Category Archives: College Bound

Rachell Sloss Transfers to CSU East Bay

“Starting in the Fall of 2012, I received a scholarship to play at
 California State University at East Bay as a defensive center
midfielder under former CSU East Bay player Amy Gerace. I am a 
sophomore transfer from Sierra College, and I’m excited for this 
opportunity to play at a higher level. What I loved most about East
 Bay was the competitiveness of the soccer program and the quality of 
the school’s psychology program. The campus and soccer field were very 
impressive as well, and I look forward to making an impact on their soccer program.

 My journey with competitive soccer and playing one year for Jason
 Gantt at Sierra College have both shaped me into the player I am 
today, and made it possible for me to be a part of a more competitive 
soccer program. I first came to Placer United as a member of the U14 Gold
 team. My experience with the club has impacted my life in 
indescribable ways. Placer United taught me the value of teamwork,
coachability, and respect for the game. I would like to thank my 
teammates, and coaches Gene Duchateau, Todd Decarlo, Jason Gantt, and
 Ron Benjamin for helping me to become a better soccer player. I would 
especially like to thank Ron Benjamin for pushing me to my limits and
 for being incredibly supportive through all obstacles I faced in my 
soccer career. I will never forget all the wonderful memories and
 accomplishments I made with my teammates throughout my journey with
 Placer United and in my first year of college ball. I thank you all
 for helping me to reach this next big step in my career!


”

—Rachel Sloss

The Fighting Irish Welcome Aliska Berry

“Playing competitive soccer for the majority of my life truly helped me to gain exposure and explore many universities across the country. I’m grateful to all of the instrumental coaches who worked with me to sharpen my skills and provide assistance throughout the entire college consideration process. Though I had many offers to play across the divisions, I decided not to commit solely from a soccer standpoint. Ultimately, soccer aside, I knew in my heart that the University of Notre Dame was the college meant for me, and that I would have to excel both in the classroom and on the field during my high school experience.

When my acceptance letter came, I realized I would be attending a school with a strong sense of tradition, spirit, values, and a focus on the shaping of the entire individual. At ND, I plan to major in Preprofessional Studies in Medicine and minor in either African American Studies or Psychology, and later go on to attend medical school! I’m looking forward to joining my Notre Dame Fighting Irish family, but will never forget my soccer family. While I’m not going to ND as a soccer recruit, I’m extremely proud to say that I gained admission based on my academic merit, and I’m excited to explore my athleticism through new avenues. Thanks to everyone who has supported my efforts throughout my academic and soccer careers and in all of my endeavors!

GO IRISH Class of 2016!”
—Aliska Berry

Destiny Butcher, U16G 97 Red, Is Headed to Sacramento State

“I am very thrilled to announce that I have recently verbally committed to Sacramento State University.  The moment I stepped on campus I just felt at home.  I am so excited to play for coaches Randy, Mary, and Jenny, and I’m really looking forward to getting my degree in kinesiology there.  I would like to thank Coach Randy Dedini and Assistant Coach Mary Trigg for giving me an amazing scholarship opportunity to play Division 1 soccer with them.  It’s all I have ever wanted.

I would like to thank Ron Benjamin for everything he does for my teammates and me.  He is truly an amazing coach and an amazing person.  Thank you for everything Ron.  I don’t know where I would be without you.

I would also like to thank my former coach, Nathan Williams, for all that he did for me, including all of the support he still gives to me. He is always there to cheer me up when I am down, even from a thousand miles away.  Lee Callow for putting me in goal for my very first time ever when I was nine years old at the Sacramento State 6v6 (It was meant to be!).  My goalkeeper trainers, Gene DuChateau, Matt Scammaca, and Simon Sheppard, for making me a technically sound goalkeeper.  I want to thank all of the above coaches for having confidence in me, for maintaining high expectations of me, and for making me work so hard in every training session to get what I wanted.  Without all of them, I wouldn’t be the goalkeeper I am today.  Thank you so much to all of you.

I want to thank my teammates as well! Not only are we teammates, we’re sisters. We are a family. Thank you for all of the support that you guys have given me and for all of the confidence you have helped me build in myself. I cannot wait to play two more wonderful and successful seasons with you. I love you!

The biggest thank you I have is to the people who mean the absolute world to me, my mom and dad.  Without their sacrifices none of this would have happened.  They have turned my dream into a reality.  I love you guys!

Go Hornets!”

