All posts by PUSC

College Bound

2027 Grad Ayden Scammacca of 08/09B ECNL Commits to the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara

“I want to thank my Mom, Dad, Sister, Aunt Shami, Grandpa, Cain, and the rest of my family for always supporting me and helping me get to this point. I also want to thank Coach Jason, Bryan, Don, Kevin, Ben, Marcus, Manny, Kelcey, and Araia for everything they’ve done for me as a player. I also want to thank Placer United and the local soccer community for all their support. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I’m excited for what’s next!” —Ayden Scammacca

 

Del Oro High School
Class of 2027
College Bound

Goalkeeper Addy Parsons of U19 08/09G ECNL Commits to the Chico State Wildcats

“I am beyond grateful and excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic journey at Chico State University!

First, I want to thank my family for every sacrifice you’ve made for me. To my mom and dad, thank you for every early morning and long trip, and for your never-ending love and support. I could not do this without you.

To Aubrey, who has never left my side, and all of my teammates who have become my second family, thank you for being such a huge part of my journey.

And to every part of my extended family who never fails to make the best cheering section, I am so grateful to have you all in my corner, and I am beyond thankful for each and every one of you!

To my coaches, Chris, Zach, Ron, Todd, Bashar, Jordan, and Steve, thank you for believing in me and constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself, on and off the pitch.

Finally, a huge thank you to Coach Halle, Johnny, and Dan for this incredible opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited to begin this next chapter. Here’s to the next four. Go Wildcats!” — Addy Parsons 

Whitney High School
Class of 2027
News

Placer United Alumna, Kellie Pagador, Called Up to Philippine Women’s National Team

Placer United alumna Kellie Pagador is returning to the international stage after being called up to the Philippine Women’s National Football Team as the Filipinas prepare to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Pagador has joined the national team for its October FIFA international window, which included two friendlies against Peru on October 9 and 13 in Chincha, Peru.

Her selection represents an exciting new chapter in a soccer journey that began here in Northern California and took her from Placer United to Stanford University—and now to the senior international level.

A Roseville native and Antelope High School graduate, Pagador joined Placer United in 2013. During her youth career, she earned United Soccer Coaches All-American honors at both the U17 and U19 levels and was named to the U16/17 Development Academy West Conference Best XI.

She went on to play four seasons for Stanford University from 2021–2024, appearing in 66 matches with 37 starts as a defender and logging more than 3,300 minutes for one of the nation’s premier collegiate programs.

Pagador helped Stanford capture the 2022 Pac-12 Championship and reach consecutive NCAA College Cups in 2023 and 2024. A team captain during her senior season, she was also recognized for her classroom achievements, earning 2024 CSC Academic All-District and ACC All-Academic honors, along with two Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll selections.

Her path back to international soccer makes this latest accomplishment especially meaningful.

After suffering an ACL injury during her senior season, Pagador stepped away from competitive soccer as she began the next chapter of her academic and professional life. A Psychology graduate from Stanford, she worked as a research coordinator in Stanford’s Mind & Body Lab, studying areas including mindset, health, performance, and healing.

She has since begun pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Texas, where she is also part of the Center for Sport Psychology and Athlete Mental Health. Her research interests include psychological resilience during injury recovery, mindset interventions, athlete identity, body image and eating behaviors.

Now, nearly two years after her final collegiate season, soccer has opened another remarkable door.

Pagador brings previous international experience to the opportunity. She was part of the U.S. Youth National Team system beginning in 2017 and competed internationally with U.S. youth teams in China and Italy.

Her October call-up, however, marks a new opportunity with the Philippines as the Filipinas build toward the 2027 World Cup.

Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso specifically identified Pagador among the new players being evaluated during the October window, describing her as a “fresh face” as the program looks for players who can compete for a place on its World Cup roster.

For Placer United, we are incredibly proud to follow Kellie’s journey. From a young player developing in our club to Stanford captain, scholar, researcher, and doctoral student—and now a Philippine Women’s National Team call-up—her story reflects achievement far beyond the soccer field.

Congratulations, Kellie! Your Placer United is proud of you and excited to see where this next chapter takes you.

College Bound

Cielo Sellers, 08/09G ECNL-RL, Commits to Santa Barbara City College

“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be playing soccer at Santa Barbara City College! I’m very thankful for my family, friends, trainer Victor from Top Notch Soccer, and Coach Steve from Placer United for their guidance and support in helping me reach this milestone. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to play for Coach Adrian Gonzalez and Coach Alex Zermeno at SBCC. 

I’m looking forward to beginning this new chapter and to contributing to the team.”—Cielo Sellers
Placer High School – Class of 2027
College Bound

Connor Johnson, 08/09B ECNL Goalkeeper, Commits to Sacramento State University

“I am extremely blessed to commit to California State University, Sacramento!

I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for blessing me with this opportunity. I also want to thank my Mom and Dad for always supporting me and for all the time you have spent helping me succeed.

I also want to thank my coaches who developed me over the years. Thank you, Coach Bashar, for helping shape me into the goalkeeper I am today. Thank you, Coach Jason, Coach Don, Coach Kevin, and all of my other coaches who helped me throughout the years.

Thank you to Placer United for the amazing soccer community I have been fortunate to experience over the years. And thank you to all my teammates who have pushed me and developed alongside me every day.

I am extremely excited for this next chapter. Stingers Up!“—Connor Johnson

#Granite Bay High School
College Bound

2028 Grad Gabriella Jowers of U17G ECNL 09/10 Commits to the Pack of the University of Nevada-Reno

“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to play D1 soccer at the University of Nevada, Reno!

First, a massive thank you to my family for always believing in me. To my mom and dad, who have sacrificed their time, money, and so much more to support my goals no matter what. To my older sister Alice, my #1 fan, my biggest role model, and my best friend.

Thank you to all my teammates and coaches at Placer United, especially Coach Ron, Coach Todd, and Coach Olman, for helping me develop into a better person and player.

I also want to thank Coach Trust Ncube for all the extra training and for reminding me that fútbol is life!

Lastly, I want to give a big thanks to Coach Jeremy, Coach Jenn, Coach Lo, and Coach Tristen for giving me this amazing opportunity! I can’t wait to start this next chapter!

Go Pack!” —Gabriella Jowers
College Bound

Audrey Cantwell, U19G ECNL Commits to the Warriors of William Jessup University

“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue both my athletic and academic career at Jessup University.

To My Coaches Throughout the Years:

Thank you for constantly pushing me to improve, challenging me, and having faith in my abilities. Each of you has played a vital role in helping me grow not only as a player, but also as a person. Thank you for teaching me patience and resilience. I am incredibly grateful for your guidance these past years.

 

To My Mom and Dad:

Thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made so I could achieve this. Thank you for all the time you’ve spent at out-of-town showcases, late-night practices, and early morning games. Thank you for always believing in me during the highs and lows. Your continuous support, encouragement, and love mean more to me than I can express. I love you so much!

 

To Coach Amsalu and the Jessup Coaching Staff:

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity to further my athletic and academic career. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and what the future will bring!—Audrey Cantwell 
GO WARRIORS!
#Woodcreek High School