Devon Hamersley Will Head to Kansas Wesleyan University

“I’m headed to Kansas! I’m excited to play for Coach Dibbini on one of the top women’s soccer teams in the country (2011 record – 16-2-2, first in their conference) while studying Exercise Science / Kinesiology.  Kansas (K-Dub) offers immediate, hands-on training in this program, all in a small, classroom environment – something that should be perfect for me.  Thanks so much to coaches Gene DuChateau, Ron Benjamin and Bart Morefield for allowing me to play for Placer United. I have learned so much and Placer United has been like my family, opening up opportunities to speak to and be seen by MANY quality college coaches and programs.  Thanks to my parents for their encouragement and never letting me quit! Thanks to all my fellow players along the way who’ve challenged me to do better. And thanks to Coach Dibbini (and the rest of KWU’s women’s soccer coaching staff) for their investment in my abilities.  I’m excited and scared at the same time but looking forward to what comes next.  I wish my fellow teammates and their parents all the best. I will miss you all!”

—Devon

Mike Mazzoni Commits to William Jessup University

“I have recently accepted an athletic scholarship to William Jessup University.  It is a school where I can continue my soccer career playing for a NAIA division university.

After participating in two ID camps at William Jessup, I have come to realize the coaching staff not only has my soccer career in mind but my academic future is also very important to them.  They will help me grow, not only as a soccer player, but also as a student.  One of the other very important reasons I have chosen this university is because of its location.  Since it is located in Rocklin, I can experience a university life while still being close to home and family.  I felt for all these reason, William Jessup University is a perfect fit for me.

I would like to thank the entire Placer organization, especially Josh Fitzgerald, Thompson, Sh-Mike Callahan, Matt Scammacca, Kelsey Chidez, Paul O’Brien, Hugh Payne and Jason Gantt.  They have challenged me to the best of my abilities and made me the absolute best soccer player I could wish to be.  Because of the work ethic they have instilled in me over the years, I will be able to continue my soccer career at a college level.”

— Mikey Mazzoni

Sam Hutchinson Commits to Colorado Mesa University

“I have verbally committed to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. When I visited the school and spent some time with the coaching staff I knew CMU was the place for me. Getting the opportunity to play college soccer at such a high level is a dream come true.

I am so thankful for the support of my family and coaches throughout the years; they have committed so much of their time in helping me to achieve my goals. Although I only spent a short time with Placer United, the experience of competing in high level competition such as WCDA events really helped me get exposure to college coaches.

I would like to personally thank Kelcey Chaidez and Paul O’Brien for giving me a chance with Placer United. I also want to thank the coaches and players at United Futbol Academy, Carson High School, Nevada Wonders Academy and Nevada ODP that have also been instrumental in my development as a player.

Go Mavericks!”

—Sam

Avery Hutchinson Verbally Commits to William Jessup

“I am excited to say that I have recently verbally committed to William Jessup University. I fell in love with the coaching staff, the beautiful campus and the family-like feel of the school when I had visited the school in the past. I am pleased to be close to home and my family. I have not decided what I am going to study but I am looking forward to my adventure in figuring it out and I have no doubt this school will help me to accomplish that. I am thrilled and honored to attend WJU next year!

I would like to thank my parents for all their love and hard work and the time they have invested in my sports, as well as my family members who have always lifted me up and believed in me. Thank you to my coaches: Ron Benjamin, Leo Marin, Martin Sims and Anthony Baimas for helping me to develop into the player I am today. I couldn’t have done this without their support and encouragement.”

—Avery

Placer United Girls Show Well at Norcal State Cup Championships

The Placer United U11-U13 girls teams finished up their seasons recently in the Norcal State Cup Championships.  The Norcal Cup began last September with a number of preliminary games and ALL of our teams listed below placed in the Red (top) division of the Cup.

The U11 Elite won 2-1 in the Quarter-finals of the Red 2 group.  They went into the semi-finals against one of their rivals, CV Magic, and were upended 2-3.

The U12 Elite made it to the Red 2 Quarter-finals and were defeated by Pleasanton Rage 0-2.  The girls had a great tournament overall.