—Destiny Butcher

Bianca Tabuso Verbally Commits to Sacramento State

“I am very excited to announce that I recently verbally committed to California State University Sacramento. I chose this school because I feel it is a good fit for me both academically and athletically. After visiting the campus, I was very impressed with the athletic facilities available to student-athletes.

Soccer has always been my outlet and I cannot imagine living my life without it. It has always been a dream of mine to play soccer collegiately at the Division 1 level. After 13 years of hard work and dedication on the soccer field, I feel a sense of accomplishment that my hard work has finally paid off. I am very grateful for the amazing scholarship opportunity that has been extended to me. I am determined to continue to strive to do my best both academically and athletically. I owe a huge thanks to Coach Randy Dedini for giving me this amazing opportunity. I am very excited to play soccer for Coach Dedini and the Hornets.

I would like to thank my former coach, Todd DeCarlo, for all of the support and guidance he has given me and my family in helping me make my decision to attend CSUS. I appreciate Coach Todd not only for believing in me as a player, but also believing in our team and supporting us when we needed it the most. I would also like to thank Ron Benjamin for supporting me during this process and during my past 4 seasons at Placer United. Your commitment to the Placer United family is truly appreciated. A huge thank you goes out to my previous coaches, Kim and Lonnee Richardson and John Chimienti who have all played a huge part in helping me develop not only as a player, but also as a person.

Thank you to my teammates for the endless laughs and memories we continue to make – you girls are truly my family. Most importantly, I would like to thank the people who mean the most to me, my parents. My parents have sacrificed so much for me and have always supported me and pushed me to dream big. Thank you Mom and Dad for always believing in me, no matter what I set my mind out to do. Without you two, none of this would have ever been possible.

Go Hornets!”

—Bianca Tabuso

Dominic Scotti Verbally Commits to Wake Forest University

“I’m excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Wake Forest University.  I have always dreamed of playing soccer in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  I went on a visit there from April 20-23, and was able to sit down with the staff numerous times.  I also had the opportunity hang out with players and watch them beat the 2011 National Champions (UNC) 2-1 at home.  The entire Wake Forest family made me feel as if I was at home, from the current players, to coaches Jay Vidovich and Ryan Martin, all the way to players in the MLS currently. Wake Forest has the combination that I was looking for, a top 25 nationally ranked education and soccer program. On the flight home I decided that Wake was right for me and later called the coaching staff to provide my verbal commitment. I am very excited be joining the Demon Deacons wearing the Black and Gold in the winter of 2014.

I would like to thank my whole family for supporting me throughout my club career, occasionally missing birthdays or holidays.  They really played a big role in continuing to push me both as a person and as a player.  I would also like to thank Mike Linenberger, Thompson, and Sean-Michael Callahan for teaching and pushing me year after year.  They continued to show me what to do in order to improve, and inspired me.  I would like to give Thompson special thanks, as he began coaching me when I was 7 years old.   He always gave me a coaching point or two whether he was my club coach or not, and he really molded me to become the player that I am today.

Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates, most of whom have been together since we were 9, 10, and 11 year-old and we all have shared a bond and a level of competitiveness that has pushed us to the number 1 national ranking; this allowed multiple coaches to attend the majority of our games, leading to my opportunity with Wake Forest.  I really appreciate everyone who has helped me make this decision and helped me become a player that Wake Forest wants.”

—Dominic Scotti (2014)

Mariah Fairbanks Verbally Commits to University of Dallas

“I’m very happy to say that I have decided to attend the University of Dallas. I have always dreamed of playing soccer at the collegiate level. Coach Corona really made me feel like I was talented and that I would be an important aspect of the team.  I was invited by Coach Corona to watch one of their games in Oakland and get a chance to meet the girls. They were very helpful with answering my questions about the school and making me feel included, like I was already a part of the team. I was asked to come on an official visit to take some classes, view the campus and watch one of their games. The visit made me feel like I belonged there and they offered everything that I need to start to achieve my Architecture degree.  I came home all smiles and told my parents all the great news. Months later I committed to the University of Dallas and it felt great.

I really appreciate all the people who helped me to make my decision. It was a big one to make and I couldn’t have made it alone. I would like to thank my coaches Todd DeCarlo and Crystal Chaidez for their support.  My coach this year, Crystal, really pushed me hard this last 11 months.  I couldn’t thank her enough for doing so.  She was a big part of me achieving my goal.  I enjoyed talking to her every time a new school contacted me and she would tell me what to think about and ask the coach.  I also want to thank my parents for being there for 13 years of soccer. Their support really kept me going in a positive direction.”

