Category Archives: College Bound

Frances Andrade 99/00 Development Academy Headed to Sierra College

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue my soccer journey at Sierra College. I have been fortunate to have many people support me and help me grow in both the mental and tactical aspects of the game. So many life lessons were taught to me that also helped me as a student-athlete who is ready for the next stage. I would first like to start off by giving a special thanks to Chris Alcala and my parents. They continually pushed me to work hard and never give up. They believed in me when I had doubt. Chris Alcala’s belief in me never wavered, and he always gave me the right advice when needed. Placer Club coaches, especially Coach Ron Benjamin and Coach Todd DeCarlo, molded me into a collegiate player. Coach BJ put in extra work to help me get better. Thank you.

I would like to thank Coach Jason and the rest of the coaching staff at Sierra College for the opportunity to be a part of a great program. I am excited to do my part to contribute to the continued success of the program.” — Frances Andrade

 

Austin Wehner Headed to San Diego State

“I am very proud and humbled to announce my verbal commitment to play Division 1 soccer and further my academic career at San Diego State University. I want to thank everyone who has been with me throughout this process with special thanks to God, family, friends and the talented coaching staff that guided me as a player and as a person: Matt Scammacca, Paul O’Brien, Matt McDougall, Kevin Unsworth, and Don Finley, who always pushed me to do the very best I can. I feel very blessed for being given this opportunity which wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the amazing club, Placer United, and all the resources provided to ensure my success. Finally, I would like to thank Lev Kushner, Josh Hill and Matt Hall with SDSU for seeing something special in me that leads to a step in my life that I have always dreamt of. Go Aztecs!” — Austin Wehner

Tanya Bills Commits to Dominican University

“I am excited to announce my commitment to Dominican University. I chose Dominican because it will allow me to pursue a nursing degree while playing collegiate soccer and staying close to home.  

There are so many people who have encouraged, instructed, sacrificed, and come alongside me: 

I would like to thank my past and current teammates for always being by my side (sometimes putting up with me) and pushing me to be the best person and soccer player possible.  

I would also like to thank all my Placer coaches who believed in me and nurtured my love of soccer:  Crystal Howard, Chris Alcala, Mark Broers, Andrew Toth, Todd Decarlo and of course, Ron Benjamin. I’d also like to thank my Rocklin High coach Paul Morrison.  Past trainers Bart Morefield, Jimmy Frazzel, and now Kim Gonzalez have helped me on occasion with individual training and coaching points as I’ve strived to improve continually.  Lastly, I would like to say a special thank you to my parents and sister.  They have always supported, sacrificed and loved me unconditionally and they never give up on me. 

Thank you to Coach Coffey and Coach Lingadfelt for inviting me to be a part of the Dominican team and University. I am very excited to be part of the vision and community they are creating at DU.  Go Penguins!” — Tanya Bills

 

University of San Francisco Welcomes Cassidy George

“Completely thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of San Francisco. I am ridiculously excited to be able to study and play the game I love in such a beautiful and diverse city. Knowing the work you put in will one-day pay-off is an unbelievable feeling, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in my life. I owe it to Coach Todd DeCarlo for his fervent energy and endless effort in helping me find my best fit. To Coach Gene DuChateau for motivating me to strive to be more than just “Mack’s sister,” and to Coach Bart Morefield, for his incredible guidance and training. I would also like to acknowledge my high school coaches, Mark Bowman and Matt Felt, for showing me why I fell in love with the game in the first place and teaching me never to take it too seriously. Furthermore, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without my ambitious family who has patiently supported me through all my stubborn indecision and developing goals. All my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents for encouraging me to be the best version of myself, because that’s what being a George is all about.  My mom and dad, for their unbelievable patience and support. I hope I can one day repay you for the ten years taken off of your lives. My brothers, for never going easy on me and my twin for being so competitive and always inspiring me to work harder. A last big thanks to my best friend, Ryan, for always supporting and encouraging me in everything I do and her family, for being my second, and showing endless love and support to me. Thank you for teaching me to never settle for less.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude toward Coach Jim Millinder for believing in me these past few years and for this amazing opportunity. Go Dons!” — Cassidy George

Ayden Burnett Commits to UC Davis

“I am honored to announce my commitment to play for University of California, Davis. I am blessed with the opportunity to not only play at a high level but also attend a great academic institution. I first would like to thank my family, coaches, and friends for their endless support. Especially my parents for always being there. Also, thank you to Placer United for continuing to push me as a player and person. Thank you, Coach Matt McDougall, Matt Scamacca, and Bj Glass. My teammates mean the world to me and are also my best friends. The community I have built will last well past the next few months. I am excited to see what next year has in store. Go Aggies!” — Ayden Burnett

