“I am extremely ecstatic to announce my commitment to Loyola Marymount University; I will be joining them in the fall of 2018 as a Lion! From the time I knocked my play pen over at my sisters’ soccer games, to now, all I wanted was to be on that field playing the beautiful game of soccer. Playing college ball has always been a dream of mine and I am eternally grateful to everyone who has helped me achieve this goal. First, I would like to thank LMU, Coach Myers, Coach Kagan, and Coach Shoop, for the opportunity to play the game I love at such a prestigious program and captivating school. I want to thank the Randolph Soccer Club (now FC Sonora) in Tucson, Arizona for sponsoring my first soccer team (Pumalitas) and helping spark my interest and desire for the game. I want to thank AYSO Region 206 and the Tucson Mountain Soccer Club for facilitating early development and enjoyment of the game. I want to thank all the coaches, staff and players at the Tucson Soccer Academy, especially Coach Jeff Rogers, for building my foundation of soccer that has helped me to grow as a player to where I am today. Thanks to the Tracy Futbol Club for providing my first opportunity at club soccer after moving from Arizona. A sincere thanks goes to Marlon Fernandez, Stuart Rafferty, and the West Coast Soccer Club for helping me develop my skills for the game. Thank you to Philippe Blin, Walter Pratte, John Byford and ALL the coaches, past teammates, and older players at Pleasanton Rage Soccer Club for helping me develop the fine points of the game in an important part of my development phase as a player. To my sister, Jasmine, I want to thank her for all her off-the-field and on-the-field support, especially the benefits of playing with an elite player. To my sister, Skye, I want to thank her for all her college advice and her encouragement towards doing what was right through determination and desire. To my mother, Gina, I want to thank her for all her succor during my hardships and for always having my back through thick and thin. To my father, Andrew, I want to thank him for everything that he has ever done; driving me to my events, taking the time that he didn’t have out of his schedule just to help me improve myself, and always being there when no one else was to remind me of my roots and my morals. A huge thank you to my River City High School coach, Kamal Singh, his entire staff and all my teammates, for welcoming us and our family and providing me a home where I could continue to grow as a player, leader, person and felt comfortable expressing myself both on and off the field. I would also like to thank Paolo Bonomo and the entire PDP staff for helping develop my game to the next level and to Tyler Gottschalk and the entire ODP staff for helping me showcase my talents and refine my skills. A special thanks to Zabi Azizpor, Atiq Samady and ALL the players within the Itifaq Afghan Soccer Club of Tracy California; you showed the character and kindness to allow a female player to experience the game as it should be played – with passion and creativity. A most special thanks to my current club coach Ron Benjamin, Placer United teammates and Placer United staff; from day one, they were always open and accepting of me and have truly helped me become a better player and person. Thank you to ALL the other coaches and players in Tucson and NorCal who have allowed me to join in and train with them over the years. If it weren’t for ALL these WONDERFUL people I would never be where I am today and for that I will never be forgetful of my past, never be complacent of the present, and never be apathetic of my future; I will always be honored and humbled. I can’t wait to begin my roaring career with LMU!” — Sydney Schultz
