“I am pleased to announce that I have committed to Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I will be majoring in psychology. It is very exciting to be able to continue my soccer career on the east coast. On my visit to Lesley, I immediately knew it was the school for me. The atmosphere of both Cambridge and Boston were surreal and unlike anywhere that I have ever been. After meeting the players and coaches I was reassured that I was making a good decision.

I would like to thank my parents for their huge commitment they have put into my soccer. With out them I would not be the man I am today.” — Billy Baker

“I am very pleased to announce that I will be attending and playing soccer at Dominican University next year. First I would like to thank my dad and family for everything they have done for me throughout my unpredictable soccer career. I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for their love and support. Secondly, I would like to thank Jason Gantt for giving me the opportunity to play on such a prestigious team such as Placer United. Lastly, I thank every one of my teammates for pushing me to great lengths and always having my back when things got rough out on the pitch. I am honored that I will be representing Placer United at the college level and I will do my best to carry on what I have learned over the years with Placer. Thanks again to everyone who has supported me throughout my career and I look forward to what the future holds for me.” — Chandler Roselli

“It is with great pride and gratitude I announce I will be attending William Jessup University in Rocklin in the Fall. Going to college was very important to me as is my love of soccer and being able to pursue both at WJU is an amazing opportunity. My educational goal is to obtain a degree in Public Policy or Business while expanding my personal growth. Under Coach Handy, I am very excited to begin a new chapter of soccer and realizing my dream of playing college ball. I want to sincerely thank the Club and extend my appreciation to Paul and Jason for their coaching and leadership. Without their ‘calm and understated’ encouragement on and off the field, I would not be the same player. During my three years with Placer, teammates have become friends and I look forward to continuing to play with those also going to WJU!” —Ryan Longley

“I am excited to commit to and attend William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. After training with the team a few times, I really liked the team and also liked the potential and quality we will possess over the next few years. It has always been a dream to receive a scholarship and play college soccer and William Jessup University will allow me to pursue a great education while playing the sport I love. I believe Placer United really helped me achieve my goal and accomplish my dream. I would really like to thank my coach Jason Gantt for transforming me into a better player and helping me reach my full potential.” —Kyle

Abbie Faingold

“I am extremely happy to announce that I have decided to verbally commit to Portland State University. I am very fortunate to be given the opportunity to play high level soccer at PSU. It has always been my dream to play Division 1 soccer at a school that I could enjoy going to as well as playing at. I would like to thank Laura Schott for seeing something in me and giving me the chance to play for her and such a successful program. I would like to thank my past coaches, John Chimienti and Todd Decarlo for helping me develop and grow as a player tremendously. I would also like to thank the goal keeper coaches Gene Duchateau and Matt Scamacca for teaching and pushing me into become a solid goal keeper. I am looking forward to improving even further under the guidance of Matt Bernard in the upcoming season. I would especially like to thank Ron Benjamin for not only bringing me into the club, but helping me get ready for the next level after Placer. He has always pushed me to my limits in order for me to become a better player in the long run. I want to thank my teammates, past and present, for always being there for me and giving me a wonderful experience. To my parents, thank you for supporting me every day and believing in me every step of the way. Thank you for sacrificing your time and lives for taking me to all my games and tournaments over my career.”

—Abbie Faingold

Ashley O’Connor

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to Sierra College. I am honored to be a part of the Sierra College soccer team. I have heard nothing but great things about the team, and coach Jason from one of my very close friends Tiffani Rice.  Although I am sad that my nine years at Placer United are coming to an end, I am proud to continue my soccer career with one of my best friends who I have played with for all nine years, Mo Vaughan.

I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for always being my number one fans and supporting me with whatever I do. I would like to thank Ron Benjamin for helping me through my last year with Placer and always pushing me to be the best I could be. Lastly, I would like to give a special thanks to Todd Decarlo, who was one of the best, most inspirational coaches I have ever had. He coached me through a few of my favorite years with Placer.

