Category Archives: College Bound

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

Colorado School of Mines Welcomes Amena Nelson

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at Colorado School of Mines. I am grateful for the opportunity to play soccer while getting a great education. First I’d like to thank God for all He has given me. Thanks to Coach Todd DeCarlo who always believed in me and pushed me to do better. I would not have gotten this opportunity if not for his dedication. Thank you to Coaches Kevin Fickes, Shannon Devoe, and Matthew Sparks for granting me the opportunity to perform at the collegiate level. Thanks especially to my parents who never lost faith in me on and off the field and who have sacrificed so much so I may be able to live out all I can dream. I’m forever grateful for all my coaches, my friends, and my family who have been apart of my journey thus far. I love you and appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I would not be where I am without any you. Go Orediggers!—Amena Nelson, #8 Placer United DA

Kara Burns Commits to San Jose State University

“I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and soccer career at San Jose State University. I am thankful to everyone who has been with me on this journey, and I am especially thankful for my family who has supported me since Day 1. I want to thank my very first soccer coach, Coach Pat Meachim for teaching me the basic skills, encouraging and supporting me to seek the next level of play when the time was right. I would also like to thank coaches Matt Bernard, Matt McDougall, and Bashar Alsakati for making me the goalkeeper I am today. A special thank you goes to Coach Todd DeCarlo for never doubting my ability and pushing me to be the best I can be, for always believing in me and for coaching me through any struggles. For seven years I have been proud to be a part of Placer United, and I am excited to take the next step at San Jose State. Go Spartans!” —Kara Burns

Eddie Silverbush Commits to Dominican University

“I am very proud and excited to announce my commitment to Dominican University of California. I’m truly grateful to be able to further my soccer career as well as pursue a business degree at Dominican University. I would like to thank my entire family for helping, encouraging, and supporting me while I played the sport I love. I also want to thank my coaches; Paul O’Brien, Jason Gantt, Matt Scammacca, and Matt McDougall for making me a better player and a better person. My time at Placer United has been the greatest of my life, creating everlasting friendships and acquaintances with every person I’ve come to know and meet. I cannot wait to begin my collegiate career at Dominican University, I could not have done it without any of you. Go Penguins!” — Eddie Silverbush

2019 Grad Jenna Ladrech Commits to Cal Poly

“I am extremely blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic and soccer career at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo! The excitement I have to attend my dream school in such a beautiful town cannot even be put into words. I owe a huge thank you to my coaches Mark Broers, Todd DeCarlo, and most importantly, Ron Benjamin for supporting and helping me grow as a player over all these years. Also, to all of my teammates for making me a better player through their constant competitiveness and work rate. I would also like to thank my family for their continuous love and support throughout this entire stressful process. To my parents for the insane amount of time, they have spent traveling to watch me play, for the many sacrifices they have made, and for always believing in me. To my sister for being the amazing role model that she is and inspiring me to be a better player and person. And to my brother who never takes it easy on me, but also never gives up on me.

Thank you to coaches Alex Crozier and Scott Williams for this unbelievable opportunity! I cannot wait to play at the next level at such an amazing school. Go Mustangs!” — Jenna Ladrech

Kellie Pagador of 01/02 DA Commits to National Champion Stanford University

“I am truly blessed to announce that I have verbally committed to continue my academic and soccer career at Stanford University. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to play under Coach Paul Ratcliffe, Coach Hideki Nakada and Coach Margueritte Aozasa. This would not be possible without all of my teammates I have played with throughout these years, and who I will continue to play with at Placer United. The club has provided me opportunities, an environment where I’ve been challenged, and have been able to grow as a player. I want to thank all my coaches who have guided me through the process and have developed me into the player I am today; Kevin Unsworth, Don Finley, Paul O’Brien, and especially Ron Benjamin. I also want to thank my trainer Jimmy Frazelle, my physical therapist Quinn McArthur, and a special thanks to the PDP program, especially David Robertson (Robo) who has allowed me great opportunities over the years.  My biggest support has come from my entire family especially my parents and my older sister, Sydney. Love you guys! Go Cardinal!” — Kellie Pagador

Dominican University Welcomes Dylan Finley

“I am excited and grateful to announce my commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Dominican University of California, in San Rafael. It is truly a blessing to be given this opportunity to continue playing soccer and pursue a degree in business. I would like to thank my family for always being there for me and allowing me to play the sport I so passionately love. Placer United Soccer Club has helped me develop into the player I am today and I am forever grateful for the memories and lessons the club has taught me. Lastly, I would like to thank my coaches for never giving up on me and always pushing me to play to the best of my capabilities: Don Finley, Jason Gantt, Matt Scammacca, and Matt McDougall. I am excited about the journey ahead and hope to make the club proud. Go Penguins!” —Dylan Finley

Manny Cabrera Sets His Sights on Cal Maritime

“I am truly blessed to announce my commitment to further my education and soccer career at Cal Maritime. First off, I would like to thank my family for their continuous support on and off the field. Without them, none of this would be possible. I’d also like to thank all my teammates and friends for believing in me and supporting my goals. Thank you, Coach Don Finley, Jason Gantt, and Matt Scammacca, for pushing me and encouraging me to be the best version of myself. A big thank you to Coach Matt McDougall for guiding me through this entire process. Placer United Soccer Club has made me a better player and more, which I will be forever grateful. Lastly, I want to give a special thank you to everyone at Vacaville United Soccer Club for teaching me the love for the game and having confidence in my future. Once again, thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way and I can not wait to play at the collegiate level next year. Go Keelhaulers!” — Manny Cabrera, Jr.