In her own words…

“I have recently committed to playing for Sierra College with one of my former coaches, Jason Gantt. I chose to play at Sierra College because I feel like it is the perfect fit for me and the next couple years of my soccer career can grow with this experience. It will give me an idea of what college soccer is like, helping me decide what I want to do with it in the future. I plan on majoring in Psychology and attending Cal Poly after my time at Sierra. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of my amazing soccer coaches: Chris Alcala, Jason Gantt, Gene DuChateau and Ron Benjamin. They have helped me blaze a successful trail of soccer skills through their inspirational coaching methods. I cannot thank them enough for all their dedication, time and effort. Also, I want to thank the teammates with whom I have built a bond with that will last forever, and of course my parents, who have supported me and stood on the sidelines cheering me on for nine memorable years. Go Wolverines!”

In her own words…

“My name is Emily Chalfant and I just completed my junior year at Woodcreek High School. I have recently accepted an offer to play soccer at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. I have always aspired to go to a private christian school and after visiting many colleges, Point Loma was definitely the best fit. The combination of strong academics, great community, supportive coaches and location make it a place where I can really see myself during my college career. I hope to study in the pre-medical field and to pursue a career in health care.

I have been playing soccer for eleven years and seven of those have been at Placer United. I owe my opportunity to play at Point Loma completely to the coaches and staff from the Placer United Soccer Club. I would like to thank all of my coaches throughout the years, especially Jon Chimienti, Bart Morefield, Ron Benjamin and Gene DuChateau for pushing me to become a better player and taking my game to the next level. Since last January when I tore my ACL, their continued encouragement helped me to stay positive and focused during rehab. With the help and support of these coaches, as well as support from my physical therapist Quinn McArthur, I returned at 100%. I cannot wait to continue my soccer career at Point Loma under coach Tim Hall and am very excited to be given this opportunity.”

Caitlyn Kretzschmar, Class of 2012 and a member of Placer United Elite ’94 Gold, has verbally committed to attend University of San Diego. In Caitlyn’s own words, “I am so excited to be attending and playing for San Diego. When I came to Placer two years ago, I had the goal to improve my game enough to be able to play in college. Thanks to Ron Benjamin and the coaching staff at Placer, I have achieved that goal! When I visited USD, I fell in love with the campus and I know that playing for the Toreros and for Coach Greenwood will help take me to the next level of competitive soccer. I am also very happy that I will be attending a college that has highly recognized academics and that it is in warm, sunny California. I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for pushing me to work hard and for making me a better player. I would also like to thank my whole family for supporting me and helping me to get where I am today. I couldn’t have done it without them! Go Toreros!”

In her own words…

I have recently committed to playing at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, for the 2012 season. I am so excited about playing for the Spartans. I wanted to go to college in North Carolina since my sister played in a tournament there four years ago when Ron coached and directed Marin FC. I love the area, the coaches, the players, the academics and the opportunity to play at a very high level of soccer. It was a very exhausting experience, but I am very happy with my decision to be a Spartan!

I’ve got another year to go before I am finished with my club soccer career. However, I thank my Placer United teammates, my parents, and of course my coach, Ron Benjamin. I have played for three different clubs over my club soccer career and this has been my absolute favorite! Great players, great competition at the best tournaments, wow! My mom and dad have been great about supporting me since I commute four hours round trip to practice. I look forward to playing my last year with my Placer United teammates!

In her own words…

After playing soccer for thirteen years and overcoming a torn ACL last year, my dream of playing Division 1 soccer in college has come true! I have recently committed to playing at the University of Arizona and couldn’t be happier with my decision. Being out of the game for almost all of last season, I was afraid I may not even be given the opportunity to play soccer in college. Once I found out that Arizona was interested in me I was ecstatic and we went to visit the school and I immediately loved everything about it. The atmosphere seemed perfect for me and all of their facilities were super nice. The coaches were all so nice and helpful and made sure we really felt comfortable there.