To my teammates, I wish you all the best of luck and I will miss you!”

—Ashley O’Connor

“I am so excited to announce that I have verbally committed to the University of California, Davis.  I am extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to attend and play soccer at UCD with an athletic scholarship.  I couldn’t ask for more – a UC with excellent academics and an awesome Division 1 soccer program!  Maryclaire and Rozie have been wonderful throughout the whole process, and I can’t wait to play for them!   When I stepped on the field as a seven year old to try out for my first Placer United team, I would have never thought it would culminate into this!  I would like to thank my coaches at Placer United, especially Ron and Nathan.  Ron has supported me and my development throughout the last few years, for which I am extremely grateful.  I would also like to thank my incredible family for all their love and support!”

—Tamren Johnk

“I am extremely pleased and excited to announce that I have just verbally committed to Boston University for the fall of 2014. After visiting the campus, meeting the players, and getting a feel for the overall culture, I knew that it was the perfect fit for me! My whole life I have set goals for myself that I strive to achieve and playing for a competitive DI school its just another achievement. The opportunity Coach Feldman presented for me was irresistible and I look forward to the four years that I can grow and develop at Boston University. Not only as a player, but a striving student and a well rounded person.

This was my first year after joining the Placer Club and it was the best decision I could have ever made. I went to multiple tryouts and have played for many clubs but the second I walked into the indoor facility, for tryouts, I knew it was where I’d want to play. All the coaches and players make it such a fun, competitive environment. I want to thank my team and all the players on it for always working together, and always playing hard. I would also like to thank many coaches of my past and present who all had a different roles getting me to where I am today. Paul Kennedy developed me into a physical and tactical player and also helped me harness my leadership skills on and of the field. Frank Ramirez for coaching me into a emotionally strong player and always pushing, and asking for the most I could give every single game. And last but not least Ron Benjamin who I owe all my recent college success to. He has really made me not only a strong player but a college ready player and holds me to high expectations on and off the field.

Finally, the most important people in my life, are my family. My parents were the ones who developed me into the person I have become. They sacrificed their lives in hopes that of my sisters and I could have a bright future. From the very beginning both my parents installed me with strong morals and a concrete foundation on which I could always be successful. My sisters always set a straight and easy path for me to follow whether it was their success on the field or in the classroom. And because they are both my strongest role models, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I would also like to give all glory to God for the abilities that he has bestowed in me and allowing me to wake up everyday healthy and able.

I cannot wait to begin this exciting new chapter in my life and to set more goals that I will strive to achieve at Boston University within the athletics and academics! Go Terriers!”

Zaessja Madamba

“I am very pleased to announce that I have recently committed to Idaho State University! The thought of being able to play for a Division I school is so surreal. I never thought that I would be able to make it this far in my soccer career. It is such a blessing to have such an amazing opportunity to compete at such a high level of soccer with such talented athletes, and to have the opportunity to pursue my education.

I recently joined the Placer family this past year, and to say at the least, I have loved everything about this experience. It has been a pleasure to play with some of the most kind, loving, and hardworking group of girls that I have ever met. We’ve made so many great memories and I’m happy for how close we all have become. I’m so grateful for having such a great team and coach. I thank Ron Benjamin for all of his hard work and for believing in me as well as the team, and pushing us to always get better and to work as hard as we possibly can. I have learned so much in the short time I have played here and happy I got to spend my last year of club soccer with all of the amazing Placer families !

Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for everything that they have ever done for me. They have sacrificed so much for my siblings and I in order for us to do the things that we have done. I am so blessed and I thank God for such amazing parents. They are the most hard working people that I know and I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for them. I would also like to thank my brother and two sisters for being the best siblings out there. I cherish the times that we have spent together and wouldn’t trade my family for the world!

Overall, I am beyond excited to be able to say that I’m going to be attending ISU, and I can’t wait to see what the future has to offer! I wish all of my teammates good luck and hope that their futures are very bright!”

—Zaessja Madamba