“I am extremely blessed to announce my verbal commitment to play Division 1 soccer and further my academic career at Saint Mary’s College! I want to thank God for guiding me through a journey that has led to this wonderful opportunity. I am so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, and players for their support and for shaping me into the player/ person I am today. So excited for the next four! Go Gaels!”—Marissa Ow 
“I’m incredibly blessed and excited to announce my commitment to play D2 soccer and continue my academic career at Cal State San Marcos! I want to thank God for guiding me along this journey and also thank Coach Ron for my development, as well as Coaches Bobby and Ryan for this fantastic opportunity. I’d also like to thank my family, friends, and teammates who have supported me throughout the years! Can’t wait for the next 4!” —Isla Sieber 
#gocougs #csusm
Ryan Hollingshead’s Major League Soccer career reached a remarkable milestone this season as the veteran defender celebrated his 300th MLS appearance — a testament to both his longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport.
A product of Placer United Soccer Club in Northern California, Ryan honed his skills locally before making a name for himself at UCLA, where he was an All-American standout. In 2013, he was selected by FC Dallas in the MLS SuperDraft, but unlike most, Ryan delayed the start of his professional career. Instead, he chose to honor a personal promise — helping his brother Scott build Harvest Bible Chapel, a new church in Sacramento. Guided by faith and family, this decision reflected the depth of his character.
In 2017, his journey took another dramatic turn. While aiding a stranded motorist during icy conditions, Ryan was struck by a car, suffering three broken vertebrae in his neck. His future in soccer seemed uncertain. But in true Hollingshead fashion, he defied the odds. After months in a neck brace and intense rehab, he returned to the field just four months later and went on to appear in 18 games that same season. His courage earned him the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year award for his selflessness.
After nearly a decade with FC Dallas, Ryan was traded to LAFC in February 2022, where he quickly became a key piece of the backline. His consistent performances and leadership helped fuel LAFC’s success in league play and beyond.
Most recently, Hollingshead and LAFC faced Chelsea FC in a highly anticipated Club World Cup match. Despite a challenging 2–0 loss, Ryan was a standout performer, pushing forward relentlessly and coming close to scoring with a stunning 30-yard strike. The result may not have gone their way, but Hollingshead’s class and competitiveness on the global stage once again highlighted the career of a player who has overcome every obstacle placed in his path.
From building churches to building defenses, Ryan Hollingshead’s story is one of grit, grace, and gratitude — and he’s far from done writing it.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Mexican National Team has scouted Placer United’s Kairi Payan during a recent futsal tournament. She is invited to the El Camino – Regional Talent ID Camp for outdoor play!
In a letter received from Diego Slobotzky, Head of Mexican National Teams Competitions, he wrote, “Kairi’s game vision, soccer IQ, offensive drive, and precise passing caught the eye of national scouts—earning her this exciting opportunity through El Camino, the Mexican Federation’s premier talent identification program in the U.S.
The scouts were clear: while no game is without mistakes, Kairi’s performance stood out, and they’re eager to continue evaluating her between June 13-18 in Sacramento.” This opportunity is a big step in Kairi’s soccer journey—and just the beginning of what we hope will be a bright future!
The Payan family credits Placer United Soccer Club as a cornerstone of Kairi’s development. “The support, guidance, and high-level training she’s received have helped shape her into the player—and person—she is today,” said Kairi’s father, Oscar Payan.
“We’re proud of Kairi and inspired by her commitment, humility, and work ethic,” said Ron Benjamin, Placer United Director of Girls Coaching. “She knows there’s still a long road ahead—but she’s ready to chase her dream and represent with pride.”
Let’s go, Kairi!
“I’m so blessed to announce my commitment to play soccer, further my education, and grow in faith for the next four years at Saint Norbert College in Wisconsin! I have so many people to thank, specifically Coach Todd DeCarlo and the placer staff pushing and supporting me. I wanted to thank my parents for being at my side and having my back since the beginning; I’d like to thank God for all the blessings and direction, and lastly, Coach Katie Gunns at Saint Norbert for this opportunity.” — Jeana Wuchter 
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to Sierra College to continue my athletic and academic career. I want to thank my parents for always being there and supporting me, as well as Coach Todd and the Placer United staff for always pushing me to improve on the field. Lastly, a big thank you to Coach Jason Gantt for this exciting opportunity!” — Alicia DeLeon 
“I am beyond grateful to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Sierra College. All of this would not be possible without the support of my family and friends. I would also like to thank my coach, Todd DeCarlo, for his support and push to get me where I am today. Lastly, I want to thank coach Jason Gantt at Sierra College for this amazing opportunity!” — Megan Link
“I am excited to announce my commitment to American River College. I want to thank Coach Paul Hansen for giving me this opportunity. I thank my Placer coaches, Paul Valdez, Emre Gencer, and Ron Benjamin. I would also like to thank my high school coaches, Trevor Harris and Mauricio Chavez. I would also like to dedicate this to Coach Matt Scammacca. I want to thank my family, who have supported me since the first day of my soccer journey. I wouldn’t be in this position without them. I would also like to thank all my friends and teammates who made my soccer journey fun. I’m looking forward to what comes next. Go Beavers!” — Carlos Diaz 
“I’m extremely blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and athletic career by playing D1 soccer at Texas Christian University. Most importantly, I want to thank God for this amazing opportunity. Thank you to all the coaches who have helped me along the way, especially Coach Sarah Fawcett and Ron Benjamin, who have shaped me into the player I am today. Thank you to my family for always supporting me throughout these 13 years of playing soccer. I’m so excited for this next chapter in my life. Go Frogs!”—
Gia Costanzo
“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Sierra College! I want to thank my Coach, Todd DeCarlo, and all the closest people who believed in me. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for their endless support on and off the field. Lastly, I’d like to thank Sierra’s coaching staff for giving me this amazing opportunity! GO WOLVERINES!” —Kaniya Destin