Category Archives: College Bound

Emily Huska Chooses Humboldt State University

“I have recently verbally committed to wonderful Humboldt State University because to me, it was the perfect place to go. At HSU I can fulfill a dream to play soccer in college, get an education that can that build stepping stones for my future, and be somewhere I know I love. What really got me to choose HSU was that the beautiful campus stood out from all of the others I visited along with the people who were so down to earth. I can do the same things I love to do such as hiking, trail running, kayaking, and climbing, and most of all I could truly see myself living there and feeling at home. I’m extremely excited to go and play for head coach Christian Johnson.

I can’t explain how thankful I am for the support I have gotten from my team and families! We have all grown up so much and the strong bonds and cherished memories I have with all of them will last forever. Thank you Jason Gantt, Gene DuChateau, Todd DeCarlo, and Ron Benjamin for their dedication, time and effort that has pushed me to be the player I am today. And most of all thank you Mom and Dad for helping make my dreams come true and being there on the side lines cheering me on, you mean the world to me and I can’t thank you enough for everything! Thank you all so much in the Placer Club for the memorable years. Go Lumberjacks!”

—Emily

Devon Hamersley Will Head to Kansas Wesleyan University

“I’m headed to Kansas! I’m excited to play for Coach Dibbini on one of the top women’s soccer teams in the country (2011 record – 16-2-2, first in their conference) while studying Exercise Science / Kinesiology.  Kansas (K-Dub) offers immediate, hands-on training in this program, all in a small, classroom environment – something that should be perfect for me.  Thanks so much to coaches Gene DuChateau, Ron Benjamin and Bart Morefield for allowing me to play for Placer United. I have learned so much and Placer United has been like my family, opening up opportunities to speak to and be seen by MANY quality college coaches and programs.  Thanks to my parents for their encouragement and never letting me quit! Thanks to all my fellow players along the way who’ve challenged me to do better. And thanks to Coach Dibbini (and the rest of KWU’s women’s soccer coaching staff) for their investment in my abilities.  I’m excited and scared at the same time but looking forward to what comes next.  I wish my fellow teammates and their parents all the best. I will miss you all!”

—Devon

Mike Mazzoni Commits to William Jessup University

“I have recently accepted an athletic scholarship to William Jessup University.  It is a school where I can continue my soccer career playing for a NAIA division university.

After participating in two ID camps at William Jessup, I have come to realize the coaching staff not only has my soccer career in mind but my academic future is also very important to them.  They will help me grow, not only as a soccer player, but also as a student.  One of the other very important reasons I have chosen this university is because of its location.  Since it is located in Rocklin, I can experience a university life while still being close to home and family.  I felt for all these reason, William Jessup University is a perfect fit for me.

I would like to thank the entire Placer organization, especially Josh Fitzgerald, Thompson, Sh-Mike Callahan, Matt Scammacca, Kelsey Chidez, Paul O’Brien, Hugh Payne and Jason Gantt.  They have challenged me to the best of my abilities and made me the absolute best soccer player I could wish to be.  Because of the work ethic they have instilled in me over the years, I will be able to continue my soccer career at a college level.”

— Mikey Mazzoni

Sam Hutchinson Commits to Colorado Mesa University

“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

Avery Hutchinson Verbally Commits to William Jessup

“I am excited to say that I have recently verbally committed to William Jessup University. I fell in love with the coaching staff, the beautiful campus and the family-like feel of the school when I had visited the school in the past. I am pleased to be close to home and my family. I have not decided what I am going to study but I am looking forward to my adventure in figuring it out and I have no doubt this school will help me to accomplish that. I am thrilled and honored to attend WJU next year!

I would like to thank my parents for all their love and hard work and the time they have invested in my sports, as well as my family members who have always lifted me up and believed in me. Thank you to my coaches: Ron Benjamin, Leo Marin, Martin Sims and Anthony Baimas for helping me to develop into the player I am today. I couldn’t have done this without their support and encouragement.”

—Avery

Marissa Griffin Commits to Sierra College

“I have recently decided to play for Sierra College for one of my favorite coaches, Jason Gantt.  I believe that Sierra will give me a chance to experience what college is all about while allowing me to stay close to home. I plan to complete my general education courses which will prepare me to obtain a degree in special education. Playing at Sierra will allow me to continue to grow as a soccer player. I want to thank my coach Ron Benjamin, my amazing, talented, and supportive soccer team, and especially grateful for the support of my family.”

—Marissa

Mary Mae Caldwell Verbally Commits to Cal State Fullerton

“I recently made my verbal commitment to Cal State Fullerton. I was first approached by Head Coach Demian Brown at the Thanksgiving Surf Tournament.  He asked if I had ever thought about playing D1 and I found myself a little stumped by this question. I had not; maybe I doubted my ability or maybe I had thought of the chance of playing D1 as unrealistic. But it was Coach Brown who saw my potential and opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities. I visited the campus and knew it was the place for me!  I’m looking forward to working hard and growing as a person and a player at Fullerton.

I want to thank my parents for all their sacrifice in helping me play soccer throughout my life, leading to this wonderful opportunity.  And to my brother who taught me so much about work ethic and persistence.  I knew when we moved from the Bay Area in my freshman year that I wanted to play for Placer United.  I want say thank you to my current Placer coach Gene and to Ron for helping prepare me for this next step.  And for my teammates – I will never forget you and will smile when I think of all the memories we have made!”

—Mary Mae

Lauren Hayano ’95 Elite Commits to San Francisco State University

In Her Own Words…

“Recently, I verbally committed to San Francisco State University. SFSU has always been one of my top schools, and I feel extremely honored to be able to study and play soccer there. They have an excellent soccer program and a challenging psychology curriculum, which makes SFSU a perfect school for me. SFSU allows me to stay close to home, as well as being able to explore an amazing and diverse city.

I would like to thank my parents for all of their support. They have always pushed me to become better and to work harder; they never stopped believing in me. I would also like to thank all of my coaches throughout the years: Gene DuChateau, Bart Morefield, Ron Benjamin, John Love, and Ron Sanchez. They all invested a huge amount of time and effort into me, which helped me grow as a player. I am extremely grateful for all that they have done for me.

Go Gators!”

U18 Elite ’94 Rachel Dortch Commits to Sonoma State University

In her own words…

“I recently committed verbally to Sonoma State University. This summer I was able to attend a soccer camp at the university where I fell in love with the beautiful campus and excellent coaching. Sonoma has offered me a great opportunity to pursue a career in nursing while also playing soccer and staying near my family. I am extremely excited to attend Sonoma next year and truly believe that it is the perfect school for me.

I would like to thank my parents for their guidance and huge amount of support they have given me throughout the years; Ron Benjamin, Gene DuChateau and Todd DeCarlo who have turned me into the player I am today; and my teamates who have been great supporters and friends through the years.”

Paige Crouch U17 ’95 Verbally Commits to University of Arizona

In her own words…

“I have verbally committed to the University of Arizona! I am so excited to be able to play Division 1 soccer in college. It has always been my dream and I am so thankful that I was given the oppurtinity to visit the campus and fall in love with it. The Tucson campus is absolutely beautiful. Soccer is a crazy sport with ups and downs and I wouldn’t be able to do it without God being number one, my family and coaching staff. I want to personally thank Ron Benjamin, Gene DuChateau, and Bart Morefield for all the support and help they have given me, every game and practice. In the end I am so thankful and excited to be able to play for the Wildcats!”