Valley Revolution sends 10 girls to play college soccer

WASILLA — The Valley Revolution Soccer Club has grown immensely over the last few years, and on Friday 10 players were able to sign their National Letters of Intent to play college soccer. While not all of Valley Revolution’s players play high school soccer in the Valley, the growth of elite soccer has allowed for opportunities for Valley products to play at the next level.

“You have exceeded our expectations and we’re extremely proud,” said Valley Revolution Executive Director Lisa Catlett.

Of the 10 who were able to sign their National Letters of Intent, eight were present at the mass signing on Friday in front of friends, family, coaches and teammates at the Menard Center in Wasilla.

“It’s really commitment over the years. Player development is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Catlett. “They’ve been resilient, they’ve been persistent and definitely mentally resilient because they have had some really rough games and they don’t ever stop competing and they don’t ever stop playing and keep their heads up and keep going and it’s allowed them to cope in very high quality environments which is why they’ve continued to get invitations outside and been able to play college soccer.”

Former Wasilla High School standout Nicole Catlett signed her NLI to Play Division II soccer at Western Oregon University. Colony High School’s dynamic duo of twins Stirling and Madison Elliot will play NWAC soccer at Tacoma Community College. Wasilla High product Reese Sande committed after her freshmen year to play soccer at Northwest University and Finn Sprankle signed to play Division II at Central Washington University.

“We are very deliberate about providing opportunities that allow them to play and be exposed to the next level,” said Catlett.

Catlett recalled in front of a crowded room how the first year Valley Revolution played together, they did not have much success. Over the development of players through the years, Valley Revolution has been to the State Cup each of the last three years. Catlett spoke of a defining moment in Regional competition in Hawaii.

“They connected about six passes, did a beautiful forward pass to our striker and she scored and we could see it building and they scored at regionals and I have goosebumps just thinking about it,” said Catlett. “They’re used to stepping on the pitch and playing where we need them how we need them in any environment and that allows them to succeed no matter where they go.”

Catlett and Associate Technical Director Ula Rowe were thanked by each of the girls who signed National Letters of Intent on Friday. Along with the five Valley products, Soldotna standout Ryann Cannava signed to play at Clark College. A pair of West high products Kiara Melendez and Sylvia Xaivong signed, with Melendez headed to Portland Community College and Xaivong headed to the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Xaivong will be joined by Bartlett standouts Aiyanna Lauofo and Brooklynn Carver at Hilo.

“This is what believing in the process looks like. Trust the process like we tell them all the time,” said Rowe.

Over years of sometimes painful growth for the girls as players and as a team, the Valley Revolution went from just hoping to be competitive in games against teams from the Lower 48 to winning matches during tournaments Outside. Despite the short summer, Rowe and Catlett’s players forged on training through the winters.

“A kid from anywhere can do it,” said Rowe.