It’s a bittersweet time of year as Davis Legacy Soccer Club sees its graduating class of seniors move on to the next stage of their lives, forever taking the lessons learned at the club with them as they continue to the next chapter.
For Legacy, the Class of 2025 is extra special because it is the largest ever, with 101 graduating, including 98 who will attend college in the fall.
“We appreciate all the effort the seniors have put into their careers at Davis Legacy,” said Legacy Boys Director Simon Elliott. “The aim of the game is to keep playing, and this class has put in the time, effort, and work to get to where they want to be.”
Of the 101-strong class, 50 are committed to playing college soccer, with some attending Division I schools like UCLA and the University of Oregon, while others will play at the Division II, Division III or junior college levels.
Regardless of where they’re playing next year, or even if they are playing collegiately–many will continue playing at the club or recreational levels–most of the seniors agreed that Davis Legacy provided them with invaluable experience in all facets of life.
“Throughout my eight years at Legacy, I feel confident in saying that more than just my skills on the field have improved,” said Abby Paterniti, who hopes to play club soccer at Chico State while getting involved in youth coaching. “The club has helped build my character on and off the field, taught me teamwork, and brought me some of my best friends.”
I’m excited to give back to the game in the coming years,” Paterniti added. “I would like to thank my coaches and teammates here for being a big part of my love for soccer.”
The same was true for Josh Morris, who is also heading to Chico, but will play for the Wildcats.
“At first Legacy gave me something to do as a hyperactive kid–it was a great way to occupy my time,” Morris said. “That occupation of time grew into a love for the game that was given to me by my coaches and the Legacy staff.”
While many hold fond memories of the club because of tournament wins or earning promotion in league play, when asked about their favorite memory, many of the Class of 2025 responded with moments that had nothing to do with soccer.
“(My favorite memory was) dying laughing with my friends at practice,” said Phoebe Ossola, who will play soccer at the College of Staten Island next year.
Meanwhile, for Folsom Lake College recruit Ahtziri Bucio, it was “the lifetime of friendships I built.”
With all the amazing memories built, it’s finally time for these graduating seniors to take the next step in their development, though Davis Legacy hopes this won’t be the last time we’ll see them.
“We wish them the very best for what comes next and look forward to seeing them again,” Elliott said. “They’re always welcome back here anytime.”