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Zade Ghani, Midfielder/Winger, SC del Sol
Class: 2018
Commitment: University of California, Santa Barbara
For 11 years running, the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's soccer team has led the nation in average attendance. For Zade Ghani, the Gauchos' passionate fans are what attracted him to the school.
"The soccer culture at UCSB was a huge draw for me. There is no other school in the United States that can produce an atmosphere like that of Santa Barbara."
He also added that, "The quality of the education was another big factor in my decision."
On the field, Ghani said that he is looking forward to, "playing in the Big West and competing against some great programs."
Ghani (Notre Dame Prep) has played ODP for both the Arizona state team and the Region IV team and added that his favorite soccer memory was winning the Presidents' Day Tournament in penalties in 2016.
While he will have to leave Arizona, traveling out of state next year won't be a big deal for Ghani as he has already been able to travel to many locations for soccer.
"SC del Sol helped me a lot to play at the next level. In my time at SC del Sol we’ve gotten to travel to prestigious tournaments such as Dallas Cup and we also played a tour in England where we faced a bunch of really good teams such as Rayados de Monterrey, Wolverhampton, Burnley, and Blackburn. Coach Tony Colavecchia is definitely one of the best coaches in state at developing players and moving them into college soccer. Additionally, Coach Kenny Hack at Notre Dame Prep was a huge impact on my soccer career and development."
Ty Iannone, Defender Arizona Arsenal
Class: 2018
Commitment: Northwest Nazarene University
Finding a college that checks all the right boxes can be an arduous task, but for Ty Iannone the school he committed to checks all those boxes.
"Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho) is a school that appealed to me based on the size of the campus, the sports management academic program, and that the team is competitive in the GNAC conference."
Iannone added that he is most looking forward to, "being on my own and preparing for my future while bonding with a new coaching staff and teammates as well as being able to continue to play the game I love at the next level."
The senior at Desert Vista cites that winning the State Cup championships three times including the last two back-to-back as his favorite memories of playing soccer in Arizona.
"Arsenal have prepared me for the highest level of competition. Competing in the most prestigious tournaments and having success has provided me the confidence to play against anyone."
Pearson Wallace, Midfielder, Arizona Arsenal
Class: 2018
Commitment: BYU
Making the move to the state just above Arizona is Pearson Wallace who will be attending Brigham Young University.
"I committed to Brigham Young University because of the combination of education and level of play. My plan has always been to attend BYU after I serve a two-year long mission for the LDS Church. BYU was one of the few schools I knew would accept me going on a mission so that was a major contributing factor. They won the Club Collegiate National Championship their first year in the league with a high level of play and great coaching. Also, their education is top notch which will help me in my plans of going to dental school."
The BYU men's soccer team recently returned to club status as the team competed in the PDL from 2003-2017. As a member of PDL, the team played all of its matches in the summer but as a club team, they will return to a fall schedule. This past season, the team defeated Penn 5-0 in the National Championship. Something Wallace is looking forward to.
"I am looking forward to the high level of play offered at BYU and winning several National Championships"
Before he joins BYU, Wallace (Perry High School) will be looking to win another State Cup with Arizona Arsenal who he credits with his development.
"Arsenal has helped me prepare for the college level very well. My coach, David Belfort, stresses the importance of improving every time we step on the field and how important it is to perform every time you’re on the field because if you don’t there will always be someone there to take your place. Arsenal has provided many opportunities for college exposure and helped develop me over the years to finally commit to BYU."