FRSICO, Texas - FC Dallas Youth held its annual College Night, presented by UMB Bank this week and 36 players were joined by family, friends, and coaches to sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play collegiate soccer. Players signed to colleges across the country and at all divisions. Many players are receiving scholarships as a result of their academic and athletic performance, and some are the first in their families to attend university. This event highlights and celebrates the work and commitment players have put in to reach this point in their careers.
The NCAA designated the first Wednesday in February as National Signing Day. Traditionally, this is the first day high school seniors can sign their NLI for football and Division I men’s and women’s basketball. However, men’s and women’s soccer players can sign starting in early November. An NLI is a legally binding document stating their commitment to play at their designated school next year.
Lillie Moncrief of the U19G ECNL RL team has been a part of the FC Dallas family for nine years. The Ball State University commit expressed great gratitude for her team and the program. “Coach Ring has put me in positions to challenge my abilities and talent and find ways to succeed,” Moncrief said. “His confidence and faith in my abilities allowed me to develop into a player my college coach thinks can benefit his team and program. Ultimately, I would not be the player I am today without the FC Dallas program.”
TCU commit Morgan Brown echoed the sentiment. “Coming to FC Dallas opened up so many opportunities for me, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Brown said. “I always had opportunities to be recruited by colleges. I definitely wouldn’t be playing college soccer if it wasn’t for FC Dallas.”
Best of all, the players appreciate being celebrated by the club. “It was an honor to be recognized with other amazing players, and they treated us really well,” said Brown.
U19 Boys Academy player and NC State commit Cristian Gallo cherished the experience. “Signing night was a very meaningful and important day for not only me but for my family as well. Celebrating such a memorable night with the people who supported me throughout my athletic career made the experience even more special.”
Having been here eight years, Gallo credits his development to the FC Dallas program. “FC Dallas has developed the character and soccer player I am today. The quality of the coaching staff, facilities, and equipment created an amazing opportunity for me to continue my playing career at NC State University.”
Across the club, there are 330 graduating seniors in the Class of 2024. Some players have yet to decide on where they will commit.
The following is a list of FC Dallas Youth seniors and commitments as of Feb. 6.
Isaiah Paul, Benedictine College
Cristian Gallo, North Carolina State University
Luke Shreiner, Northwestern University
Amaya Dawkins, Wake Forest University
Aaron Pondeca, Mercer University
Mason Prather, Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Hayden Goodman, University of Puget Sound
Caelyn Young, Southwestern University
Devin Davis, University of Tennessee
Kaylee Nguyen, University of Central Arkansas
Kamora Hall, University of North Georgia
Samantha Boettiger, The University of Mary Hardin Baylor
Lillie Moncrief, Ball State University
Blake Ryan, Benedictine College
Mason Grimm, Southern Methodist University
Ava McDonald, The University of Texas at Austin
Olivia Geller, Texas Christian University
Morgan Brown, Texas Christian University
Katelyn Hoppers, Oklahoma State University
Lane Rogers, St. Edward’s University
Amaya Dawkins, Wake Forest University
Mia Gildea, University of Illinois
Rory Schank, Auburn University
Sydney Fuller, Texas A&M University
Liz Eddy, Southern Methodist University
Kennedy Husbands, Mississippi State University
Danica Anaya, The University of Texas at Tyler
Sophia Sallusti, University of Central Oklahoma
Brookelyn Babb, Ouachita Baptist University
Natalia Garcia, Navarro College
Daniel Villacorta, The University of Texas at Dallas
Bella Pillow, Midwestern State University
Sutton Markee, Florida Atlantic University
David Prado, Southern Methodist University
Dayleigh Bos, Colorado College
Allie Vasquez, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Kenzi Tufts, Dallas Baptist University
Landyn Snider, McMurry University
Leandro Yzaguirre, Liberty University
Taylor Person, University of Oregon
Riley Sims, University of Louisiana
