“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to play D2 soccer at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where I plan to study graphic design, photography, and digital media while playing the sport that I love.

I want to thank all my coaches for shaping me into the player I am today: Lee Callow, Matt Scammacca, Chris Alcala, John Bustos, Todd DeCarlo and especially Ron Benjamin. Ron, thank you for always believing in me and continuously pushing me to improve every day.

Enormous thanks, of course, goes to my family for being my biggest supporters through the long drives, freezing cold and burning hot games, and cheering me on through the wins and losses. Particularly, thank you to my dad for being my biggest shoulder to lean on during this process. He was my first soccer coach and played the biggest role in developing my love for the game. Thank you, dad, for the countless hours you spent writing college emails with me and offering me the best advice. I would not be where I am today without you.

Finally, to all my teammates with whom I shared so many “Ronjamin” fitness sessions, Placer Idol skits, wins, losses, trophies, group texts, and fun nights on the road at soccer hotels. You’ve been some of my best friends and you will be forever.

I’m definitely looking forward to my senior year, but I also cannot wait to attend Art U and further both my soccer career, and my future in the art world.”—Britney Flint

“I am honored to announce my commitment to play D2 soccer at Dominican University of California. It has always been my goal to play soccer at the next level, especially at a school like Dominican. I am excited to start the next chapter of my life. Coming to Placer two years ago was a huge decision and I am so thankful to all of those who have been an influence on my soccer career. In addition, when my good friend, Trevor Wildberger, passed away, I made it my mission to make it to the next level so that he can now play through me. I dedicate this to him as I would not be here without his help and guidance. I can’t wait to put my mark on Dominican over these next four years. Lastly, thank you to my family, without them none of this could have happened.” —Wyatt Walsh

“I am proud to announce my verbal commitment to further my education and play soccer at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). Over the years, soccer has played a tremendous part in my life. I have made so many irreplaceable memories with friends and family. I am beyond grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity that I have worked so hard to achieve. No words can describe how thankful I am for my mom (Tricia Smith) and dad (Ken Smith) who have been my life long supporters and role models. Coaches Matt McDougall and Paul O’Brien welcomed me with open arms as I made my final club transition to Placer United just a few years ago. These two men have been so helpful throughout the recruiting process and have made me into the player that I am today. Being awarded with the captain role for my team, many life long lessons have come along that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Special thanks to Matt McDougall as he believed in the person I am on and off the field and has helped guide me through life as the man I envision myself being. I am blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful community growing up, people and soccer wise. Without getting exposure at big time tournaments such as Dallas Cup and Surf Cup, I do not think this opportunity would have ever happened. I am so appreciative for my unparalleled teammates and the club who helped me get there.” — Clayton Smith, Placer United #17

“I am honored to announce my verbal commitment to play soccer at the collegiate level for Whitman College in fall 2017. It has always been a dream of mine to play soccer in college, and due to hard work, dedication, and support from family and friends my dream is finally coming true. First, I would like to thank every teammate I’ve had throughout my years of playing soccer. You guys became more than just my teammates, we became friends and most importantly a family. Also, I would like to thank my family. If it hadn’t been for my family’s undeniable support and sacrifice I wouldn’t be where I am today. Also a huge thank you to all of my coaches I’ve had throughout my soccer career, however, most importantly Coach Todd DeCarlo. Coach Todd has become a huge part of my life on and off the field and I can’t thank him enough for pushing me in every training session and game, in order for me to play to the best of my ability. I am truly thankful to all those players, coaches, and parents who have been part of my journey and have encouraged me to strive to be the not only the best player, but best person I can be. Through all the support and sacrifices they have made for me to realize my goal of playing collegiate soccer and I now have the amazing opportunity to play at Whitman College . I can’t wait to take the next step in my life and continue my soccer career at Whitman College. Go Blues!” — Jordon O’Roy

“I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to Sierra College. I’ve always wanted to play soccer at the collegiate level and I am so excited that I get to fulfill that dream. I am beyond happy to be the first person out of my family to attend college! I would like to thank former and current coaches for always being my inspiration, Coach Rich Donofrio, Coach Todd DeCarlo, Coach Ron Benjamin, and Coach BJ Glass. I would also like to thank Jason Gantt for recruiting me and for welcoming me with such open arms to Sierra’s Women’s Soccer Team. I would also like to thank my former and present coaches for believing in me and my skill to be able to play at the collegiate level.

I have played soccer for fourteen years and I’m happy I’ve made the best decision for me and my future. I do not know who I am outside of soccer and I am not ready to find that out yet. I am so excited to keep learning much more about the sport I love so dearly, and to pursue my career in nursing.

