Morgan Andrews recently rescinded her verbal commitment to attend Boston College and will accept a soccer scholarship at the University of Notre Dame upon graduating from Milford High School next year.

Years ago, college coaches began pursuing the talents of this local soccer phenom, who simultaneously captains the U17 national team and the Spartans squad. The University of Maryland offered Andrews a soccer scholarship when she was an eighth grader. She verbally committed to Boston College as a sophomore.

“I don’t know if it’s a good (practice) for colleges to ask players when they are so young,” said Andrews, the 2011-2012 Gatorade National Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. She is the first-ever New Hampshire student-athlete so honored, and just the 20th to ever earn this distinction as a junior.

“I was 14 when I committed to Boston College and staying close to home was very important to me back then,” said Andrews, the New Hampshire Union Leader Soccer Player of the Year who tallied 83 goals and 35 assists in three seasons at Milford. “At 17, I’m more mature and realize that it’s OK going away from home.”

She’s already a frequent flyer. Andrews was competing on national age-group teams before high school. This past May, the 5-foot-9 midfielder helped the U17 national team win the CONCACAF championship in Guatemala. On Thursday, the team is flying to Croatia, and in the fall, it will compete in Azerbaijan.

Andrews is a regular participant at the U23 National Team’s camp in California.

“I am absolutely confident in my college choice now. Notre Dame is a great school with great facilities that really supports the sport. I’m confident the decision will help make me a better player,” said Andrews who aspires to play on U.S. World Cup and Olympic teams.

The Notre Dame women own three national championships and have advanced to the NCAA national tournament in 19 straight seasons. Head coach Randy Waldrum also coaches the U23 national team.

Andrews has played alongside Fighting Irish midfielder Mandy Laddish, an all-Big East Conference selection last season. Fellow U17 teammate Toni Payne of Birmingham, Ala., also intends to team with Andrews in South Bend.

“My dad said he’s going to get an RV, paint an Irish flag on one side, the (Notre Dame) leprechaun (logo) on the other and travel to all my games. I hope he’s just joking,” said Andrews.

Last week, Andrews attended the ESPYs in Los Angeles as one of the student athletes nominated to receive the 10th annual Gatorade High School Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award. Incoming University of Connecticut basketball player Breanna Stewart claimed the Female Athlete of the Year honor at a dinner emceed by ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott.

Andrews had a photograph taken with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and rubbed shoulders with professional athletes at the ESPYs. She also had an opportunity to train alongside fellow nominees. The personal trainer of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady conducted the workout.

“It was amazing being around so many amazing athletes. They’re all super competitive and hard workers. No one wanted to give up,” said Andrews.

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Eric Emmerling may be reached at eemmerling@unionleader.com.