“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

“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

“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

“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

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!”

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.”

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!”

In her own words…

“I feel very honored to be able to verbally commit to my number one college choice. The Air Force Academy has a very rigorous program militarily, academically, and physically. It is going to be a challenging program but I am committed to doing what is required. I would like to thank my Placer United coaches: Katie Dempsey, John Chimienti, Ron Benjamin, and Gene DuChateau, for giving me the confidence, training and skills necessary to be able to play at the Division 1 level.”

In her own words…

“I have verbally committed to the University of Colorado Boulder. Colorado was my dream school because it’s where I was born and have family. Also, coming from a small town, I wanted a big school with good athletics and academics which CU provides. It is in the PAC 12 so I will be able to visit the West Coast often. I have no idea what I want to study yet, but this school should help me figure it out. I loved the coaches and can’t wait to move to beautiful Colorado!

I would like to thank my parents for driving me an hour and a half to practice 3-4 days a week. I would also like to thank my brother for practicing with me to make me better. Thank you Ron Benjamin, Martin Sims, and the entire Placer United coaching staff for helping me reach my dreams!

Go Buffaloes!”