Three of the top girls soccer players in the Central Coast have played club soccer together for years. They have competed against each other at three different high schools, all in the Los Padres League. And next fall, they will be reunited as teammates in college.

Jani Carmona of Lompoc High, Karrisa Robertson from Cabrillo High and Ashley Swiacki of Santa Ynez High, all signed national letters-of-intent to play at the University of Hawai'i - Hilo, a Division II school.

The three may be playing in an unfamiliar location, but they will not be playing for an unfamiliar coach.

Former Allan Hancock and Cal Poly mens soccer player Travis Clark is the coach at Hilo. The second-year coach is very familiar with all three girls, after coaching them as teammates in the Atletico Madrid youth soccer club program.

“I am very happy with the three Central Coast girls we signed, Clark said. “ All three played club for Atletico Madrid in the Coast Soccer League and have a ton of experience playing in clubs at the top levels.”

Clark continued, “ I use to coach all three of these girls in club and the fact that they have played for me before will help them in regard to adapting to the college game. They know how my system works and they know what to expect from me as a coach. They will all do great.”

“You won't get freaked out, you already go in knowing what you're gonna get,” said Robertson about Coach Clark's system. “You feel comfortable when you have a problem and talking to him.”

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Carmona agreed, “I like his style of coaching,” she explained, “and he's very comfortable with our style.

Carmona, Robertson and Swiacki will not be complete strangers with their new teammates either. Last year, as the new coach in a brand new soccer program, Clarke brought several players from the area to Hawaii with him.

And while the three new teammates are familiar with each other, they know several of the current Vulcans as well.

“We know how we each play, so it's gonna be good playing in college,” said Swiacki. “Knowing each other and how we play, what we can handle and what we can't handle, we will be there for each other. Besides, we have Marissa there, so it will be good.”

Moving to Hilo to play for the Vulcans with the former Atascadero High coach last season were Marissa McCandlish, a former teammate of Swiacki at Santa Ynez High, Karen Weatherby, from Arroyo Grande High and Cuesta College and Allison Perry, who played at San Luis Obispo High and Cuesta.

The Vulcans competed at the Division II level for the first time in the 2006 season, finishing 4-12-1. They compete in the Pacific West Conference along with, BYU Hawai'i, Chaminade University, Dixie State (Utah), Grand Canyon University (Phoenix), Hawai'i Pacific and Notre Dame de Namur (Belmont, CA).

“Last year we only won 4 games and tied one,” said Clark. “I was hired only one month before the season last year and once I got to Hawaii I had no scholarship players, uniforms, practice training gear, equipment, training fields, game fields or a schedule. The fact that we were able to field a team in uniform for a scheduled game was a feat in itself.”

All three will tell you that being in Hawaii was not a deciding factor in their decision, but they all agree that the challenge of working in a fairly new program was.

“When we were over there on a visit,” explained Swiacki, “we saw how big soccer was. Travis was telling us how one day at practice, people were lining up on the fences just to watching people practice. And we got along with everyone.”

Swiacki continued, “And because it's a new program, everyone is stoked on it.”

Another factor for Swiacki was that Clark knows her family situation well.

“Some people know that my mom is sick and he knows everything about her,” she said. “He would totally understand if something comes up, I might have to leave for awhile.”

This year, Clark has been able to recruit players from all over the country, “Our recruiting for 2007 has been quite aggressive. We have 17 girls coming in for 2007. We have players from Southern California, Hawaii, Washington, Colorado and Florida. We have players coming from the top clubs in the country.”

Including the Central Coast where he is quite excited about his new additions.

“Karissa Robertson and Jani Carmona should help an attacking group that returns Weatherby (13 goals, 4 assists in 2006). Ashton Swiacki should add some athleticsm to our back line.”

“It's nice knowing that I'm going to have my companions with me,” said Carmona. “I call them companions because they are my friends, we've played club for three years together-- grew up together.”

And they will finally not have to play against each other.

“I hate it,” said Carmona, “because they always put me at sweeper and Karissa is up front. I hate it, but I've got a job to do and she has hers.”

“Last year at Santa Ynez,” claimed Swiacki, “I had to mark Karissa and she put me in the hospital.”

“I didn't give you kidney stones,” yelled Robertson.

Swiacki responded, “We know how each of us plays, so it's hard to play against them.”

“It's so frustrating,” echoed Robertson, “cause you can't do anything.”

Next fall will be a different story, as the three friends go to the same team, but they will also remember their time at high school.

“Rob Cantrell (Santa Ynez coach) taught us all about the moral of soccer,” said Swiacki. “Every motivational speech, he always goes back to the love of soccer and to keep it in your heart. That's what you're here for, to leave it all on the field, leave all your troubles out. This is your heaven.”

Robertson talked about her high school coach. “You can tell Coach Wong really loves the game,” she said. “He gives so much for the game of soccer. I appreciate all he gives for us.”

Addie Francis has coached Carmona for several years.

“I will remember all the memories,” Carmona said. “She's been with me since I was ten. And teaching, yeah she's cool.”

“Club is the deal,” Carmona added. “Club is the thing to be in if you want to play soccer.”

And the three all-stars from the Los Padres League and Atletico Madrid, are looking forward to reuniting with their club coach in Hilo for a brand new adventure.

“For the record,” stated Carmona, “ me and Karissa are Bonnie & Clyde. We're going to be rookies that are unstoppable next year. So you guys better watch out.”

Feb. 8, 2007