“I feel blessed and honored to announce that I have committed to Southern Oregon. I am excited to have the opportunity to play soccer at the college level! I’m looking forward to living in a new environment, attending classes, and playing soccer while getting my education. Southern Oregon is a good fit for me because I want to focus on my grades and keep developing as a player. I would like to say thank you to my mom and dad for sacrificing so much for me because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would also like to thank Jason Gantt and Paul O’Brien for always motivating my teammates and myself to do our best and for developing us into the players that we are. I would like to give a special thank you to Francois Barbe for working countless hours on helping the team with pretty much everything.

Being part of Placer United Soccer Club has been one of the greatest things that has happened to me because it helped me reach my dream. I am so thankful to have played with such great players that I’m proud to call my teammates. I thank God for putting all these great people in my life and for influencing me to always work hard to reach my goals. I’m excited to finish my last season with Placer United before I head off to college and enter a new chapter of my life.

Go Placer!” — James Ramos

“I am proud to announce that I have committed to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to play Division 2 soccer. SDSMT offers an excellent Mechanical Engineering program, which I intend to study, as well as soccer program where I can make an impact. I am honored to join Coach Jordan Kadlec and the Hardrocker family. First of all, I’d like to give a huge thank you to my parents for being my number one fans and supporters, and my sister for being the real MVP since day one. Secondly, I’d like to give a special thanks to Doctor Mamone and the group of physical therapists that helped me get back on the field after my ACL knee surgery. Also, thank you to Coach Paul Hansen for giving me the opportunity to play my first year of collegiate soccer at American River College. Finally, thank you to my coach, Cory Clonce, for helping me get my confidence back, pushing me to be my best on the field, and for believing I could play at the next level. I’m excited to see what the future holds, Go Rockers!” — David Pineda

“University of California Davis here I come! After 10 years of soccer, I have – finally – made the decision to play Division 1 soccer at UC Davis for Coach Twila Kaufman and Coach Robin Grossman. I know I could not have gotten to this important and exciting point in my life without many very special people who have played a significant role in my life. Firstly, to my wonderful parents, thank you for always supporting and guiding me through all the years of early games and long travels. Secondly, thank you to my family for coming out to my games and cheering me on in all sorts of dramatic weather. Additionally, I would like to thank my amazing teammates and their families for being such an encouraging and welcoming community.

I would also like to thank my magnificent coaches that I have had throughout my soccer experience: Coach Lawrence Divinagracia, Coach John DeMartini, Coach Conor McNulty, Coach Todd DeCarlo, Coach Matthew Bernard, and Coach Ron Benjamin. Coach Lawrence Divinagracia was one of the first coaches I ever had and he taught me the fundamental lessons of teamwork, positive attitude, and most importantly that soccer is about having fun and enjoying yourself; thank you. Coach John DeMartini was the first coach I had at San Juan Soccer Club and he has remained one of my favorite coaches for being a father figure to us girls in his lighthearted personality, yet serious and strong work ethic combined with high expectations of one’s team and one’s self; thank you. Coach Conor McNulty was my goalkeeper coach for a year and he pushed me to my limits of goalkeeping ability while maintaining a fun and enjoyable atmosphere; thank you. Coach Todd DeCarlo was my first coach at Placer United and he reinforced the team unity, which I felt was missing for a couple years prior to joining Placer; thank you. Coach Matthew Bernard is my current goalkeeper coach at Placer who works with me on expanding my talents and strengthening my weaknesses, yet always keeping a fun and cheerful environment; thank you. Last but not least, Coach Ron Benjamin has worked extremely hard – devoting many of his own personal hours – on enhancing our team’s performance and capabilities, further developing our individual abilities, promoting each girl on this spectacular team for the opportunity to play collegiate soccer, and giving me the confidence to believe that I can play at any college I want as long as I work hard enough and still love the game; thank you.

Finally, I would like to thank my future coaches at UC Davis for the opportunity to further develop my athletic abilities and seeing the potential in me. I cannot wait to begin this journey at a superb school with such incredible girls.” — Allie Carmickle

“I’d like to start by thanking everybody who has gotten to me this point in my soccer career and have been able to help me fulfill my goal of being able to play collegiate soccer at Claremont McKenna College.  My parents for driving me to practices 3 times a week and games hours away ever since I was 8 when I started playing for Placer United, and for always pushing me to be my best, not only as an athlete, but as a person.  My little sisters for always coming to watch me play and being my biggest fans.  My friends for putting up with me even though I’ve said ‘I can’t, I have soccer,” a thousand more times than you have wanted me to.  Nathan Williams for being one of the best coaches I’ve ever had and truly teaching me how to understand and love the game.  Ron Benjamin for believing in me and helping me throughout the whole of the recruiting process, as well as pushing me to my very limits—you have undoubtedly toughened me up both mentally and physically more than anybody.  Keri Sanchez for watching me play over the past couple of years and for giving me the opportunity to play for her at CMC.  And finally, thank you to my Placer family and teammates that have been there with me since the very beginning.  Having been with the club since U9, I have grown up with the club, and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. All this being said, I can’t wait to start the next chapter in my life at Claremont McKenna College, and I’ll always come back to visit to see everybody and watch my sister, Emily, tear it up on the pitch wearing the black and gold.  GO PLACER! AND GO ATHENAS!” — Sydney Talmi

“From the first time I set foot on the Chapman campus, I knew this is where I wanted my future to be.  I feel so proud and honored to have been accepted and even more, to be committed as a future Panther.  I feel blessed to have spent the last 7 years as part of the Placer United family.  I feel certain I would not have the opportunity to play college soccer at my dream school were it not for the programs, coaching and development I have received here.  Many of my teammates today have been with me since the beginning and have supported and motivated me to pursue my dreams.  I also want to acknowledge my coaches John Chimienti, Bart Morefield, Todd DeCarlo and Ron Benjamin for assisting me on this journey and making me the player I am today.  A big shout out to Sarah Barton who took the time at many various tournaments to come and watch me play.  And finally, a heartfelt thank you to my family who have instilled in me that true character is the most important thing, whether it be on or off the pitch. 

