Hanna Gardner had always thought about playing for a college team "far away" from Chapel Hill, at least in another state. Until the University of North Carolina called.

Gardner, after signing on to play women's soccer for UNC next fall, was one of four East Chapel Hill student-athletes recognized at a ceremony at the high school. Classmates joining her on the dais included football's William Heine (Georgetown), basketball player Michael Newton (Bates) and field hockey's Margo Richardson (Rhodes).

"I'm very happy that Hanna's going to be right downtown where we can see her play with all the other Wildcats," said Mark Kadlecik, who coached Gardner at East Chapel Hill.

A defender and midfielder, Gardner also played for the CASL Chelsea club team. She will be re-joining East Chapel Hill 2011 alumnae Ferrell Sweeney and Caitlin Ball on Anson Dorrance's Carolina team.

"I'd always thought it would be awesome to be part of that program," she said. "I originally wanted to go far away, but getting an offer from a school like Carolina is just too hard to turn down."

Heine, a 6-5, 280-pound offensive tackle for East coach Bill Renner, had little trouble making up his mind for Georgetown, where his brother James plays baseball for the Hoyas.

"My brother is there, and it's a really good school," Heine said. "The football program is at the level where think I can be really successful."

Richardson is perhaps best known for striking the game-winning goal last fall for East Chapel Hill's fourth straight state championship in field hockey, coached by Susan Taylor. Richardson chose Rhodes in part because of its location in Memphis, Tenn. Former East teammate Samantha Anscher, an all-academic defender, touted the school to Richardson.

"The moment I stepped foot on campus, I thought it was gorgeous," Richardson said. "It's right in the middle of Memphis. I'm interested in research. St. Jude's (Hospital) is right there, and the opportunities for internships are great."

Academics played a major role in Newton's decision to choosing Bates over Denison and three other top schools. Newton, who made 2120 on his SATs, likes the athletic-academic mix at the Maine school, located 19 miles from where his sister, Helen, attends Bowden.

"Academically and athletically, Bates is competitive. It's like a perfect fit," said Newton, a 6-4 forward for Ray Hartsfield's basketball team.