Our first breakout Class. The Class of 2005 went on to a wide variety of soccer and life choices. Some of the members went on to huge soccer success at the highest levels of international and professional ranks and others chose other sports or career paths. All are amazing individuals who have made us proud in so many ways.
Class of 2005 Academic Award Winner:
Alexander Horwath
Class of 2005 Academic Award Runner Up:
Laura Burgess, Mitch Singer, Jessica Vetock (O' Donnell)
Alexander Horwath
Class of 2005 Academic Award Runner Up:
Laura Burgess, Mitch Singer, Jessica Vetock (O' Donnell)
Matthew Aguiniga
Undergraduate:
Howard Community College
Matt was an early member of Academy One, joining back in 2000. A talented athlete and hard worker, he accomplished much in a short time before deciding on focusing on other sports and interests. As a high school player, Matt played three seasons at River Hill High School. His varsity team won two Maryland State Championships and three County Championships. The team also made another appearance in the state final four. In his senior year, Matt decided to pursue track and also play in the school marching band and concert band, as well as deal with his burnout from soccer. Matt was a two year member of the Maryland State ODP team in the days before US Soccer Academy. He also played two seasons of Super Y-League for the Chesapeake Dragons. As a club player, Matt’s team was in the top division of the top league in the DC/Maryland/N. Virginia area, which was then considered the best league in the nation. They made the Maryland State Cup quarterfinals and were competitive in the top tournaments in the region. After graduating high school, Matt went to work for the Disney Corporation in Florida. After a couple years at Disney, Matt left to attend college and work security in the entertainment industry. He has done personal security for such acts as Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Green Day, Kenny G, The Roots, 50 Cent, Blink 182, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney etc. Matt left working security in the entertainment industry to become a prison guard at the Maryland State Maximum Security Prison at Jessup. Matt worked for a couple years with some of the most dangerous people in the country to become a Arlington County Police Officer. After a couple years in the Arlington police force, Matt moved to the Falls Church Police Department. Matt lives in the suburban Washington DC area of Maryland with his beautiful wife and adopted son.
Howard Community College
Matt was an early member of Academy One, joining back in 2000. A talented athlete and hard worker, he accomplished much in a short time before deciding on focusing on other sports and interests. As a high school player, Matt played three seasons at River Hill High School. His varsity team won two Maryland State Championships and three County Championships. The team also made another appearance in the state final four. In his senior year, Matt decided to pursue track and also play in the school marching band and concert band, as well as deal with his burnout from soccer. Matt was a two year member of the Maryland State ODP team in the days before US Soccer Academy. He also played two seasons of Super Y-League for the Chesapeake Dragons. As a club player, Matt’s team was in the top division of the top league in the DC/Maryland/N. Virginia area, which was then considered the best league in the nation. They made the Maryland State Cup quarterfinals and were competitive in the top tournaments in the region. After graduating high school, Matt went to work for the Disney Corporation in Florida. After a couple years at Disney, Matt left to attend college and work security in the entertainment industry. He has done personal security for such acts as Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Green Day, Kenny G, The Roots, 50 Cent, Blink 182, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney etc. Matt left working security in the entertainment industry to become a prison guard at the Maryland State Maximum Security Prison at Jessup. Matt worked for a couple years with some of the most dangerous people in the country to become a Arlington County Police Officer. After a couple years in the Arlington police force, Matt moved to the Falls Church Police Department. Matt lives in the suburban Washington DC area of Maryland with his beautiful wife and adopted son.
Laura Burgess (Guerrie)
Undergraduate:
Ashland University
University of Maryland
Graduate:
Florida Coastal School of Law
Laura joined the Academy back in the early days of 2002. She was very quiet back then, but a fierce competitor, gifted athlete, and hard worker. She was a member of the varsity soccer team at Dundalk High School all four years she attended. Like her Dundalk teammate and fellow Academy One member, Sarah Mease, Laura played most of her time at Dundalk as a field player. She excelled as a sweeper, despite her talent as a goalkeeper. Laura displayed her athletic versatility by running track and playing lacrosse at Dundalk. She was also an honor student. As a club player, Laura played for the Parkville team that made it to the final four of the Maryland State Cup. Laura’s team played in the top division of the top league in the nation for its time - WAGS. They were also a force in premier level tournaments in the region. After high school, Laura went to Ashland University to play soccer. She had a great first year, but sadly suffered a career ending knee injury. She returned to Maryland where she finished her degree at the University of Maryland. She attended law school at Florida Coastal School of Law. She passed the Bar exam and moved to Rochester, New York with her husband. She still is involved with soccer by coaching young players when she can when she is not busy with life as a lawyer and wife.
