's close enough to home, so my parents can come to the games."

Armstrong collected 30 goals last season, the third-most in Class 2A, and had seven assists. She was named the captain of the all-tournament team at the 2A state meet and helped the Saints win their seventh straight title, an IGHSAU record in any sport.

Armstrong, a forward with ultra-quick moves and a strong shot, scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over North Scott in the championship game.

Armstrong visited Minnesota before committing to Drake. She said she enjoyed her trip to the Twin Cities.

"I really love that campus, but it was kind of too big," she said. "I just liked the private aspect of Drake. It's kind of like high school, but it's still bigger."

Armstrong is glad to have made the decision. "It's good knowing I don't have to worry about that the rest of high school," she said.

Drake competes in the Missouri Valley Conference and plays its home games at the Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines. The Bulldogs took a 9-2 record into Saturday's game against Missouri State.

"They've started off really well this year," Armstrong noted.

Drake Coach Lindsey Horner has been with the program for 10 years, including five years as the head coach. Katie Helmlinger of Cedar Rapids Kennedy is a sophomore on the Drake soccer team.