Category Archives: College Bound

College Bound

Placer United Alumni Season Results 2013

Placer United Alumni See Success with Team and Individual Awards During the 2013 Collegiate Season

NCAA Division 1

Mikaela Arnstein and the UCLA Bruins won the Division 1 Women’s College Cup National Championship

Miranda Bailey and Brigham Young University reached the second round of the Division 1 Women’s National Championship Tournament.

Jake Feener, Seatte University, made it to NCAA Division 1 Second Round.

Feener joins Seth Casiple as he was selected as the starting goalkeeper on the NCAA All Far-West third team.

Erika Garcia and Harvard University reached the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s National Championship Tournament and Erika received All Ivy League Conference honors as a defender.

Connor Hallisey and Seth Casiple, Cal Berkley, made it to the NCAA Division 1 Elite Eight.

Casiple, one of the team’s co-captains, had a very successful season in central midfield. He finished the year as the team’s leader in assists with seven, and also notched a pair of goals in 21 games played. He was named as a starter on the NCAA  All-Far West 3rd team. Casiple also was named to the All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Academic second teams.

Kim Hernandez and Jackson State University reached the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s National Championship Tournament.

Jenna Keffer and Boston College reached the Elite 8 of the Division 1 Women’s National Championship.

Caitlyn Kretzchmar of the University of San Diego received All Tournament Honors at the Kansas Invitational in September 2013 and received 2013 Most Improved Player Award

Gabe Padilla, Georgetown, made it to NCAA Division 1 Third Round.

Madeline Schiffel earns West Coast Conference Honorable Mention Honors – Goalkeeper.

Grant Silvester, helped Virginia Cavaliers to the Final Four of the NCAA Division 1 Championship

Ty Thompson, Stanford, made it to NCAA Division 1 Third Round.

NCAA Division 2

Luis Martinez, Chico State, made it to NCAA Division 2 Second Round.

NCAA Division 3

Lesley University’s Lexi Giusti received NECC Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player.  She was also named to the All-Conference first team in addition to making the NSCAA All Region second team

Caitlin Clark and Emory University reached the second round of the Division 3 National Championship Tournament.

Anna Goddi and the University of Chicago reached the first round of the Division 3 National Championship Tournament.

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

Kaleigh Landberg and Westmont College are finalists of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

Avery Hutchinson and William Jessup University reached the first round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

Junior College

Sierra College made it to the second round of the Junior College Playoffs led by NSCAA All West Region 2nd Team member, Casey McCavitt. Casey and her teammate, Molly McConnell also received All Big 8 Conference honors. Their roster includes Placer United alumni: Jamie Baker, Rachel Dortch, Kristen Grattan, Marissa Griffin, Brittany Neumann, Ashley O’Connor, Zaida Pineda, and Marissa Vaughn.  All three of the Sierra College soccer coaches are staff coaches for Placer United including Head Coach Jason Gantt, and Assistant Coaches Janis Hurter and Bryan Glass.

Congratulations to all of our alumni as they continue their athletic and educational endeavors!

 

College Bound

Maggie Bell Commits to Cal Berkeley

Maggie Bell Maggie Bell

“I am super excited to announce that I officially verbally committed to UC Berkeley. I have grown up going to Cal football games my entire life so this really is a dream come true. For me, Berkeley has the whole package; allowing me to receive an amazing education as well as play soccer in the Pac-12 conference. I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to play under Coach Neil McGuire and the rest of his staff at Cal and work to take my game to the next level. I would like to thank my family for continually supporting me through my entire youth soccer career and especially my parents for driving me to countless games and tournaments over the years. Thank you to my teammates for brightening my day every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and constantly making practice the best part of my day.  I would also like to thank all my coaches at Placer beginning at U-9s with James Boyle for starting off my crazy Placer experience, Lee Callow for showing me the fun of the game. To John Chimienti for helping me develop my skills and get me on track to become the player I am today. To Bart Morefield for really improving my tactical awareness on the field. To Ron Benjamin for helping me throughout my entire experience here at Placer. And lastly my coach of the last 2 years, Todd Decarlo for striving to help me become the best player I can be and helping me with my college decision. Placer really has been an amazing club that I am honored to have played for and represent out on the field. I can’t wait to finish out my last two years with my team wearing Black and Gold. Go bears!” — Maggie Bell

College Bound

2014 Graduates College Signings

Placer United Soccer Club is proud to announce area high school seniors, who have been actively involved in Placer United Soccer Club, will take their athletic skills to the next level as they move on to their chosen colleges and universities.

