YUMA, Ariz. - The Arizona Western women's soccer program held a university signing day on Thursday to recognize sophomore players advancing their careers to the four-year college level. In front of a full crowd, the players were addressed by Arizona Western Athletic director Jerry Smith, future Arizona Western College President Dr. Reetika Dhawan and Executive Vice President for Learning & Student Services Bryan Doak. The day was also bittersweet for head coach Victor Verdugo. On the plus side, all 12 of his sophomore players are moving on to universities, they also represent his first ever recruiting class as a head coach. 

"It's great to see them realize this moment, " Verdugo said. "They'll be missed but we also want them to continue on their journey and continue pursuing greater feats. it is bittersweet but a great moment."

The dozen members of the signing class also represent another program first; all 12 players were part of the program's back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA national championship games the past two seasons. 

"Our institution has given us all the resources to be able to make sure the girls get all the opportunities to succeed," Verdugo said. "When you combine the academics and the performance on the field, two years ago these girls started their dream and today everything is becoming a reality moving forward. That's what our junior college is all about, giving opportunities from a great institution."

Seven players sat in front of teammates, administrators, coaches, students and staff. Three players committed to bigger universities after the fall season and are currently at thier new schools. Thos players include:

Linka Ono - LSU

Asa Yamazaki - UCLA

Tindra Biedermann - Quinnipiac University

The players in attendance signing their college letters of intent included:

Yuliana Negrete Felix - New Mexico State

Alison Peralta - William Carrey University

Valeria Ramon - University of Nevada

Reika Yuba - University of Nevada

Two other players, Fernanda Quiroz and Ga-eon Ryu have multiple offers but remain undecided where they want to take their next path. During the ceremony, Coach Verdugo shared with the audience how each individual was recruited and what they meant to the team. He also addressed the players to continue to look out for one another after their college and playing days are over.

"As much as we are about athletics and academics, we also want to create good people," Verdugo said. "This group is very close and for me, it's my hope that they can continue to count on each other going forward."