—Mariah Fairbanks

Jessica Raybe Verbally Commits to Arizona State

“I am proud to say that I recently verbally committed to Arizona State University. When I visited the campus, I immediately fell in love with it, and it definitely had that “wow-factor” for me. ASU is not only an amazing opportunity for me athletically, but also academically. I have wanted to play at the D1 level for many years, and it is great to see that all of my hard work has paid off!  Playing for Kevin Boyd and the ASU program in the Pac-12 is a dream come true.

I am very thankful for all of the people who helped me to get to where I am today including my family and coaches. My parents have done so much for me, and I appreciate all of the driving, time, and support they have given me to help me achieve my goals. I would also like to thank my youth coaches: Dave Underhill, who taught me the importance of technique instead of just using athleticism; Coach Fred Hsu who taught me to work hard, enjoy the process, and good things will happen; and Coach Nathan Williams who was my first coach at Placer United.

Most importantly, I would like to thank Ron Benjamin for helping me through this entire process and believing in me.  He has done so much for me through his trainings and tireless behind the scenes work, and he was there for me every step of the way. He is an amazing coach, and I look forward to playing my last couple years of club soccer with him.  This whole experience just shows me that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up.

Go Placer United! Go Sun Devils!”

—-Jessica Raybe

Anna Goddi Commits to University of Chicago

“I am happy to announce that I have verbally committed to the University of Chicago to play on their women’s soccer team. This is the perfect opportunity for me academically and athletically, for I could not hope to get into a more competitive and distinguished college, especially to play soccer for their team. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the academics are extremely challenging, and the coaching staff is wonderful. I am really looking forward to working with them next year. I am anticipating studying Neuroscience there, and also helping the UChicago women’s team win the league next year!

I would like to thank my family, my friends, and my teammates for helping me get this far and for pushing me in soccer to achieve all that I have on the team. I have been with Placer for my whole competitive soccer career, beginning in U10, and have developed so much from their support and coaching staff. Thank you so much to my coaches, Gene DuChateau and Ron Benjamin, and all of my other coaches from when I was younger, for helping me become the player I am now. I am so excited to attend UChicago next year and couldn’t have achieved this without their support.”

—Anna Goddi

Ashley Sweeting Chooses Chapman University

 “I’m very excited to play soccer for Chapman University next year. Chapman is in sunny southern California and offers a pre-physical therapy and athletic training program that I am interested in.

I owe a huge thank you to Leo Marin and Ron Benjamin for giving me the opportunity to play for Placer United.  Placer has been an unbelievable experience with great training, talented and supportive teammates, and great families.  I also need to thank my family who believed in me and supported me. Go Panthers!”

—Ashley

Kaitlyn Kassis Sets Her Sights on UCSD

“I am very excited to commit to play for the University of California, San Diego. UCSD is my dream school for both academics and soccer. I cannot believe how quickly 13 years of playing soccer has gone by. It seems like just yesterday I was playing for the Rancho Cordova Stars, coached by my Mom and Papa. Now I am going to be a UC San Diego Triton!

After all of the ups and downs I have had throughout my soccer career, this is truly a dream come true. Soccer has been the single greatest aspect of my life that has shaped me into the individual I am today. It has made me stronger, both physically and mentally. Soccer has taught me the importance of capitalizing, and making the most of every opportunity, or minute, I am given. I feel so blessed to be given this opportunity to continue playing the sport I love, and cannot wait to begin this new chapter in my life.

There are several people who deserve special recognition for their impact on my soccer career. First, I want to thank my coach, Gene DuChateau. He is the world’s most kindhearted individual who has always had confidence in me. I am so fortunate to have been able to play for him (and be his “energizer bunny”) for three wonderful years. Secondly, I want to thank Coach Ron for his dedication to the Placer United program. I would also like to recognize my team for their friendship and constant support. The camaraderie of a team is a special relationship that cannot be replicated anywhere else. These girls are truly my second family.

Finally I would like to thank my family. I have the most supportive family in the entire world! At each and every game I know that there is always my little section of fans to cheer me on. Whether it be my Meme, Papa, Nana, T.T., sister, brother, dad or mom, I sincerely appreciate all you have sacrificed for me. I know that spending weekends at Cherry Island, or spending Thanksgivings at Surf Cup, is not always ideal, but it has meant so much to me. I love you all so much, and would not be in the position I am today if I weren’t for you. Thank you for everything!

GO TRITONS!”

—Kaitlyn