“For the last eight years I have played for Placer United Soccer Club and learned the fundamentals of what it takes to become a great soccer player, while pushing myself to be the best I could be. I have been coached by some of the best coaches who molded me into who I am today. After years of practice, endless injuries and countless tears, I am pleased to announce that I have committed to play soccer for Humboldt State University.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for all the sacrifices they have made to allow me to play competitive soccer. They have cheered me on and supported me for the last eight years while putting their wants and needs aside to support me.  I don’t think I could have made it through without them in my corner. Thank you dad, mom and Alyssa for being my biggest fans. 

I would like to thank  the following coaches in no particular order; John Chimienti, for listening to me when I said I wanted to play goalie and for always demanding my best. You never accepted less than perfection and continually pushed me for more. There were times I wanted to give up and walk away from the goal but you stood by me and believed in me. I will always remember when you would yell, “Sam steal the bacon! Can you do that for me?” That was code for “Sam get the damn ball”; Gene DuChateau with whom I had the pleasure of working with in the beginning of my goalie years and who taught me the basics of goalkeeping; Matt Scammacca, the one coach who truly believed I could play at the collegiate level despite my size. He listened to me and never stopped encouraging me; Matt Bernard, the coach who calls me “Loom-pah” “midget” and tells me I need to get taller. I wouldn’t have made this if it weren’t for you. You are one of the best goalie coaches I have ever had the honor to train with. Thank you for everything.

Lastly to Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo, thank you for the continued support throughout the entire college process. You have coached me during my best performances and supported me through my worst performances. You have seen me grow up in the club and have always been there to provide positive feedback. Thank you for all you did for me.

I will miss everyone, my coaches, my teammates and the Placer United Soccer Club. I am who I am today because of everyone that took the time to help me. I look forward to playing collegiate soccer at Humboldt  and I hope I make Placer proud. It was this club who got me to the next level.  GO JACKS!”

“I never thought that this time would come as fast as it did and I can now officially say that I have committed to California State University, Bakersfield. I love everything that CSUB has to offer both academically and athletically. I love all of my future teammates and I have a high respect for the coaching staff there as well. I can’t wait to be a part of a program moving in a positive direction.

Even though Placer has only been my home for three years, they have given me so much support and I couldn’t be more thankful. Without Placer United, I probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to play Division 1 soccer. I would like to thank my very first club coach, John DeMartini, for convincing me to play club soccer. It has clearly paid off John. Secondly, I would like to thank my coach of three years, Todd DeCarlo, for always supporting me and putting up with me on the good and bad days. Todd has pushed me to become a better player from the start and I am beyond grateful. My past and present teammates deserve a big shout-out and without them pushing me to be the best I can be, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Lastly, I would like to thank my family, especially my parents for their continuous support. They have invested so much time and money making sure that I receive the best soccer experience possible. In the words of Kevin Durant, “You the real MVP!” I am so happy that I’ll be finishing my club days with Placer United and I can’t wait to see what CSUB has to offer me!” — Elle Estes

”I am extremely honored to announce that I have committed to play for William Jessup University. It has been a dream of mine to play for WJU since 5th grade and to now be able to call WJU my home is still surreal. I would not be where I am if it were not for my family, trainers, and coaches who pushed me farther than I believed I was capable. I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for going above and beyond to ensure that my dreams came true. They have given me their time and love and for that I will always be grateful. I also have to thank three trainers that have not only pushed me out for my comfort zones, but also infused belief into me that with hard work and dedication, I could achieve my dreams. These trainers are Jenny Wood, Chris Star and Matt Bernard. Next, I absolutely want to thank coaches Todd Decarlo and Ron Benjamin for giving me the opportunity to play for Placer. My time with the Club has been short, but in this short time I have learned and grown so much which enabled me to see this dream come true. Last, and certainly not least, I would like to thank Coach Jamie Howard of WJU Women’s Soccer Team for giving me the chance to join her team and grow along with them.

I am so excited for all that is ahead. I look forward to giving 150% while continuing to play, develop and train this season with Placer as I prepare for the transition to WJU Women’s Soccer.” — Emily Lemos