The U12 Premier had a great run in the Cup but took a loss to the FCA Dynamites 0-1 in the Quarter-finals of the Gold 3.

The U13 Elite won their Quarter-final match of the Red 2 group in PK’s vs NBEFC, 2-1.  They then moved on to the semi-finals and lost a heart-breaker to Pleasanton Rage 0-1.

Congrats to all of the teams on a fantastic run in the State Cup!

Marissa Griffin Commits to Sierra College

“I have recently decided to play for Sierra College for one of my favorite coaches, Jason Gantt.  I believe that Sierra will give me a chance to experience what college is all about while allowing me to stay close to home. I plan to complete my general education courses which will prepare me to obtain a degree in special education. Playing at Sierra will allow me to continue to grow as a soccer player. I want to thank my coach Ron Benjamin, my amazing, talented, and supportive soccer team, and especially grateful for the support of my family.”

—Marissa

Mary Mae Caldwell Verbally Commits to Cal State Fullerton

“I recently made my verbal commitment to Cal State Fullerton. I was first approached by Head Coach Demian Brown at the Thanksgiving Surf Tournament.  He asked if I had ever thought about playing D1 and I found myself a little stumped by this question. I had not; maybe I doubted my ability or maybe I had thought of the chance of playing D1 as unrealistic. But it was Coach Brown who saw my potential and opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities. I visited the campus and knew it was the place for me!  I’m looking forward to working hard and growing as a person and a player at Fullerton.

I want to thank my parents for all their sacrifice in helping me play soccer throughout my life, leading to this wonderful opportunity.  And to my brother who taught me so much about work ethic and persistence.  I knew when we moved from the Bay Area in my freshman year that I wanted to play for Placer United.  I want say thank you to my current Placer coach Gene and to Ron for helping prepare me for this next step.  And for my teammates – I will never forget you and will smile when I think of all the memories we have made!”

—Mary Mae

Former Placer United Player, Uriel Moreno, Invited to USA Team

At 20 years old, Uriel Moreno had earned many awards and accolades in his youth soccer career. He played recreation, competition, and high school soccer in Lincoln and during those years gravitated to higher and tougher challenges. Each level of competition was met with open-eyed determination. But nothing foreseen had prepared him for his current honor and distinguishable invitation.  Read More

Seth Casiple Earns U20 National Team Call Up

Former Placer United and California Development Academy stand out, Seth Casiple, was called up into the U.S. National U20 team camp January 2-9 in Florida. Seth was also awarded the “PAC 12 Freshman of the Year” for his outstanding play for Cal Berkeley during the 2011 college season, in addition to being named as “California Gatorade High School Player of the Year” in 2010.

Seth kept his soccer game at a high standard over the Christmas holiday by competing against other Placer United college players in the 7th Annual “Placer United Alumni Game”.

Everyone at Placer United congratulates Seth. Great job!

Placer United U13G Premier State Cup Finalist

Placer U13G Premier competed in U13 Girls Nor Cal White State Cup. When placed in the bracket for Round 2, Placer came out with two wins and one loss to clinch the #4 ranking for the quarterfinals in the Bronze 1 bracket.

The next weekend at Granite Park in Sacramento, Placer beat #5 Galt FC 98G 1-0 to move on to semifinals the next day. Placer played #1 Newark SC Galaxy99 and went down 0-1 a few minutes before halftime. Half way through the second half, Placer was fouled about 25 yards from goal. Lauren Koumelis blasted the set piece above the goalkeeper’s head to tie the game at 1-1. A scoreless overtime ensued which sent the team to penalty kicks. Goalkeeper, Aeris Hammock, came up huge with two saves to give Placer the win to advance to the finals.

The finals took place on Sunday, December 17, in Dublin, against Oakland Phantoms 99G. A scoreless game sent Placer into golden goal overtime. Unfortunately, Oakland scored on one of their first chances on goal throughout the whole game.

“I cannot be more proud of what the girls accomplished to finish out the season,” said Coach Sarah. “The girl’s drive and determination brought us to the finals where we played a fantastic game. Each and every player was a contributing factor to our success in State Cup!”

Congratulations to Placer United U13G Premier, finalists in White Bronze 1 U13 Girls Nor Cal State Cup!