Palm Harbor soccer player Cory Amend heading to Flagler College

After four years in Pinellas County's most successful high school girls soccer program, Palm Harbor University defender Cory Amend will make the transition to college athlete at Division II Flagler College.

The senior officially inked her letter of intent at a signing day event after school last Wednesday to become the St. Augustine private college's newest back-line player.

"I was really excited," Amend said over the phone on Wednesday. "The players, my parents, the coaches, the boosters and administration, everyone was there for it."

As a varsity athlete for all four years at PHU, Amend was part of back-to-back state championship teams, in 2009 and 2010.

She typically played either right or middle back and was a key piece of the Hurricanes' nearly impenetrable defense. The 2010 championship team allowed only four goals all season and this year's Class 6A region finalist surrendered seven.

Amend was selected to represent PHU on the Pinellas Team during the annual Senior Soccer Challenge on March 12 at Countryside High School.

"I think that playing for Palm Harbor and playing for Coach (John Planamenta) really did motivate me after seeing previous seniors getting scholarships and going to college," Amend said. "Coach P really knows how to get you going and get your skill up if you want to play in college to pursue those dreams."

While Amend noticeably improved each year at PHU, Planamenta said, he could see college ball in her future from the start.

"When she was younger you know someone like that can play somewhere. She really grew as a player and as a person all four years. She'll do well at Flagler."

Amend, who played club soccer with HC United in Tampa, verbally committed to be a Flagler Saint last July and was on the school's recruiting radar after attending numerous showcase camps.

"I felt comfortable being around the campus and it's away from home but still close enough," she said of why Flagler was it. "I love it there. You've got everything you need right around you."

Having a source intimately familiar with the St. Augustine information constantly on hand probably didn't hurt, either. Flagler is Planamenta's alma mater and where he played his college soccer.

"I try to give the best, unbiased opinion as I can," Planamenta said with a laugh. "It's a small school, but if you understand that it's a great one to be at."

In terms of soccer, Amend will join a team bursting with potential this fall. The Saints posted a 5-10-2 record while playing through growing pains in 2010. If the roster holds steady for 2011, Amend will be part of a freshman class joining only two seniors, 11 juniors and 11 sophomores.

Fall semester will now represent the culmination of hard work, patience and improvement for Amend.

"Back when I was a freshman I never knew if I'd have the chance to play in college or not," she said. "But as the years went on, I went to camps, Coach P encouraged me, I got my chance and here I am, going to Flagler."