Dev Bachani commits to Park University

The Gilbert, Arizona school, who earlier secured a commitment from Bachani’s teammate Kohtaro Gato, plays in the California Pacific Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“I like the soccer program they had and there team was very welcoming,” said Bachani on why he committed to the Buccaneers.

The 16-year-old also said he’s excited that he will have a familiar face in the pitch when he suits up for Park University.

“I’m really happy that we committed to the same college because I feel like I have good chemistry with Kohtaro.”

On why he committed this early, the 5’5”, 110-lb. Bachani said impatience got the better of him but added he believes he’ll thrive under Buccaneers head coach Jonas Tanzer’s system.

“Honestly I just wanted to get the process over with because I have been looking for colleges ever since last year and I felt like Park University was a good fit for me. I think I would bring a variety of new plays that we could use.”

Asked if he will also join the track and field team while enrolled at Park University, Bachani said it would be highly unlikely.

“Maybe in the offseason I might go on runs but I don’t think I will be joining track,” he said.

He thanked his parents, Ashok and Ginni, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association technical director and NMI Boys U18 National Team head coach Michiteru Mita, assistant coach Jersh Angeles, and his teammates for paving the way for his success in the sport.

Mita congratulated his ward and said he’s very glad that Bachani has been recognized for his effort and hard work.

NMI Boys U18 National Team left back Dev Bachani sign his letter of commitment to play college at Park University. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

“Our NMIFA philosophy is ‘Development First.’ We are working on daily activities with the development of football and the development of players first. We are focusing on creating an environment where you can meet and love football in your kids’ age, acquire various skills for the future at the age of development, and grow greatly. Both Dev and Kohtaro have grown by experiencing football at MP United and TanHoldings FC from a young age as well as in youth leagues and the national team program. I believe that the involvement and support of MPU and THFC club officials, coaches, parents, and teammates is also very big part. I would like Dev and Kohtaro to continue to work hard themselves and grow as representatives of the NMI football family and play an active role in the university,” he said.

Tanzer announced the addition of Bachani at Park University’s athletics website. On the online story, it said Bachani played 11 seasons for MP United FC and the NMI Boys U18 National Team with the latter winning matches against teams from Guam and the Philippines.

At Marianas High School, where he is graduating in 2022, Bachani paced the team in assists while leading the Dolphins to playoff appearances capped by an inter-high school championship last time out. He also ran cross country and track and earned a B Honor for his academic achievements.

Bachani plans to major in business administration and pursue a soccer career after gra-duation. With his signing, Tanzer’s class now totals 14 players. Twelve of those are from outside the continental U.S.

Published by Saipan Tribune - Dec 27 2021