Kofa boys soccer star Tiernan Nicewander signs letter of intend to play for Sonoma State

After a senior season which saw him lead all of the 5A division in goals scored, Nicewander will be continuing his career in Northern California - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - One of Arizona's premier talents on the soccer pitch has announced where he'll be continuing his playing career.

On Monday, Tiernan Nicewander signed his letter of intent to play for Sonoma State, a division two program in Northern California.

"I'm going to be in a place where I can develop the right way, and I think, well I don't think, I know we found the school," Nicewander said.

Nicewander leaves Kofa after having one of the best seasons in program history.

He scored 55 goals, which led all of the AIA 5A division, along with 20 assists for a total of 130 points.

Already getting a chance to visit Sonoma State and meet with future teammates, Nicewander believes the school should be a perfect fit.

"It was great, the teammates especially they took care of me, they took me around campus, to training sessions, it was all good vibes," Nicewander said.

Part of the reason for Nicewander's success is thanks to his father and head coach, Jamie Nicewander.

While Jamie says all his players' signings are significant, Monday's was of course the most meaningful personally.

"As a father obviously this one means the most to me because it's my son," Jamie said.

Monday's signing was the seventh overall from the current class of Kings in his program.

Jamie also feels like Sonoma State is a great fit thanks to the fact that the Nicewanders actually have family in the area.

"We're happy for him and happy for him to have the opportunity and enjoy a new experience, but still having family close by," Jamie said.

As his coach and father, Jamie believes the biggest challenge will be having to overcome new talent from his opposition.

That challenge is something Jamie feels Tiernan is well equipped for thanks to his time playing against older competition.

"He's now a freshman again, this is why it's nice that he's played against men already because he's going to have to go out and play 26, 27, 28 year olds, so I think he's in a great position," Jamie said.

Tiernan is currently deciding on majoring in either communications or business during his time at school.