Northfield Mount Hermon captain Louis Gazo commits to Vermont

Louis Gazo, left, against Worcester Academy. (Mike Gridley/New England Soccer Journal)

Louis Gazo received an early Christmas present this year, more so than being named a High School All-American by the United Soccer Coaches.

Gazo, a standout at center back and center mid for Northfield Mount Hermon, recently committed to the University of Vermont. After receiving interest from Boston College and Brown, among others, the Colchester, Vt., native decided to stay local for his Division I future.

"After visiting a lot of places, I realized that family is the most important part of where I want to end up," Gazo said. "I want to be in an area I know and where I trust the program and coach. I also want to play high-level soccer with a good education and social life."