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.”

Jesse McGinley

“I have recently verbally committed to the University of North Carolina Greensboro. I have always wanted to go to college some where in North Carolina, so I’m very excited that I get the chance to play soccer and live my dream of going to school there. When I went on my visit, I instantly fell in love with the school. I know that sounds cliché but it’s so true; every quality I wanted my “dream school” to have, Greensboro had it. I loved the team, the coaches, the campus, and it has a really good program for what I want to study in the future, which is kinesiology, so everything was very ideal.

Before my visit, Tracy Noonan, who has helped me with everything, especially my college search, said this quote to me: “Whenever possible, try to be in the place that makes you feel there’s no other place you’d rather be.” And UNCG is that place for me. So I’m VERY excited to go there. The soccer program is very competitive and it will allow me to grow as a player, and help me achieve the goals I want to accomplish.

First of all, I want to thank my parents because they have supported me in everything and have always been there for me. Thank you Ron Benjamin for helping me get to where I am now and pushing me to be the player I am today. Thank you Leo Marin for EVERYTHING you have done for me, such as coming before and staying after the regular practice to train me. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me! Along with my Placer coaches and my parents, I want to thank Tracy Noonan, who has been an amazing coach and so helpful to me through everything, whether it is a college coach’s number or advice on goalkeeping she has been there to help me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any of you and I can’t thank you enough!

Go Spartans!

Shea Glaspey

“I have recently verbally committed to the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. This school gives me the opportunity to play Division 1 soccer and it offers a Pre-Physical Therapy program. The school has a beautiful campus in the middle of Greensboro, North Carolina.

To achieve the level of collegiate soccer required dedication, highly skilled trainers/coaches, and support from my family and the many members of my soccer family. As the oldest of eight children, I want to be the older sister that my siblings can look up to and aspire to follow in my well intentioned footsteps, as I head toward my future goals.

At UNCG, I will be able to continue growing as a soccer player. In my next four years I look forward to playing soccer at a level that I have strived to achieve my whole life.

I want to give a personal thank you to Ron Benjamin for all the work he has put in, on and off, the field.”

In Miranda’s own words…

I am very excited for the opportunity to play soccer at Brigham Young University. When I first started with Placer United at 8-years old, it was my dream to play for BYU. After I received the offer from the head coach to play for them, my dream came true! BYU is an amazing college with an excellent soccer program. I am looking forward to playing some of the best teams in the nation. I would like to thank all my coaches at Placer: Jason for his love of the game, Gene for the motivational talks, Bart for the skill training, and especially, Ron, for taking me to the next level. I am so happy right now and can’t wait to continue playing soccer in college. GO COUGARS!

In Kayla’s Own Words…

Playing competitive soccer allowed me to visit many universities across the country. I am thankful to the college coaches who took the time to meet with me as I considered my options. Throughout the process, soccer aside, my #1 choice remained the same, and I knew I would have to work hard academically to get there.

On December 10, it arrived…a Stanford University acceptance! I’ve been to the campus many times and I love the school spirit, the mix of academics and athletics, and especially the desire to learn and excel.

I am looking forward to beginning my journey as a Cardinal at Stanford University where I will major in engineering with a focus on energy resources or environmental science. While I’m not going to Stanford as a soccer recruit, I’m proud to say that I earned my acceptance based on my academic merit. Thanks to everyone who believed in me and supported my efforts along the way!