I’m excited to begin my college soccer career, but there’s no way I could have done this without my coach, Ron Benjamin, who has helped me so much through the last four years and has helped me grow as a player and a person. My family has also been so supportive through my injury and my whole soccer career and stood by me no matter what my decisions. I’m so thankful for this opportunity I’ve been given and am excited to continue to grow as a player at the University of Arizona. Once again, thank you so much Ron Benjamin, my family, and everyone on Placer United ’93 Gold, who has been such a huge part of my life. I couldn’t have done it without you guys!

Becky Duncan will be attending UC Davis under the Biological Sciences Cellular Biology Degree Program with the hopes of pursuing a graduate degree in Medicine. She has been offered the opportunity under Aggie Coach Mary Claire Roberson to try out for the Woman’s Soccer Team this August.

In her own words…

“Point Loma has been my top choice from day one. I fell in love with the school and connected with the coach the first time I visited in my sophomore year. Once I got the offer from the coach, I knew that’s where I wanted to go.

Point Loma is a small private school right on the ocean in San Diego. I will be studying English/Journalism and also Fashion Merchandising with the hopes of traveling abroad and working in the fashion industry as a journalist. The soccer program is a great fit for me and one where I’ll be able to play and make a difference.

After the Las Vegas College Showcase, I heard from three schools, but found that Point Loma was still my first choice. I want to thank my parents and my little brother for all their love and support. I also want to thank the many coaches that helped me improve my game: My Placer coaches, Gene, Bart and Ron, my Cal Rush coaches John and Jaimy, Coach Ron Sanchez and especially my trainer, Simon Sheppard. Thanks for helping make my college dream a reality!”

In her own words…

“I have been playing soccer for thirteen years and began playing at age four. In the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure if soccer was the sport for me. Per my parents, my first year of soccer I stood in the middle of the field with all of the other four and five year olds running around me, sobbing and begging to come off of the field.

The following year, my parents almost didn’t register me to play soccer, but came to me last minute with the proposal to play. I decided to give it one more chance. I thank God that I did because for the last twelve years, soccer has been one of the most important and rewarding aspects in my life. I truly love the game and all that comes with it!

As of recent, I was extended a scholarship offer to play soccer for Humboldt State University. After attending a women’s soccer game in the fall and visiting the campus with my parents last month, I verbally accepted the offer without hesitation during the visit. I love the Humboldt campus and the college-town feel. While I am currently a junior and still have one more year of high school, I am very excited and anxious to attend Humboldt and have the opportunity to play on their women’s soccer team. The new soccer field and accommodations are beautiful and the coaching staff I consider very warm and inviting.

I am very aware that I most likely wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend college on scholarship and play soccer in college if it weren’t for Placer United Soccer Club. Since entering Placer United at U-11, I was placed with three of the most exceptional coaches, who include: Jason Gantt (U-11 & U-12), Gene DuChateau (U-13 through U-15) and Ron Benjamin (U-16 & U-17). However, I feel it wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t also recognize the coaching my dad provided me in my early years, U-6 through U-10, and the guidance and instruction he has continued to give me throughout my entire soccer career. Without the support, direction and knowledge of the game each of my coaches have given me; I doubt I would’ve had the opportunities offered to me today. Not only has Placer United provided me outstanding coaches, but it also granted me an amazing team to play with and strong friendships.

I would like to take this time to thank my family, Placer United, and God for without any of these three, this wonderful opportunity wouldn’t have come my way.”

Go Lumberjacks!

In her own words…

“Soccer has been a big part of my life having played for 14 of my 18 years. I have played competitive soccer with Placer United for the past 3 years. This has been an experience that has been rewarding and very humbling as I have been challenged both on the field and off the field to never give up and work hard to excel at school, improve my game and rebound from numerous injuries. These traits will serve me well in college and in life. Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and supported me along the way as I have reached this milestone in my life. In the Fall, I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I will major in biology. Cal Poly has a great motto “Learn By Doing” which is key to truly learning and I look forward to the new challenges. I plan to continue to play soccer at a more recreational level.”