Category Archives: College Bound

Placer United Alumni Reunion

Placer alumni Cody Sundquist, Estaban Zepeda, Zac Wong, and Cameron Douglas, all reconnected at last night’s PAC 12 UCLA versus SDSU game in San Diego.

UCLA players Cody and Cameron were in high spirits as they beat San Diego 2-1 with Cody scoring the winning goal in overtime.

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Great job guys! Go Placer!

Manuri Alwis Commits to UC Santa Barbara


“I am so excited to announce that I have verbally committed to further my academic and soccer career at the University of California, Santa Barbara! I’m thrilled that I was able to find a school that will push me athletically and academically.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my parents who’ve always taught me to be the best version of myself. They’ve spent countless amounts of time and energy to support me through doing what I love. I would also like to thank my sister who has been my best friend and outlet throughout my life. During my four years at Placer, I’ve been surrounded by an amazing environment that supports and pushes me. I’d like to thank my coaches Ron Benjamin, Don Finley, and Katie Burton who have all shaped me into the player that I am. Additionally, I’d like to thank all of my teammates, throughout the years, who’ve truly become some of my closest friends.

Finally, I’d like to thank coaches Paul Stumpf, Gof Boyoko, and Mario Felix for this fantastic opportunity. Go, Gauchos!” —Manuri Alwis

Ava Willey Is Headed to Sierra College Wolverines Women’s Soccer

“I am incredibly thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic career at Sierra College. I am truly blessed and would like to thank my coaches Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo for helping me improve as a competitive soccer player, and also to Jason Gantt for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my parents for spending countless hours making sure I made it to every practice, game, and tournament. I’m excited to be spending my next two years close to home! Go Wolverines!” —Ava Willey 

Emma Schafer, 02/03 Development Academy, Commits to U.C. Davis

“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of California, Davis. I am very fortunate to have found a top university that also has a wonderful Division I soccer program. 

There’s no way to thank my family enough for spending countless hours on the road to get me to games and practices and for supporting me through the ups and downs. You guys are my biggest fans!  Being a part of Placer United for seven years has truly shaped who I am as a soccer player. I want to thank all of my coaches, especially Kevin Unsworth, Don Finley and Ron Benjamin for pushing me to my full potential and instilling in me a genuine love for the game. I would also like to express my gratitude to my teammates for their friendship, support and always bringing a competitive mindset to training and games.

Thank you to Coach Twila Kaufman and Coach Rachael Collins for this fantastic opportunity and for making the recruiting process an enjoyable experience.

 Go Placer & Go Aggies!” —Emma Schafer

Kirsten Webb Commits to University of California, San Diego

“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic career at the University of California, San Diego. I am truly blessed and would not have had this opportunity without the amazing people God has put into my life. I would like to thank Coach Ron Benjamin who, from the beginning, has always pushed me to work hard and to be a leader on and off the field. Also, I would like to thank coaches Todd Decarlo, Paul O’Brien, Jimmy Frazelle, and Joe Black, as they all have impacted me in different and wonderful ways. Placer United has been my home away from home since age seven, and I could never imagine having the same soccer experience at any other club. Thank you to my family for being incredibly loving and supportive throughout all of my years of soccer, continuously challenging me to persevere regardless of the circumstance. You have taught me the importance of not only being a good player, but also a good person. To my current and former teammates, thank you for being my second family. You have continually inspired me to work harder with your competitiveness and encouragement. Most importantly, thank you God for giving me the opportunity to glorify You while getting to compete in a sport that I love.

