“I am very excited to commit to play for the University of California, San Diego. UCSD is my dream school for both academics and soccer. I cannot believe how quickly 13 years of playing soccer has gone by. It seems like just yesterday I was playing for the Rancho Cordova Stars, coached by my Mom and Papa. Now I am going to be a UC San Diego Triton!

After all of the ups and downs I have had throughout my soccer career, this is truly a dream come true. Soccer has been the single greatest aspect of my life that has shaped me into the individual I am today. It has made me stronger, both physically and mentally. Soccer has taught me the importance of capitalizing, and making the most of every opportunity, or minute, I am given. I feel so blessed to be given this opportunity to continue playing the sport I love, and cannot wait to begin this new chapter in my life.

There are several people who deserve special recognition for their impact on my soccer career. First, I want to thank my coach, Gene DuChateau. He is the world’s most kindhearted individual who has always had confidence in me. I am so fortunate to have been able to play for him (and be his “energizer bunny”) for three wonderful years. Secondly, I want to thank Coach Ron for his dedication to the Placer United program. I would also like to recognize my team for their friendship and constant support. The camaraderie of a team is a special relationship that cannot be replicated anywhere else. These girls are truly my second family.

Finally I would like to thank my family. I have the most supportive family in the entire world! At each and every game I know that there is always my little section of fans to cheer me on. Whether it be my Meme, Papa, Nana, T.T., sister, brother, dad or mom, I sincerely appreciate all you have sacrificed for me. I know that spending weekends at Cherry Island, or spending Thanksgivings at Surf Cup, is not always ideal, but it has meant so much to me. I love you all so much, and would not be in the position I am today if I weren’t for you. Thank you for everything!

GO TRITONS!”

—Kaitlyn

“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

“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

“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

“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