Kayla Karlsson, a 2012 graduate of the U17 Placer United ’94 Gold Team, recently committed to the University of Cincinnati. Kayla chose U.C. because of the wonderful coaching staff, the amazing athletic facilities, beautiful campus, and the opportunity to play in a very competitive Division 1 Conference. U.C. plays in the Big East Conference and plays against teams like Norte Dame, Georgetown, and West Virgina. Kayla has been playing for Placer United since she was nine years old. She would like to thank all her terrific coaches, including: Ron Benjamin, Gene DuChateau, Jason Gantt, and Chris Alcala. She would also like to thank her family and friends for all their support.

In Jessica’s own words…

“I chose to accept a scholarship to Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA. I recently went on a visit and I absolutely fell in love with the campus. I was able to meet some of the players and they all had great things to say about both the school and the soccer program. This school is a great fit for me because I want to play at a Division II school with Kinesiology being one of the top majors and a strong soccer program. I am really excited for this oppourtunity and I couldnt have done it without the help from Placer United and of course my family.”

In Kellyn’s Own Words…

I recently committed to attending and playing soccer at the University of Nevada, Reno. I went for a visit in mid-January and I loved the campus. The facilities were amazing as was the coach and the handful of players I met.

The reason I chose this university are because they have a highly ranked engineering program, it’s in a great location, and their highly competitive soccer program. I feel that I can make an impact on the team and improve myself as a well rounded player.

I’ve had great coaches while playing for Placer United. Gene and Ron have helped me prepare for the next level and they always push me to improve my game. Thank

you to my coaches, my awesome teammates, and to the Placer club. I also want to thank my parents and God because they got me to where I am today.

I’m really excited to be attending UNR in the fall of 2011. I know I will have many great experiences that I can look back upon for the rest of my life. I will continue to work hard and utilize the gifts I’ve been given. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and thank you to everyone who has given me support.

Grant Silvester

“I decided to attend the University of Virginia because it has the best of both worlds – an excellent school and soccer program. I wanted to compete at the highest collegiate level. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play in the ACC for the national champions.

I’ve had great coaches and teammates at Placer United and CDA, and under the Academy program, they have enabled me to take my game to the next level. The Academy has allowed us to compete against the best players around the country. The level of play is consistently high, and this competition forces every player to get better. CDA players are seen by hundreds of college coaches at Academy Showcase events. My coaches were instrumental in helping me communicate with college coaches throughout the recruiting process.

I would like to thank my teammates, all coaches and staff at Placer United and CDA, for all their help. I’ll do my best to represent CDA at UVA.”

—Grant Silvester

Daylon Schiffel

“I recently committed to the University of Central Arkansas. I was on my second visit in October, while it was my parent’s first. The coaches saw me play at the Spring Academy Showcase in Florida in May 2010 and in Surf Cup in San Diego in August 2010. To be honest, I had never heard of UCA before then, but after flying out to Arkansas and visiting the campus I could see myself living there happily for the next four years. Being born and raised in California, I thought it would be a good experience to live somewhere else for a while; that along with a full ride scholarship and a starting spot as a freshman is what UCA offered. I accepted and am completely satisfied and happy with my decision to commit to UCA. This accomplishment is all thanks to God first of all, my parents, and all my coaches at Placer United and CDA which I have been a part of since U10.

GO BEARS!”

—Daylon Schiffel

In Lexi’s own words

“I have committed to Lesley College, a small, DIII private school in Cambridge, MA. I chose Lesley because the classes are small and interactive, but it’s also in a big city full of nearby colleges. They have an excellent soccer program as well as an outstanding arts program at the Art Institute of Boston. Everyone in my family has attended nearby colleges and being the youngest, I wanted to make a new path for myself. Attending college, and playing soccer on the other side of the country, really sparked my interest and after visiting the campus I knew that Lesley is the perfect fit for me. I would not have been given this opportunity if it weren’t for the help and support of Ron and my teammates at Placer United.”

In her own words…

“One of the main reasons I chose Point Loma is because since my freshman year, when I first visited the campus, I could completely see myself there and loved the location and atmosphere. I also wanted a place where I could continue to play soccer competitively for a good team on a scholarship, and this is exactly what Point Loma offered. Point Loma is located in San Diego on the beach, with beautiful views from almost anywhere on their amazing campus. I will be studying in their nursing program and playing soccer while I am there. I am so thankful to have this opportunity; thank you so much to the Placer Club and especially Ron Benjamin for making all this possible and providing me with so much support and encouragement.”

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!