SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Darby Carrillo has committed to attend Cal-State Monterey Bay next fall and play soccer. Carrillo is a second year defender on the varsity St. Francis soccer team and has played all four years at St. Francis.

“I have verbally committed to play for Cal-State Monterey Bay,” said Carrillo of her college choice. “The coach was really nice. Most coaches say that size is a problem (for me). She was the first one to say you are small but it doesn’t matter. My size does not matter and you are still as good as everyone else and can play with them. She really boosted my confidence.”

Carrillo, who lives in Auburn, originally committed to CSMB Head Coach Erin Reinke, who has since stepped down, but she is still excited to be an Otter. She plans on studying kinesiology and wants to be an occupational therapist.

“It means so much to me to continue playing soccer,” said Carrillo. “It is the sport that I love. To be able to continue that is the best feeling in the world.”

Carrillo is excited to move to Seaside, Calif. The Otters compete in the Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association, posting a 6-11 record in the 2016 season.

“Monterey is so pretty and I like colder weather,” said Carrillo of her future home.

Carrillo, who likes to read and takes photos in her spare time, has enjoyed her St. Francis experience.

“It has meant a lot,” said Carrillo about playing for St. Francis. “I love being able to wear the school jersey and represent the school. It has been great to progress with my sisters here at school and I feel really close to all of them.”

Carrillo, who also plays for Granite Bay FC, has helped the varsity team to a good start this season, posting an 8-2-3 overall mark and undefeated record at 4-0-1 in the Delta League.

“Darby is stealthy,” said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson, who coached collegiately at UC Davis before coming to St. Francis. “She is very quiet and she is an excellent listener. She is not big but she is a defender. It is not the size of the dog in the fight and that is her. She is very effective at disrupting the ball and is super fast with chase down speed. Monterey will quickly learn she is a huge asset despite her size. She brings very critical skills and tools.”

With the second half of league play and the playoffs ahead, Carrillo hopes to continue to improve and help her team.

“My goals are to become more of a leader on the team and help everyone progress,” said Carrillo. “I want to be very confident in all my teammates and myself.”

Carrillo will participate in the St. Francis Soccer Signing Day Celebration at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1.