“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

“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

“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

“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

“I have verbally committed to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. When I visited the school and spent some time with the coaching staff I knew CMU was the place for me. Getting the opportunity to play college soccer at such a high level is a dream come true.

I am so thankful for the support of my family and coaches throughout the years; they have committed so much of their time in helping me to achieve my goals. Although I only spent a short time with Placer United, the experience of competing in high level competition such as WCDA events really helped me get exposure to college coaches.

I would like to personally thank Kelcey Chaidez and Paul O’Brien for giving me a chance with Placer United. I also want to thank the coaches and players at United Futbol Academy, Carson High School, Nevada Wonders Academy and Nevada ODP that have also been instrumental in my development as a player.

Go Mavericks!”

—Sam