Dali Alarian – Vista Del Lago High School
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY  (Div. III)

Corban Anderson – Granite Bay High School
University of Washington, Seattle, WA   (Div. I-PAC 12)

Julia Beck – Granite Bay High School
University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA  (Div. I)

Destiny Butcher – Granite Bay High School
Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA  (Div. I)

Makenzie Brito – Granite Bay High School
UC San Diego, San Diego, CA  (Div. II)

Josephy Cisneros– Del Campo High School
William Jessup University, Rocklin, CA  (NAIA)

Maddi Dunn – Bear River High School
Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO  (Div. I)

Abbie Faingold – Lincoln High School
Portland State University, Portland, OR  (Div. I)

Chase Goulart – Granite Bay High School
Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  (Div. II)

Emily Hansen – Rio Americano High School
Cal Poly SLO, San Luis Obispo, CA  (Div I)

Kristian Heptner– Christian Brothers High School
UC Davis, Davis, CA  (Div. I)

Elizabeth Hutchison – Rio Americano High School
UC Irvine, Irvine, CA  (Div I)

Andrew Ireland – Del Oro High School
Adams State College, Alamosa, CO  (Div. II)

Mei-Li Madamba – Woodcreek High School
University of Nevada-Reno (Div. I)

Jessica Raybe – Lodi High School
Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ (Div 1)

Bianca Tabuso – Antelope High School
Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA (Div. I )

Matt Tarr – Antelope High School
Chico State University, Chico, CA  (Div. II)

Sara Wagner – Granite Bay High School
Chapman University, Orange, CA (Div. III)

Alex Walsh – Rocklin High School
Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA (Div. II)

Trevor Wildberger – Rocklin High School
Montana State University, Billings, MT (Div. II)

Cienna Wilkins – Del Oro High School
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA  (Div. II)

Alivya Wimmer – Ponderosa High School
Boston University, Boston, MA (Div. I)

College Bound

Alex Walsh Headed to Academy of Art University

College Bound_Alex Walsh_2014

“It is a privilege to sign for the Academy of Art University and to become a part of the soccer team next year. It’s location in the middle of San Francisco makes me so excited, as it is one of the most diverse, interesting cities in the world. I hope to pursue a degree in advertising, a subject that the school specializes in. I am thrilled to not only be a student at this terrific university, but an athlete as well. I have something to thank all my coaches for throughout my life, whether it be technical or mental, they have been extremely influential. However, I owe the majority of my success to my mum, for the time she has put in to keeping me in check and allowing me to be successful. Go Knights!” —Alex Walsh

College Bound

Kayleen Cendaña of the U16G ’98 Red Commits to Sonoma State University

Kayleen Cendana

Kayleen Cendana

“I am honored to be committing to Sonoma State University and their soccer program. Last year, I attended a Seawolves camp and knew it was a school I wanted to attend. With encouragement from my family and after visiting many other colleges in and out of state, it has become clear that I belong playing for Sonoma State. I am excited to play for Head Coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn and assistant coaches Crystal Howard Chaidez, Mark Dunn and Katie Turtle when I officially join the team in 2016. I will be studying Kinesiology in hopes of pursuing a career in athletic training or sports psychology after graduate school.

Thank you to my Placer United coaches: John Chimienti for first selecting me to play U11 at Placer, Bart Morefield for helping me realize my true potential,  Todd DeCarlo for dedicating so many hours to making me a better player and assisting with my recruiting process . Thanks as well to Director of Coaching and my Varsity Coach at Del Oro High School, Ron Benjamin. Ron truly goes above and beyond for Placer and his players and for that I am grateful. I look forward to two more amazing years with my teammates and best friends. They always push me to be my best and I am grateful to call them family. Finally, I cannot say “Thank you” enough to my parents and sister for supporting my love of the game and always being there. God is good!”