My last and biggest thanks goes to my family; my parents, Victor and Laura Brannam, as well as my brothers Chris and Jake Brannam, for always seeing my potential and pushing me to follow my heart, dreams and desires with everything I do. Thank you so much for all the constant love and support I receive on a daily basis!” — Dani Brannam

“I am excited to announce that I have verbally committed to California State University, Sacramento. I would like to thank both of my parents for always supporting me along the journey and also a big thank you to my brother Jorge for always encouraging me and helping my parents out on taking us to trainings and buying us soccer gear. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’d like to thank all my teammates I’ve played with throughout the years for helping me become a better player. I would also like to thank Bart Morefield who was my history teacher in the 8th grade for recommending me to tryout for Placer’s academy. I’d like to thank Paul O’Brien for teaching me how to play soccer the correct way and for always pushing me and expecting me to give it my all. I would like to thank my current coach Matt McDougall for believing in me and letting me play for him at Sac State. Last but not least, I’d like to thank my brother Omar for always being by my side and always pushing me on the field. I am very excited on continuing my soccer career at a great school and knowing I’ll get to play with my brother. Go Hornets! —Omar Oseguera

“I am very excited to announce that I have verbally committed to California State University, Sacramento. I would first like to thank both of my parents for teaching me how to work hard at a young age and also for sacrificing so much of their time for my brother and me. Without the support from my parents I wouldn’t be in the position I am today as a soccer player. I would also like to thank my brother Jorge for encouraging me and helping my parents buy me my soccer gear throughout these years. I couldn’t have done it without his encouragement and toughness on me. I would also like to thank all of my Placer United teammates and other teammates throughout my youth soccer career that have pushed me to become the soccer player I am today. I also would like to thank Bart Morefield who was my history teacher in the 8th grade for giving me the opportunity to try out for Placer United’s first year of academy soccer. I would also like to thank Paul O’Brien for teaching me how to play soccer the correct way at a young age. He taught me how to become the competitive, hard working player that I am today and I wouldn’t be here where I am at today without him. Last but not least, I would like to finally thank my current coach Matt McDougall in believing in me and watching me play throughout my Placer years. He taught me how to become a better player and an even better person outside the pitch and I thank him a lot for that. I am more than excited in continuing my soccer career at a great school and with great coaches, and I am excited to see what the future has in store for me. Go Hornets!” —Omar Oseguera

“It’s my pleasure to share that I have verbally committed to San Francisco State University! I’d like to thank my mother for everything she has done for me, for all the sacrifices she made over the years and time she has given up to help me achieve my dreams of playing soccer at the next level. If it weren’t for her love and support I would not be where I am today. Thank you to all the coaches I’ve had, from my big sister, Emerisa, to Matt McDougall. I have learned so much from Matt in the short time he has been my coach. He has taught me not only about soccer, but about having character on and off the field. He has also helped me tremendously throughout the college recruitment process. I can’t thank him enough for all he has done for me. I am so grateful for all the memories I have made with my teammates, there are ones I will never forget. Thanks guys. I am very excited for next year at San Francisco State with Coach Ayala-Hil and would like to thank him for the chance to come into his program. Go Gators!” —Clayton Sato

“I am extremely excited to announce that I have committed to play soccer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)!  I would first like to thank my Placer teammates throughout the years who have pushed me to become the player I am today. My growth would also not have been possible without the coaches who have influenced me throughout my five years at Placer: Gene Duchateau, Ron Benjamin, Bart Morefield, and Todd DeCarlo. I appreciate all of the time that they have invested in me, helping me improve as a player and grow as a person. Another thank you to my parents, who have sacrificed their free time and money to help me achieve my dreams. Lastly, I would like to thank my goalkeeper coaches: Matt Scammacca, Matt Bernard, and Matt McDougall, as well as all of the goalkeepers who have trained alongside me within our little family. You guys have always made keeper training something I look forward to, and it will definitely be something I miss next year. My path to college was not easy. I did not have the ability to commit to MIT based off my soccer ability; I still had to get into the school. Only after receiving my acceptance was I able to say that I was committed. This is why I also would like to thank all of my teachers at Vista del Lago. They have understood the tough time I had balancing my academics with soccer, and were always willing to help me if needed. They helped me meet the requirements for MIT that were unrelated to soccer. Being able to say I’ve achieved one of my biggest dreams is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I look forward to continuing my education, as well as my soccer career next year under Coach Desmarais. Roll Tech!” — Riley Terando

“I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to Montana State University, Billings. It has always been a dream of mine to play soccer at a collegiate level for such a great school. I’m honored to be able to follow in the footsteps of one of my mentors growing up, Trevor Wildberger. Trevor taught me to “Never give up and keep fighting” and that’s exactly what I plan to do at MSUB. He is greatly missed and is always in my mind whenever I step out on the pitch. I want to give a huge thank you to my family for always supporting me and pushing me to do my best. My soccer experience never would have been possible without all of you. I also want to thank all my coaches I’ve had at Placer United the past 10 years. Especially Paul O’Brien, Matt McDougall, Todd DeCarlo, and Gene DuChateau—who have helped me along the way. These coaches have taught me all that I need in order to be the best player I could be with the best techniques and fundamental skills. Thank you to all the teammates I’ve had throughout the years for always supporting me. I can’t wait to take the next step in my life and continue my soccer career at Montana State University, Billings. Go Yellow Jackets!” — Kyle Kellogg