A highly skilled player who lifts his team is the very definition of a most valuable player.

With that as the criteria, the soccer coaches of the Sierra Foothill League had a clear choice before them when they gathered to select the league’s top performer. Roseville senior Tanner Roland was the best player in one of the region’s top leagues.

“He is a great player,” said Woodcreek coach Chris Branson. “If you would have taken him off the Roseville team they would have been a middle-of-the-pack team. I believe that is what an MVP is.”

In his fourth year as a varsity starter for the Tigers, Roland found himself moved from his natural position as the anchor of the defense to the top of the Roseville offense. He made the switch seemingly without a hitch and led the SFL in goals scored.

“He had an amazing year,” said Roseville coach Pablo Gutierrez. “His natural position is defender, but he made the transition to offense with remarkable results.”

“The move of Roland into the offense was a great move by Roseville,” said Rocklin coach Grant Depue. “It changed the season for them.”

Roland’s ability to hold the ball in the Tigers’ attacking end made life easier for his teammates. He credits Gutierrez with the decision to make the move, and recognized the value of it.

“It was a great decision and one that was necessary to benefit our team overall,” Roland said. “I currently play either center back or outside back on my CDA team and actually feel more comfortable in the back.  I prefer defender because it is the position I will be playing in college at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.”

Roland was one of a large contingent of local players who participated in the California Development Academy soccer program concurrent to their play with high school teams. The program helped him develop his skills and played a role in the development of his college plans.

“CDA has been a great experience,” Roland said.  “Not only do I get to play against the best competition across the country, I get challenged every day in practice.”

The decision to continue with high school soccer was an easy one for the Tiger senior.

“High school soccer is special because it is a time to be close with my friends at school and to bond as a team,” Roland said. “High school soccer is a stress-free game where I can have fun and enjoy it with close friends.  I also get the chance to play against many of my CDA teammates for bragging rights.”

Roland put what he learned to work to become the leader of the Roseville turnaround. The greatest accomplishment at Roseville this year was the change to a winning environment as the Tigers put together an 8-3-1 SFL record and reached the playoffs after enduring a 1-10-1 mark last season.

“He led our team with character and outstanding sportsmanship,” Gutierrez said. “He got hit a lot but did some hitting of his own. He was the workhorse of the team.”

While the Tigers used Roland as a target to instigate their offense, they were not the only ones who put a target on his back. The 5-11, 172-pound striker took his share of physical contact from almost every team Roseville played. He was the one player on the pitch that had the attention of every foe from the outset of every contest.

“We turned our season around because we came together as a team,” Roland said. “We picked up a couple of transfer students who were new to our team along with one who transferred back from two years ago.  With the new players and return of the other we moved the ball better and got the job done.  All of our players stepped up to their specific role on the team.  We knew our game plan and we went out and finished the game with results.”

As he heads off to Colorado for the next phase of his soccer career, Roland is happy with the way his high school career concluded.

“I am honored to be named league MVP,” Roland said. “Not only is the SFL the toughest league in Northern California, we also have many of my talented CDA teammates in the league.”

“Over the entire four years of varsity soccer, I will remember all the good memories I’ve had as being a part of the Roseville High team,” Roland added. “I was able to experience both the best of times and some rough years as well.  It was great to watch us grow as a team and it will always be memorable to make playoffs during my senior year.”

Getting to know SFL soccer MVP Tanner Roland:

Tanner Roland

Roseville High soccer

SFL MVP

5-foot-11, 172-pound senior

college: headed to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.

Pre-game or post-game ritual: “I listen to my I-pod prior to all games.”

Last song played on your I-pod: Nickelback’s Dark Horse CD

If you could trade places with one person for 24 hours, who would it be? Cristiano Ronaldo

If not soccer, what sport would you play and why? Football. “This way I could play defense and hit people.”

What do people who do not appreciate the game miss about soccer? “It’s the biggest sport in the world.  It is a game of passion and beauty that unites fans and entire countries.  Just watch the excitement next year in South Africa.  It will be crazy.”

Who is the best athlete in your family? “That’s really hard.  Brian was a great wrestler and football player at Roseville while Kelsey was doing great at volleyball and soccer before she tore her ACL. I have the advantage since I’m concentrating on just one sport.”