Seattle Pacific University Will Welcome Elisha Burbridge

“I’m truly blessed to announce that I have committed to play soccer and continue my education at Seattle Pacific University. It has always been a dream of mine to play soccer at the next level, and I’m excited that I will be able to do just that at such a great institution like Seattle Pacific. First off I’d like to thank my family for supporting me on this journey. Without them, none of this would be possible. Secondly, I’d like to thank my teammates and friends for encouraging and pushing me to be my best. Third, I’d like to thank my coaches who have helped me get to this point in my development as a player and as a man. And lastly, it is because of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His blessing on my life that I am fortunate enough to make this announcement, all the credit and glory belongs to Him. I’m grateful for the opportunities that the Placer United organization has provided me with and I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life. Thank you again to everyone that has helped me, and Go Falcons!” — Elisha Burbridge

Jacob Ramos Commits to Western Washington University

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to Western Washington University.  I would like to thank everyone who has helped me throughout this process.  First off, thank you to my parents for supporting and pushing me to new heights on and off the field.  Secondly, I would like to bring attention to all of my amazing coaches and teammates that have made me the player I am today especially Paul O’Brien, Kevin Unsworth, Matt Scammacca, and Matt McDougall.  Lastly, thank you to the whole Placer United Soccer Club which has made me into so much more than a player over the course of ten years.  I can not wait to be playing at the collegiate level next year, Go Vikings!” —Jacob Ramos

Abbie Gould of 01/02 Development Academy Commits to Dominican University

“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to Dominican University! As soon as I visited the campus for the first time, I knew it was the perfect fit for me academically and athletically.  I would like to thank my team who has become my second family, for always pushing me to work harder and become a better player every day.  Thank you to Andy Walsh, my first club coach, for giving me my love of soccer and passion for the sport.  Thank you to Sh-Mike Callahan for showing me how to compete and have a good time, while significantly improving my game.  I would like to give a special thank you to Ron Benjamin who has helped me become the player I am.  You always push me to be better each day. I would not be in this position without you.  I would also like to thank all of my coaches and trainers who have helped me along the way.  A big thank you to my family who has come to each and every one of my games supported me through everything and helped me become the person I am today. Thank you to Coach Coffey and Coach Lingafeldt for giving me this fantastic opportunity! I am incredibly excited to play for you.  I cannot wait to be a penguin!” — Abbie Gould

Jordon Vice Commits to UC Davis

“I’m very excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at the University of California, Davis! I’m incredibly happy to be furthering my education and soccer career at such a great institution. First off, I’d like to thank my family and friends for the nonstop support they’ve given me throughout this journey. I’d also like to thank Kevin Unsworth, James Kavanagh, Paul O’Brien, Jason Gantt, Matt McDougall, Simon Shephard, Mr. Barbé, and anyone else who has helped shape me into the person and player I am today. I’d like to shout out to all of my teammates that I’ve played with throughout the years; nothing would be possible without them. I’ve been blessed with the chance to play at a club like Placer United, and I’m forever grateful for that. Once again, thank you to everyone who has helped along the way and I can’t wait to see what UC Davis holds for me! Go Aggies!” —Jordon Vice

Aiden Marquez of 01/02 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Commits to Dominican University

“I am so excited to announce my commitment to Dominican University! I knew Dominican was the best fit for me the minute I stepped on campus. It has an outstanding academic program, as well as an amazing soccer program. I would like to thank my Placer coaches, Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo, for pushing me and giving me the tools I need to succeed. Thank you to my teammates for challenging me mentally, physically, and technically, and for being like family. Thank you to my mom and Eric Crise for giving me a unique and special soccer experience growing up. You two allowed me to become a better player, but also to become a better person. To my big sisters and former teammates, thank you for being amazing role models for me on and off the field. Thank you to the friends and families that have been with me since the beginning, and for always encouraging me. Thank you to Coach Coffey and Coach Lingafeldt for giving me the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. A huge thanks to my parents for supporting me and guiding me. I’m the person I am today because of you two. To my sister, Cassidy, thank you for being, not only my sister, but my best friend. Thank you for encouraging me to be the best person and player I can be. I cant wait to play with you again in college! I am beyond thankful for my amazing family that have loved, guided, and helped me through everything I have done. I can’t wait to be a Penguin!” — Aiden Marquez​