The Santa Barbara Soccer Club gathered this week to honor a remarkable cohort of 21 seniors who are set to embark on their collegiate soccer journeys.
These young athletes, drawn from the club’s MLS Next 2008, GA Aspire 08/07 and 2008 SBSC White squads, represent a diverse spread of talent across the nation’s top academic and athletic programs.
A Spectrum of Destinations
Four of the graduates will test their skills at the Division I level, while three will join Division II programs and five will compete in Division III. The remaining players will continue their education and soccer careers at the junior‑college ranks, including several who will suit up for Santa Barbara City College.
Among the standout commitments, Lainey Lajoie has pledged to play Division‑III soccer at Augustana College in Illinois, and Amy Rosas will continue both her studies and her game at Ventura College. Amy Corona, Isabella Rubio and Harlyn Griffin are also headed to the Vaqueros at SBCC, joining a vibrant local pipeline.
Kieran Buell rounded out the class by confirming his commitment to Pacific University in Oregon, a Division‑III program known for its competitive spirit and academic rigor.
The club also took the opportunity to acknowledge the broader network of institutions that will welcome these players, ranging from Boston College and Georgetown University to Harvard University, the University of Chicago, Pomona College, Chapman University, Amherst College, Colorado College and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Club officials emphasized that the achievements reflect not only individual talent but also the robust development environment fostered by the Santa Barbara Soccer Club, which has long been a catalyst for student‑athletes seeking both academic excellence and athletic growth.