“Playing competitive soccer for the majority of my life truly helped me to gain exposure and explore many universities across the country. I’m grateful to all of the instrumental coaches who worked with me to sharpen my skills and provide assistance throughout the entire college consideration process. Though I had many offers to play across the divisions, I decided not to commit solely from a soccer standpoint. Ultimately, soccer aside, I knew in my heart that the University of Notre Dame was the college meant for me, and that I would have to excel both in the classroom and on the field during my high school experience.

When my acceptance letter came, I realized I would be attending a school with a strong sense of tradition, spirit, values, and a focus on the shaping of the entire individual. At ND, I plan to major in Preprofessional Studies in Medicine and minor in either African American Studies or Psychology, and later go on to attend medical school! I’m looking forward to joining my Notre Dame Fighting Irish family, but will never forget my soccer family. While I’m not going to ND as a soccer recruit, I’m extremely proud to say that I gained admission based on my academic merit, and I’m excited to explore my athleticism through new avenues. Thanks to everyone who has supported my efforts throughout my academic and soccer careers and in all of my endeavors!

GO IRISH Class of 2016!”
—Aliska Berry

“I am very thrilled to announce that I have recently verbally committed to Sacramento State University.  The moment I stepped on campus I just felt at home.  I am so excited to play for coaches Randy, Mary, and Jenny, and I’m really looking forward to getting my degree in kinesiology there.  I would like to thank Coach Randy Dedini and Assistant Coach Mary Trigg for giving me an amazing scholarship opportunity to play Division 1 soccer with them.  It’s all I have ever wanted.

I would like to thank Ron Benjamin for everything he does for my teammates and me.  He is truly an amazing coach and an amazing person.  Thank you for everything Ron.  I don’t know where I would be without you.

I would also like to thank my former coach, Nathan Williams, for all that he did for me, including all of the support he still gives to me. He is always there to cheer me up when I am down, even from a thousand miles away.  Lee Callow for putting me in goal for my very first time ever when I was nine years old at the Sacramento State 6v6 (It was meant to be!).  My goalkeeper trainers, Gene DuChateau, Matt Scammaca, and Simon Sheppard, for making me a technically sound goalkeeper.  I want to thank all of the above coaches for having confidence in me, for maintaining high expectations of me, and for making me work so hard in every training session to get what I wanted.  Without all of them, I wouldn’t be the goalkeeper I am today.  Thank you so much to all of you.

I want to thank my teammates as well! Not only are we teammates, we’re sisters. We are a family. Thank you for all of the support that you guys have given me and for all of the confidence you have helped me build in myself. I cannot wait to play two more wonderful and successful seasons with you. I love you!

The biggest thank you I have is to the people who mean the absolute world to me, my mom and dad.  Without their sacrifices none of this would have happened.  They have turned my dream into a reality.  I love you guys!

Go Hornets!”

—Destiny Butcher

“I am very excited to announce that I recently verbally committed to California State University Sacramento. I chose this school because I feel it is a good fit for me both academically and athletically. After visiting the campus, I was very impressed with the athletic facilities available to student-athletes.

Soccer has always been my outlet and I cannot imagine living my life without it. It has always been a dream of mine to play soccer collegiately at the Division 1 level. After 13 years of hard work and dedication on the soccer field, I feel a sense of accomplishment that my hard work has finally paid off. I am very grateful for the amazing scholarship opportunity that has been extended to me. I am determined to continue to strive to do my best both academically and athletically. I owe a huge thanks to Coach Randy Dedini for giving me this amazing opportunity. I am very excited to play soccer for Coach Dedini and the Hornets.

I would like to thank my former coach, Todd DeCarlo, for all of the support and guidance he has given me and my family in helping me make my decision to attend CSUS. I appreciate Coach Todd not only for believing in me as a player, but also believing in our team and supporting us when we needed it the most. I would also like to thank Ron Benjamin for supporting me during this process and during my past 4 seasons at Placer United. Your commitment to the Placer United family is truly appreciated. A huge thank you goes out to my previous coaches, Kim and Lonnee Richardson and John Chimienti who have all played a huge part in helping me develop not only as a player, but also as a person.

Thank you to my teammates for the endless laughs and memories we continue to make – you girls are truly my family. Most importantly, I would like to thank the people who mean the most to me, my parents. My parents have sacrificed so much for me and have always supported me and pushed me to dream big. Thank you Mom and Dad for always believing in me, no matter what I set my mind out to do. Without you two, none of this would have ever been possible.

Go Hornets!”

—Bianca Tabuso

“I’m very happy to say that I have decided to attend the University of Dallas. I have always dreamed of playing soccer at the collegiate level. Coach Corona really made me feel like I was talented and that I would be an important aspect of the team.  I was invited by Coach Corona to watch one of their games in Oakland and get a chance to meet the girls. They were very helpful with answering my questions about the school and making me feel included, like I was already a part of the team. I was asked to come on an official visit to take some classes, view the campus and watch one of their games. The visit made me feel like I belonged there and they offered everything that I need to start to achieve my Architecture degree.  I came home all smiles and told my parents all the great news. Months later I committed to the University of Dallas and it felt great.

I really appreciate all the people who helped me to make my decision. It was a big one to make and I couldn’t have made it alone. I would like to thank my coaches Todd DeCarlo and Crystal Chaidez for their support.  My coach this year, Crystal, really pushed me hard this last 11 months.  I couldn’t thank her enough for doing so.  She was a big part of me achieving my goal.  I enjoyed talking to her every time a new school contacted me and she would tell me what to think about and ask the coach.  I also want to thank my parents for being there for 13 years of soccer. Their support really kept me going in a positive direction.”

—Mariah Fairbanks

“I am proud to say that I recently verbally committed to Arizona State University. When I visited the campus, I immediately fell in love with it, and it definitely had that “wow-factor” for me. ASU is not only an amazing opportunity for me athletically, but also academically. I have wanted to play at the D1 level for many years, and it is great to see that all of my hard work has paid off!  Playing for Kevin Boyd and the ASU program in the Pac-12 is a dream come true.

I am very thankful for all of the people who helped me to get to where I am today including my family and coaches. My parents have done so much for me, and I appreciate all of the driving, time, and support they have given me to help me achieve my goals. I would also like to thank my youth coaches: Dave Underhill, who taught me the importance of technique instead of just using athleticism; Coach Fred Hsu who taught me to work hard, enjoy the process, and good things will happen; and Coach Nathan Williams who was my first coach at Placer United.

Most importantly, I would like to thank Ron Benjamin for helping me through this entire process and believing in me.  He has done so much for me through his trainings and tireless behind the scenes work, and he was there for me every step of the way. He is an amazing coach, and I look forward to playing my last couple years of club soccer with him.  This whole experience just shows me that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up.

Go Placer United! Go Sun Devils!”

—-Jessica Raybe