An All-American woman

Goal!

This word is not something that Allison Ruvalcaba likes to hear, and given her accomplishments as a standout soccer goalie, it is not one she has heard much — at least not in her territory.

The 19-year-old's accomplishments this year has earned her All-American status.

A Plumas Lake resident who attends Cosumnes River College, Ruvalcaba is known for the sacrifices she makes to reach her personal goals, including the long daily commute necessary to attend college and play her beloved sport.

"This is such a big honor for me," Ruvalcaba said.

A soccer player since the age of 4, Ruvalcaba currently plays for a team that has appeared in state and regional tournaments.

The All-American selections, given annually by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, are based on athletic and academic achievements. The honorees of this award are limited to a small group of 22 athletes in three different levels.

Each year, the NSCAA selects All-America teams at the youth, high school and college levels, and each scholar is invited to attend the All-America luncheon honoring the recipients.

In order to qualify, Ruvalcaba had to make her regional conference team, be nominated by her coach and be chosen by the NSCAA.

"I was shocked when my coach told me I had been nominated and was overwhelmed when I found out I had been chosen," said Ruvalcaba.

Ruvalcaba has always enjoyed the sport and says she has loved the opportunity to travel and enjoyed the many friends she has made along the way through her soccer career journey.

That journey isn't likely to end anytime soon. Last year, she was offered a full scholarship to attend California State University, Dominguez Hills and while she decided to turn it down in order to complete all of her prerequisites at Cosumnes, she has been informed the university will be offering her another scholarship in the upcoming school year. Ruvalcaba is looking forward to moving onto a four-year institution with the opportunity to continue to play soccer as well as concentrate on her future. She is looking to stay within the athletic world and currently plans to major in sports medicine.

For now, though, she is just excited and honored to have been named All America.

"I am amazed to be named one of the top players in the country," Ruvalcaba said. "I am just so grateful."