In Madalyn’s words:

“When I started looking at colleges, I had 3 things that I looked for in a school: a fairly small private school, located in Northern California, and a program where I could make a difference. I did some research and found out USF fit all three of my criteria. I visited the USF campus last spring. After many many visits to the campus, watching a couple games, hanging out with the team, and getting to know the coaches extremely well, I have decided to make my verbal commitment to attend the University of San Francisco! While at USF I hope to gain more experience as a player and help the program become a NCAA tournament contender; with my ultimate goal being to play on the national team. USF is the perfect fit for me and I look forward to attending in 2012! Lets go Dons!

I have played at Placer United all of my youth soccer, beginning at U10, and I can’t thank all of the coaches I have had or known enough for all the help and direction they have given me over the years! You all are very much appreciated.”

We’re very proud Madalyn!

Uriel Moreno

William Jessup University head men’s soccer coach, Micah Howser, announced the signing of Uriel Moreno for the 2010 season.

Moreno joins the Warriors from nearby Lincoln High School, where he was a three-year varsity starter. He helped Lincoln win the Pioneer League Championship and Sac-Joaquin Section Championship as a sophomore. Moreno was also named team captain during his junior and senior year. Moreno was selected to the First Team All League as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He was also named the Fighting Zebras’ most valuable player and most valuable player for the Pioneer Valley League in his senior year.

At the club level, Moreno played for Placer United where he was named team captain for six years. He was named the team’s most valuable player in 2005 and 2006 and helped his team to a 10th place national ranking in 2008. He also helped Placer United win the 2008 Santa Clara Invitational by slotting home the game winning penalty kick in the finals.

Howser said about Moreno, “Uriel will come in as one of the most technically advanced players on our squad. He distributes the ball almost flawlessly and has the speed and footwork to dribble and beat defenders one-on-one. He will add a much needed tactical approach to our attack. Uriel is not only a great asset on the field but a great young man who brings leadership and integrity.”

“I have verbally committed and accepted a scholarship to Dominican University in San Rafael, California,” said Megan recently. “The reasons I chose to attend DU are because of the beautiful location, the great nursing program, and the excellent soccer program!”

Dominican University is a D2 soccer program and competes in the Pacific West Conference.

“Next year I will be attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When I received my appointment, I was both honored and ecstatic. Although my four year Air Force experience will be drastically different from a normal college lifestyle, I truly believe that my long term gains are worth giving up short term luxuries. I chose this sacrifice because I honestly believe in the motto “service before self” and hope to learn to live my life in accordance with the Air Force values. When I graduate, I want to leave a better person than I was the day I walked off the bus for my first day of Basic Cadet Training, rather than a more educated version of the person I am today. To top it all off, soccer is what got me this opportunity and I am thankful for all the challenges and experiences I had due to playing with Placer United. I will be playing in the Division 1 Mountain West conference, and am looking forward to the challenges that will soon be presented to me on the field. It was a long road to finally receive my appointment, and it feels amazing to have reached this milestone. Thanks Placer!!”

I chose Harvard because a once in a lifetime opportunity like that usually doesn’t happen to a girl like me. I come from a little town in Northern Nevada, and I am a part of the first generation of my family that was born here in th U.S. My parents are legalized immigrants from Mexico. They came here 23 years ago with the hopes to have my sister, my brother, and myself go to college to have an easier and better life for ourselves. When I was younger and playing soccer I was content with having good grades and staying in Nevada for school… But, then came Placer Soccer Club and huge doors were opened! Harvard saw me and my coach, Ron, made everything a reality instead of just a dream. I chose Harvard for my family, for an outstanding education, for my club, and for myself.

“Lafayette was the perfect academic and athletic fit for me and, for lack of better words, everything just clicked”, said Abby. “I plan on majoring in Policy Studies, a multidisciplinary course of study in the design, management, and evaluation of policies and institutions while minoring in French.”

Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, approximately one hour from New York City and 90 minutes from Philadelphia. It is a small, Division 1 liberal arts school which competes in the Patriot League.