SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Soccer senior Micayla Ratukalou will continue her academic and athletic career next fall at Delta College in Stockton. She is the fourth soccer player from the 2019-20 Sac-Joaquin Section champions to commit to play in college.
"I am really excited," said Ratukalou, who ranked fourth on the team in goal and points. "I was looking at four-year colleges like San Marcos and Hawaii Pacific. But I am really connected with the Delta coach. I went to Spain last spring with her and I got to know her as a coach. It was really comfortable playing for her and it was really easy for me to commit."
She will be joining the Mustangs' nationally-ranked soccer program coached by Adrienne Sorenson. Delta College has reached the Final Four of the CCCAA Championships the last two seasons and won the 2020 Big 8 Conference Championship for the first time in school history.
"My biggest goal was to play in college and get committed," said Ratukalou. "My senior year was about finding a school that fit me and where I could be comfortable. I love soccer so much so it was easy for me. Education-wise it is a really good fit."
Ratukalou has been part of the Troubadours consecutive CIF Northern California Regional teams, helping the team win the 2020 Sac-Joaquin Section and 2019 NorCal D2 team titles. She scored a single-season best eight goals as a senior with four assists. Overall, she played in 87 career games with eight goals and seven assists in three varsity seasons.
"Micaya is such a great teammate," said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson '86. "Delta is going to love her! She gets the commitment; is a hard worker in the classroom and on the field. She is a smart defender and a dangerous attacking player. She was one of our top goals scorers on our team and her goals were clever (slotting the keeper in tight or finding a corner from distance). Micayla can score from anywhere. She is a great addition to any team."
Ratukalou is excited about the opportunity of playing close to home while still getting the college experience in Stockton.
"I am going to be staying in Stockton and connecting with my team," said Ratukalou. "Obviously my mom is going to be here in Sacramento. She will be able to still come to my games and I can continue to get closer with her too."
Ratukalou plans to play at Delta for two years before transferring to a Division I program. Coach Contreras has helped more than 90 percent of her players transfer to the next level after their sophomore season.
Micayla will look back on her St. Francis career with a smile.
"It means a lot to be part of this program," said Ratukalou, who says playing soccer and running track helped her make friends. "They are all my best friends and sisters. I have been playing since my freshman year and it has been important to bond with my team and make friends. Marli (Berry) and (Emily) Billena are my best friends and I have known them since freshman year. The last year playing together is sad but I am happy for them going forward in college. We are a big family."
Ratukalou will join teammates Berry (Howard) and Chico State commits Billena (Fall signee) and Emily Piatanesi at the NCAA Signing Celebration on April 22.
