SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Izzy Chelini will play at Cal Lutheran next fall after committing to the school this fall. She plays for the San Juan soccer club, one of three Troubadours affiliated with the team.

“Izzy has been playing with us since the under nines,” said San Juan director Tony Perez. “She has always stood out as one of our most technical players on that team. She has made the most out of her skills.”

Perez likes her priorities in selecting a school.

“She is a student first and she was waiting for that right situation (Cal Lutheran) where she could play and provide her the education and academic challenges that she needed.”

Cal Lutheran is coached by Frank Marino, who has directed the Regals to an 86-22-4 mark. He led Cal Lutheran to its fourth straight SCIAC title and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2014 after compiling a 17-6 record. 

“I am pretty good technically,” said Chelini. “I am better on the ball than off the ball. As a forward and an attacking center mid, I can give a ball ahead to our forwards. I am good at passing it and keeping possession.”

Chelini was attracted to the area and really feel in love with the program after taking a visit.

“I went on an unofficial visit and got to stay with girls and talk to the coaches a lot,” said Chelini. “What really made me want to go to school and play there was the coaches. They were really good to me. They told me I was their top recruit. It was really good to hear and they take care of the girls on the team. I like their coaching.”

Cal Lutheran is a Division II athletic program located in Thousand Oaks.

“It is a pretty school and I really like the location,” said Chelini. “The athletic facilities are really nice and the student-athletes are a big part of the school.”

Chelini, who is from El Dorado Hills, plays forward and has been a three-year starter with San Juan. She also played on the junior varsity team at St. Francis as a freshman.

“At San Juan, I have got a lot of coaches and they are all very different,” said Chelini. “But they have pushed me to be better. I am very grateful for them and the girls on the team to help me get better and get into college.”

Chelini, who likes spending time at the lake and beach, plans to study exercise science or psychology. She plans on playing for her school this year.

“I am excited to play this year,” said Chelini. “I remember freshmen year I made so many new friends and I know most of the girls now. It is a different way to get to know them now. It is my last year and it will be fun to be with all of my friends and hopefully take home a title.”

Chelini values her experience at St. Francis, including her final soccer opportunity this spring.

“It is very different than a regular high school experience at a public school,” said Chelini. “I would not trade it. After I went on Kairos (senior retreat) I knew this is where I was supposed to be.”

Chelini is one of six Troubadours expected to sign with college soccer programs on Feb. 4. St. Francis will host a celebration at the school Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.