I cannot wait to play collegiately at such an amazing school. Thank you Coach McManus, Coach Jones, and Coach Trent, for the unbelievable opportunity to be a part of UCSD’s wonderful soccer program. I am so fortunate to be able to spend my college years at such a fantastic university. Go Tritons!” —Kirsten Webb

Anjalena Garcia Commits to Dominican University

“I am very blessed to announce my commitment to Dominican University to further my soccer career. I want to first thank my aunts for putting countless hours into this sport and for being my biggest supporters. I know you guys are beyond proud of me, but I also wanted to take the time and thank you for putting up with all of my stubbornness and indecisiveness during my recruiting process. I also want to thank my older brother for teaching me the basics of the sport and never going easy on me. Lastly, I wanted to thank my coaches Todd DeCarlo, Andre O’Roy, and Katie Burton for making me the gritty defender I am today. All the coaching and advice has helped me tons. It baffles many people that I was a cheerleader for six years before cultivating my passion for soccer. I would never have thought starting something for fun would turn into being named Capitol Valley All-Conference First Team player two years in a row, and now a D2 commit. 

Some huge thanks go to Coach Kelly, and all of Dominican’s coaching staff for believing in me and allowing me to continue my passion these next few years of my life. GO PENGUINS!” — Anjalena Garcia

Kate Willey Headed to California State University, Chico

“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at California State University, Chico.  I’m truly blessed for all the love and support I’ve had throughout the years playing soccer. I’d like to thank my former coaches Dennis Wingate, Dan Myers, and Katie Burton for teaching me how to better myself on the field and letting me know it’s ok to make mistakes because you learn from them. I’d like to give a special thanks to Casey Tate, Ron Benjamin, and Todd DeCarlo for helping me through this college process. Thank you Coaches Kim Sutton and Jenny Jaggard for giving me the opportunity to play at Chico state in 2021. Go Wildcats!” —Kate Willey

Dominick Paielli Commits to Loyola Marymount University

“I am truly blessed and honored to announce that I have committed to Loyola Marymount University. Playing Division 1 soccer has always been a dream of mine ever since I first started playing soccer and I’m very blessed I get to continue my career at LMU.  I want to thank God, my family, friends, teammates and especially my coaches: Nate Gargiulo, Sean Santora, Jimmy Frazelle, Jason Gantt, Don Finely, Kevin Unsworth, Paul O’Brien, Matt Scammacca, and Matt Mcdougall who have all had a tremendous impact on my growth as a player and a person. I also want to thank Placer United as this club has given me unforgettable memories and outstanding coaches to prepare me for the next level. This is my 6th year at Placer United and I can easily say there’s no where else I’d rather be. I am very excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to begin the next step in my academic and athletic career. Thank you again to all who have been a part of my journey.” —Dominick Paielli

Amber Jackson Commits to California Baptist University

“I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at California Baptist University. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to play collegiate soccer at the D1 level, while pursuing my education. There are so many people I would like to thank, for their support, encouragement, for pushing me, and for never giving up on me. Most importantly I want to thank God, who has given me the talent of playing soccer, and for this incredible opportunity. Also, to my amazing parents: the ones who have driven thousands of miles for soccer games and practices, and cheered me on no matter how bad I was doing. They sacrificed all they had to get me into an environment where I could prosper, I would not be where I am today without them. A huge shout out to my coaches Sarah Fawcett and Ron Benjamin, to both I have to thank for the development of my skills, support, and fun. Ron helped me through every step, and created a competitive environment where I really grew. I couldn’t have asked for better friends, coaches, and family to have been apart of my journey so far. I love you all, and am forever grateful. I am extremely excited for the years to come, and to see what God has in store for me. Go Lancers!”— Amber Jackson, #44 Placer United 01/00 DA

Ayla Harris Will Play for Dominican University

“I am so truly blessed to announce my commitment to play D2 soccer at Dominican University to pursue my nursing education! I am so excited to be able to study a major that I enjoy while playing my favorite sport. I would like to thank my parents for pushing me and believing that I could do this, and for staying by my side through it all the past 14 years. I would also like to thank my coach, Todd DeCarlo, for making me a better soccer player this past year. Although I have only been on Placer for one year, the coaching from Todd really made a difference in how I played, especially after coming off an ankle surgery and being out for a year. I will always be grateful for the people in my life that have pushed me to be the best that I can be. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Coach Kelly Coffey and Coach Jody Lingafeldt for giving me the opportunity to play for the next four years of my life. I am so excited to start this new journey in my life and see what the future holds for me. Go Penguins!”—Ayla Harris