Good things happening for Treasure Valley Community College women’s soccer team
Chukar soccer player being recruited by four-year colleges
BY Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Wednesday, October 8, 2008 10:44 AM PDT
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| SCOTT FORD | ARGUS OBSERVER
Treasure Valley Community College soccer all-star Racheal Collins believes it was her stay at TVCC that prepared her for the move to a four-year university. |
Ontario—For some student-athletes, moving to the next level is a dream, but often it is a dream that is hard to obtain.
The jump from high school to college can be, for many, too big a leap to reach.
The choices can be tough. Do they go for it all at a Division I school? Or do they scale back and begin at a D-II or junior college?
Well, for Boise’s Rachael Collins, a graduate of Mountain View High School, the choice was clear — go to a junior college first, and see what happens from there.
Collins, a sophomore at Treasure Valley Community College, and an all-star on the women’s soccer team said she decided to attend TVCC for a few reasons.
“I liked the idea of being in a smaller school with less students in each class,” Collins said. “For me the class size made it easier to learn and to become adapted to college life. My time here at TVCC has been a great transition for me and has helped me prepare for what is to come at a four-year school.”
She also liked the idea of coming to a college where she would be able to compete right away on the soccer team.
Now in her second year at TVCC, the sophomore has more decisions to make. That is because she is being recruited by several four-year schools, including Southern Oregon, Western Oregon, the University of Utah and Boise State University.
“Having four-year colleges looking at TVCC for soccer players is big for this program,” Collins said.
Making the move to a four-year program, Collins acknowledges that the game will be faster and more physical.
“I think I can make the adjustment to that type of play,” the sophomore said.
Collins said playing for TVCC has made her more aware of the game and has opened her eyes to the entire field during a game.
Collins said her coach Ryan Masingill has been great for her soccer career.
“I have developed my game a lot under his teaching,” Collins said. “He has been great as far as getting me the help I need to have the four-year schools look at me. He really tries to build a stronger program each year, and he really wants to see us succeed.”
Leaving the Chukar family, Collins said she will miss the closeness that TVCC has to offer.
“I have made a lot of friends, and I will miss them all. It is nice to have so many of my friends in class, but I am excited for my future,” Collins said.
“Rachael is a good representation of a TVCC soccer sophomore,” Masingill said.
Masingill said having four-year schools look to TVCC for players is huge for the school and the athletics.
“High school athletes can look at TVCC as a gateway to a four-year program.”