College Bound

Placer Red 97, Sara Wagner, Commits to Chapman

"I'm super excited to announce I finally committed to Chapman University. I fell in love with the campus immediately after visiting it with my sister who is now a junior at Chapman. The environment and certain vibe the students gave off felt like my home away from home. Chapman offers a prestigious academic program as well as an awesome soccer program. I first and foremost want to thank God for everything he has provided me, allowing me to get where I am. I also want to thank my mom and dad for giving me the support and love I needed, and my former coaches Joe Black and Nathan Williams, who geared me towards the love I have for the game and shaped me to be the person I am today. Last but not least I'd like to thank my current coach, Ron Benjamin, for helping me get to where I am and pushing me to my absolute best.  I am proud and ecstatic to announce my commitment to Chapman University. I can't wait to call myself a Panther!" — Sara Wagner

College Bound

Cienna Wilkins, U18G 97 White, Commits to Dominican

Cienna Wilkins

Cienna Wilkins

"I am so delighted and honored to say that I have committed to Dominican University of California! I am looking forward to playing collegiate soccer as a Lady Penguin as well as furthering my education in Psychology. I am so grateful to Coach Tara Koleski for seeing all my hard work on the soccer field and allowing me to bring what I have to offer to her team.  I would like to thank all of my past coaches at Placer United including Crystal Howard, Todd Decarlo, and Sarah Alderson, for teaching me so much about the game and helping me gain the ability I need to play at the collegiate level.  I would also like to thank Ron Benjamin and the entire Placer United organization for their support." — Cienna Wilkins

College Bound

Chase Goulart Commits to Dominican University

College Bound_Chase Goulart_2013"It's been a journey and I am excited to announce that I committed to play soccer at Dominican University of California. Nine consecutive years with Placer has been a great experience and I have made good friends along the way. During the last couple of years, I began focusing my college search on small private schools with recognized Business Management programs. Coach Kelcey Chaidez encouraged me to continue pushing myself. Coach Matt McDougall convinced me that I could play in college and should continue to pursue my passion and competitiveness. I thank all of my previous Placer coaches, especially Coach Paul O'Brien who has been a long time advocate, as well as my parents for always being there and supporting me. I look forward to playing for Coach Phil at Dominican." —Chase Goulart #20

College Bound

Andrew Ireland Commits to Adams State University

Andrew Ireland"I am very happy to announce I have committed to Adams State University. I am looking forward to playing D-II soccer next year in Colorado, and to taking my abilities to the next level. I plan on becoming a Physical Therapist, studying Human Performance and Physical Education. It’s weird to think about wearing anything but a Placer United jersey; because I’ve been in the club since age 8. I’ve grown so much thanks to the fantastic coaching staff at Placer. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. I’d also like to thank my entire family for the support. Because of them, I was given a great opportunity growing up to play the game I love." — Andrew Ireland

College Bound

Mei-Li Madamba of ’97 Red Commits to University of Nevada, Reno

"I am very proud and honored to announce that I have verbally committed to the University of Nevada, Reno. I am looking forward to studying courses in preparation towards a Pharmaceutical degree, and playing soccer at the Division 1 collegiate level. After visiting the campus and spending time with the coaches and players, I realized that UNR is the perfect place for me to continue my studies. I would like to thank coaches Melissa Price, Kirk Nelson and Casey Tate for seeing something in me and  giving me the opportunity to be part of the Wolfpack and play for a great program. 

Although this is my first and last year at Placer United, I feel like I am a part of more than just a club, it’s a family unit that I will treasure forever. Thank you to my teammates for welcoming me to the Placer family and being the most dedicated, kind-hearted, and hard-working group of girls. I am so thankful to have such a great team and coach. I would like to also thank my new coach Ron Benjamin for always believing in me and working so hard for not only myself but for my teammates. He is always pushing us past the barriers and I’m very honored to be on his team.

Thank you to my past coaches Mike Smith for teaching me to be a tough and disciplined player, George & Traya Vallas for teaching me to be a smart and technical player, Mark Bowman & Matt Felt for making my high school soccer experience rewarding and memorable!  Lastly, I would like to thank Dominick DeRosa and my former Striker teammates for always seeing more in me and pushing me to become a player that I never thought I could become.

I also want to thank God foremost for without him I would not have been able to achieve what I set out to do. I would also like to thank my parents for always supporting my siblings and I. I’m so grateful for all their hard work and sacrifice to get me where I am today. Thank you to my siblings Royce, Natasha and Zaessja. They have been by my side through thick and thin, they are my role models and I’m so lucky to call them my best friends.

I can’t wait to start a new chapter in my life at the University of Nevada, Reno. I know my future is bright because I have God by my side. I wish all my teammates, past and present, bright futures and pomaika’i!  A Hui Hou!"

—Mei-Li Madamba