When you've got talent this big, sometimes the best move is the one that keeps you close to home. That's exactly what PikeView soccer standout Chauntel Dunn decided to do, signing on to play for Concord University this past Friday.

Dunn, who recently earned an honorable mention from the state coaches association for her stellar play on the girls' soccer field, will be taking her skills just a short drive down the road to Athens. It's a move that keeps her in familiar territory—and close to the family that's supported her every step of the way.

Initially, Dunn had her sights set on Virginia Tech, where she planned to pursue vet school. But the pull of Concord proved too strong to ignore. "At first I wasn't going to do it, but then I came back around to it," Dunn shared. "When I didn't get to play at the beginning of the season because of my injury, it brought back memories of how I always wanted to play and I do want to play."

That kind of resilience is exactly what coaches look for in a player. And while she's excited for the next chapter, Dunn admits she'll miss the people who helped her get here—the coaching staff at PikeView and the friends she made along the way.

For a player who's already proven she can bounce back from adversity, Concord is getting more than just a skilled athlete. They're getting someone who knows the value of playing for something bigger than yourself.