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

“I am pleased to announce that I have committed to Case Western Reserve University, a NCAA Division III school in Cleveland, Ohio.  I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to play at the collegiate level under Coach Tiffany Crooks and further develop as a player. I never imagined I would be capable of playing in college while pursuing a nursing degree so this is a dream come true!

It has been an honor to have played for Placer United the last five years.  I remember how ecstatic I was when Todd DeCarlo called me for his team. During my experience at Placer, my skill and knowledge of the game has increased exponentially.  I persevered every year continuing to learn and refine my technique on the ball. As well, I have developed not only as a player but also as a leader. While serving as captain for the past four consecutive years I have reveled in the spirit of teambuilding and bonding with my teammates. Through soccer I have learned the importance of teamwork, organization, dedication, and leadership. Soccer has been a great teacher to me and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had to play the game I love at this level. I especially would like to acknowledge and thank my coaches Todd DeCarlo and Crystal Chaidez for guiding and teaching me through soccer, pushing me to my limits and encouraging me to never give up. I would also like to personally thank my family for being my #1 fans and supporting me in all my endeavors.  A huge thanks to my teammates for making my years at Placer so memorable and absolutely amazing! I love you all so much and I know our friendships will last a lifetime! I have had the time of my life at Placer and feel it has more than prepared me for the next level which I look forward with Coach Tiff and my future teammates at Case!

I cannot wait to start this next chapter in my life. All of my dreams are coming true and I could not have done it without the help of my coaches, family, friends and teammates.  Go Spartans!”

—Mallory Erl

Tara Armstrong

“I am beyond excited that I verbally committed to Texas Lutheran University to play for them this upcoming fall. I have been looking forward to this day for a really long time. As most of the girls in this club, I have now played soccer for over fourteen years. It has been my goal to play for a college soccer team and that dream is now coming true. I couldn’t imagine my life without soccer. It has developed me as a person and allowed me to make long-lasting friendships.

Up until I was nine years old, I played at a recreational soccer level. On a whim, I decided to try out for Placer United. My hopes were high, but my expectations were low. Somehow, however, I made the team. Coming in, I thought I would play as forward and just run with the ball as fast as I could. Cory Clonce had a different plan for me. He switched me to sweeper, thus starting my career as a defender. Ever since, I have absolutely loved playing defense. Now, I am so happy Coach Schaffer recognized me as a solid defensive player and has given me the opportunity to play for his team. I give special thanks to the Placer United Soccer Club for developing me and pushing me as a player. Along my journey in club soccer, I thank my coaches: Cory Clonce, Todd DeCarlo, and Crystal Howard for their time and efforts they have sacrificed to allow their athletes to grow. They have believed in my ability and taught me so much. To my mom, my dad, and my sister: it will be very hard looking at the sidelines and not seeing you there. You are my biggest fans, and I am forever grateful of your commitment to my soccer career.

I am ready to embark on my journey, and begin my next four years. I look forward to calling Texas my future “home” and being able to call myself a Bulldog.

—Tara Armstrong

Molly McConnell

“I’m very excited and honored to announce my commitment to play soccer for Sierra College next year.  Jason Gantt has developed one of the most successful women’s soccer programs in this area. I followed their success last year and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team.  I’ve been a goal keeper with Placer United for the past 6 years and it is hard to believe my youth soccer career is coming to an end.

I would like to thank my Mom who has supported my sports activities all these years. She has been a constant cheerleader, chauffeur and advocate for me.

Next I would like to thank the entire Placer United coaching staff, but mostly Todd DeCarlo and Crystal Chaidez. Todd pushed me to the next level of goal keeping and is still a mentor to me today. Crystal taught me the importance of leadership and being a voice on the field. I’d also like to thank the goal keeping staff, Gene DuChateau and Matt Scammacca, who helped me to learn the technical side of my position.

Finally I want to acknowledge all of my teammates over the years. The great times we’ve had travelling, training, winning and losing have helped me become the person and player I am today. I can’t wait to take my soccer to the collegiate level!”

—Molly McConnell

Kristen Grattan

“I am proud to announce that I have verbally committed to Sierra College! Staying at home with just my Mom and Dad will be a nice change since I can finally be an “only child”. And being so close, they will be able to attend my home games.  Sierra College will be a nice transition before attending a University. At Sierra, I can get much of my general education classes out of the way while at the same time, focus on what I would like to pursue as a career path. Moreover, playing under Coach Jason Gannt will be a huge opportunity for me to improve my skills and level of play.

I would like to thank my coaches throughout my years at Placer United, my teammates and of course, my supportive family. I would like to give special thanks to my past coaches, John Chimienti, Katie Dempsey, Todd DeCarlo and my former coach now, Crystal Chaidez. I honestly don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for them. They pushed me beyond my limits and told me “You can” when I said, “I can’t”.  To my teammates these past few years, thank you so much for your friendship and support. Pushing me in practice and motivating me before games, I couldn’t have asked for better friends. I will always remember the laughs, the tears during Crystal’s fitness, and the late night talks in hotel rooms. We will always share that special bond that few teams will understand.  Lastly, I would like to give specials thanks to my family. Thanks to my sister Marisa and bother Daniel for training with me and pushing me in those hot summer days we spent together. Thanks Mom and Dad for always being so supportive (emotionally and financially), being my number one fans and always believing in me.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me get to where I am today; I love you all! Go Wolverines! ”

—Kristen Grattan

Marissa “Mo” Vaughan

“I would like to say that I am so very grateful and honored to become apart of the soccer program at Sierra College. I have been with Placer United for the past nine years and its unbelievable that I’m coming to the end of my senior year. My journey with Placer has been one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’m thankful for all of the things that I have been so lucky enough to experience with this Club.

First I would like to thank my mom, dad, brothers, aunt, gramma and papa. You have all been so supportive of me throughout my life and I am so blessed to call you my family. I thank you for everything you have done for me during all of my years with Placer.

Second, I would like to thank all of my teammates. Each and every one of them has a completely different type of personality and they continue to surprise me at every practice. Ashley O’Conner, thank you for being my very best friend. I’ve been very lucky to have shared the past nine years of Placer United with you. I love you all!

I would also like to thank all of my coaches for encouraging me to be a better player each and every day. I would especially like to thank Cory Clonce, Todd DeCarlo and of course, Ron Benjamin, for being the best, most inspiring coaches that I have ever known and I thank you for all that you’ve done for me.

I am so excited to play soccer at Sierra! Good luck to all my teammates in the future!”

— Mo

Jessica Hinsken

“I am excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Dominican University of California! I am beyond grateful for the amazing opportunity to play D2 soccer while receiving a great education. I would not be where I am today with out the amazing support from my family, friends, coaches, and teammates.

I would like to thank my coaches Crystal Chaidez, Todd Decarlo, and Ron Benjamin. Thank you all for pushing me to do my best and never giving up on me! Thank you to my older sister Tasha, for always being my number one fan, and my older brother Alex, for making sure I always put in the work I needed to. I would also like to thank my second family Ali, Kurt and Steph for always being so supportive in everything I do! Lastly, I would like to thank my mom for being my best friend, always believing in me and making my dream come true.

To my team… thank you for an amazing final season of youth soccer and I will never ever forget all the crazy, outrageous, memories that we have had together. I hope all of you do amazing in the next part of your lives!”

—Jessica Hinsken