I’m so excited to continue to play the sport I love as part of the Chapman community for the next 4 years!” — Lindsay Erl

“I feel honored (and very relieved) to have committed to University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, to play Division 2 Soccer. Not only does this school offer great academic opportunity, it allows me to pursue two sports I love, soccer and ice hockey. I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout my entire youth soccer career and always being my number one fans. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Quinn McArthur and his staff who got me back on the field after fracturing my spine last year, and to my coach Cory Clonce, who made me believe in myself and for always pushing me to be my best. Lastly, a huge thanks to anyone who doesn’t think a “B team” player can play in college at a high level, it was a huge motivator.” — Cal Franze

“I feel blessed to say that I have committed to play soccer at Cal State University Monterey Bay. Coach Cummings and Coach Stockton have already made me feel welcome and I am stoked to play for them. I plan to major in Liberal Studies and then I would like to become a teacher. Thank you Placer United for your commitment to soccer development and all the opportunities that the club has provided for our team. Thanks to Jason Gantt, Kelcey Chaidez, and Paul O’Brian for your leadership and for making me a better soccer player, as well as a better person. Also, I would like to thank my team mates for all of the amazing memories. You are all my brothers!  Lastly I am very grateful for my family. Without their love and support, none of this would be possible.

GO PLACER! GO OTTERS!” — Max Fereira

“For the last eight years I have played for Placer United Soccer Club and learned the fundamentals of what it takes to become a great soccer player, while pushing myself to be the best I could be. I have been coached by some of the best coaches who molded me into who I am today. After years of practice, endless injuries and countless tears, I am pleased to announce that I have committed to play soccer for Humboldt State University.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for all the sacrifices they have made to allow me to play competitive soccer. They have cheered me on and supported me for the last eight years while putting their wants and needs aside to support me.  I don’t think I could have made it through without them in my corner. Thank you dad, mom and Alyssa for being my biggest fans. 

I would like to thank  the following coaches in no particular order; John Chimienti, for listening to me when I said I wanted to play goalie and for always demanding my best. You never accepted less than perfection and continually pushed me for more. There were times I wanted to give up and walk away from the goal but you stood by me and believed in me. I will always remember when you would yell, “Sam steal the bacon! Can you do that for me?” That was code for “Sam get the damn ball”; Gene DuChateau with whom I had the pleasure of working with in the beginning of my goalie years and who taught me the basics of goalkeeping; Matt Scammacca, the one coach who truly believed I could play at the collegiate level despite my size. He listened to me and never stopped encouraging me; Matt Bernard, the coach who calls me “Loom-pah” “midget” and tells me I need to get taller. I wouldn’t have made this if it weren’t for you. You are one of the best goalie coaches I have ever had the honor to train with. Thank you for everything.

Lastly to Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo, thank you for the continued support throughout the entire college process. You have coached me during my best performances and supported me through my worst performances. You have seen me grow up in the club and have always been there to provide positive feedback. Thank you for all you did for me.

I will miss everyone, my coaches, my teammates and the Placer United Soccer Club. I am who I am today because of everyone that took the time to help me. I look forward to playing collegiate soccer at Humboldt  and I hope I make Placer proud. It was this club who got me to the next level.  GO JACKS!”

“I never thought that this time would come as fast as it did and I can now officially say that I have committed to California State University, Bakersfield. I love everything that CSUB has to offer both academically and athletically. I love all of my future teammates and I have a high respect for the coaching staff there as well. I can’t wait to be a part of a program moving in a positive direction.

Even though Placer has only been my home for three years, they have given me so much support and I couldn’t be more thankful. Without Placer United, I probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to play Division 1 soccer. I would like to thank my very first club coach, John DeMartini, for convincing me to play club soccer. It has clearly paid off John. Secondly, I would like to thank my coach of three years, Todd DeCarlo, for always supporting me and putting up with me on the good and bad days. Todd has pushed me to become a better player from the start and I am beyond grateful. My past and present teammates deserve a big shout-out and without them pushing me to be the best I can be, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Lastly, I would like to thank my family, especially my parents for their continuous support. They have invested so much time and money making sure that I receive the best soccer experience possible. In the words of Kevin Durant, “You the real MVP!” I am so happy that I’ll be finishing my club days with Placer United and I can’t wait to see what CSUB has to offer me!” — Elle Estes

”I am extremely honored to announce that I have committed to play for William Jessup University. It has been a dream of mine to play for WJU since 5th grade and to now be able to call WJU my home is still surreal. I would not be where I am if it were not for my family, trainers, and coaches who pushed me farther than I believed I was capable. I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for going above and beyond to ensure that my dreams came true. They have given me their time and love and for that I will always be grateful. I also have to thank three trainers that have not only pushed me out for my comfort zones, but also infused belief into me that with hard work and dedication, I could achieve my dreams. These trainers are Jenny Wood, Chris Star and Matt Bernard. Next, I absolutely want to thank coaches Todd Decarlo and Ron Benjamin for giving me the opportunity to play for Placer. My time with the Club has been short, but in this short time I have learned and grown so much which enabled me to see this dream come true. Last, and certainly not least, I would like to thank Coach Jamie Howard of WJU Women’s Soccer Team for giving me the chance to join her team and grow along with them.

I am so excited for all that is ahead. I look forward to giving 150% while continuing to play, develop and train this season with Placer as I prepare for the transition to WJU Women’s Soccer.” — Emily Lemos