ROYAL CITY — Senior Michael Rojas has signed a Letter of Intent to play Division 1 soccer at the University of Washington. Word of the possible signing began filtering through the community last week, but the actually date of the signing came as a surprise to Rojas.

“I didn’t really know when I was going to sign the letter because I have been waiting on confirmation of my financial aid etc. On Wednesday (Feb. 7), after I got done with lunch I came by coach Jensen’s class and saw a table set up and people were standing around cheering Michael! Michael! It was pretty exciting — made me red in the face — this is a dream come true.”

Jens Jensen, who has been coaching soccer at the high school for more than a decade said the signing is great news for the program.

“It’s a huge deal for us,” he said.” I’ve been here for 15 years and I don’t think this — the signing of one of our players to a tier 1 Division 1 program that is nationally ranked has ever happened — I know it hasn’t happened since I have been here.”

Rojas is in entering his fourth season under Jensen. But Jensen has had his eye on him long before he started playing for RHS.

“I’ve watched him play since middle school,” Jensen said. “He was more of a setup guy during that time, but since he’s’ played for me I’ve encouraged him to look for opportunities for himself – when he’s on the edge of the box and has one man to beat to just go ahead and that that man instead of trying to look to pass the ball off.”

Jensen says Michael has now matured to the point that he not only makes those types of decisions for himself, but also makes decisions that put the entire team in better scoring positions.

“My job now is to just essentially be a cheerleader and let him run things. He plays the center-mid position so he dictates the plays. He came to our program and had to work hard to move up and he’ll have to do the do same thing at the UW.”

Getting the exposure needed to attract the attention of college coaching staffs Jensen said is a lot anything else in life; “Its who you know.”

“I’ve had a relationship with Jamie Clark – who is the head soccer coach at the University of Washington — his dad Bobby Clark is long-time coach and legend at Notre Dame. I first told him about Michael when he was a sophomore. I’ve kept him informed of some of the tournaments he’s played in and sent him some video and he’s been keeping an eye on him ever since. But of course it was up to Michael to show him he could play — had the skills they needed.”

Jensen is convinced he does.

“I think he can contribute to their program. He has good footwork — he’s left-footed which is huge — has good speed and is very dangerous — is creative — attacks people feet and does the unexpected.”

The college game Jensen said is typically played pretty direct, and what teams are really begging for is someone like Michael who can keep people off balance. But getting into a program is one thing he says, its another thing to get time on the field.

“You get there and everybody is good so it could take until his sophomore or junior year until he see’s significant time. But once he gains the confidence of the coaching staff, I think they are going to recognize what he can really bring to the game.”

Michael is confident he has what it takes and the internal drive to play on the next level.

“I don’t want someone to be better than me — but I know there is so that’s what pushes me to be my best.”

A statement on the Letter of Intent he received from the UW indicates coach Clark and staff are confident he has what is takes as well.

“We recruit exceptional individuals from all parts of the world who are driven to excel academically, athletically and throughout their lives. We believe that you embody these qualities and will build upon the legacy of Washington Soccer.”

“That really makes me feel warm inside, Michael said – “makes me feel all the effort I’ve put in is finally worth it.”

Rojas had opportunities to go elsewhere, but he said his parents are glad he decided to stay close by.

“There were other colleges interested in me — I considered going to Columbia University in New York, but my parents thought that was too far away. They are excited I chose the UW so they will be able to come see me play.”