Ashland University
University of Maryland
Graduate:
Florida Coastal School of Law
Laura joined the Academy back in the early days of 2002. She was very quiet back then, but a fierce competitor, gifted athlete, and hard worker. She was a member of the varsity soccer team at Dundalk High School all four years she attended. Like her Dundalk teammate and fellow Academy One member, Sarah Mease, Laura played most of her time at Dundalk as a field player. She excelled as a sweeper, despite her talent as a goalkeeper. Laura displayed her athletic versatility by running track and playing lacrosse at Dundalk. She was also an honor student. As a club player, Laura played for the Parkville team that made it to the final four of the Maryland State Cup. Laura’s team played in the top division of the top league in the nation for its time - WAGS. They were also a force in premier level tournaments in the region. After high school, Laura went to Ashland University to play soccer. She had a great first year, but sadly suffered a career ending knee injury. She returned to Maryland where she finished her degree at the University of Maryland. She attended law school at Florida Coastal School of Law. She passed the Bar exam and moved to Rochester, New York with her husband. She still is involved with soccer by coaching young players when she can when she is not busy with life as a lawyer and wife.
Amanda Hatcher
Undergraduate:
Methodist University
Amanda joined the Academy back in 2004 when she was one of the top keepers in Virginia. She has one of the biggest personalities in the Academy's history. Amanda had a successful high school career at Hayfield Secondary School as the starter for her whole high school career. She led the team to a couple of successful seasons where the team went deep into the State Tournament. Amanda was an excellent all-around athlete. She displayed her excellent athletic ability by earning a spot on the swim team and a spot on the dance team in high school, as well as being an honor student. She made the national list of Who’s Who for High School Students in America in her junior and senior years. As a club player, Amanda played in the top division of the top league in the nation for its time. Her team was also among the top teams in the region and was prominent in the premier level tournaments. After graduating high school, Amanda chose to attend Methodist University in North Carolina. She had a stellar career at the school, which had little soccer history. She was All-Conference both the years she played for the school and was the team MVP her second year. In her second year at Methodist, Amanda led the team to the Conference Championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The team went three matches into the tournament and was looking like a real contender for the title when Amanda was seriously injured. Sadly, the injury ended her career. Amanda finished her degree and she married the year after retiring from soccer. She achieved her greatest accomplishment of being a mother of three. Amanda is the first Academy One member to become a parent. Amanda and family moved out West for several years. After her divorce, Amanda returned to the Northern Virginia area. She re-established herself in the soccer community and joined the staff at Mary Washington University. She lives in the Northern Virginia area with her children and her parents.
Methodist University
Amanda joined the Academy back in 2004 when she was one of the top keepers in Virginia. She has one of the biggest personalities in the Academy's history. Amanda had a successful high school career at Hayfield Secondary School as the starter for her whole high school career. She led the team to a couple of successful seasons where the team went deep into the State Tournament. Amanda was an excellent all-around athlete. She displayed her excellent athletic ability by earning a spot on the swim team and a spot on the dance team in high school, as well as being an honor student. She made the national list of Who’s Who for High School Students in America in her junior and senior years. As a club player, Amanda played in the top division of the top league in the nation for its time. Her team was also among the top teams in the region and was prominent in the premier level tournaments. After graduating high school, Amanda chose to attend Methodist University in North Carolina. She had a stellar career at the school, which had little soccer history. She was All-Conference both the years she played for the school and was the team MVP her second year. In her second year at Methodist, Amanda led the team to the Conference Championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The team went three matches into the tournament and was looking like a real contender for the title when Amanda was seriously injured. Sadly, the injury ended her career. Amanda finished her degree and she married the year after retiring from soccer. She achieved her greatest accomplishment of being a mother of three. Amanda is the first Academy One member to become a parent. Amanda and family moved out West for several years. After her divorce, Amanda returned to the Northern Virginia area. She re-established herself in the soccer community and joined the staff at Mary Washington University. She lives in the Northern Virginia area with her children and her parents.
Alexander Horwath
Undergraduate:
University of Connecticut
University of Wisconsin
Graduate:
University of Wisconsin
In an Academy of very successful and accomplished members, Alex is among the top in achievement and work ethic. Alex was one of the early members of Academy One, joining in 2000 when he was already one of the top keepers in the nation. Alex was a four year starter at the McDonogh School, which is considered one of the top high school programs in the country. Alex led the team to four straight MIAA (Considered the best private school conference in the nation) private school championship matches and one title. For his effort, Alex was named All-Conference, All-County, All-Met and All-State. As a club player, Alex led his Pikesville Shakedown team to four Maryland State Cup finals. He then moved to the Bethesda Internationals and led that team to a Maryland State Cup Championship and numerous premier level tournament championships. Alex was starting goalkeeper for Maryland Olympic Developmental Program team from 1998-2005 and Region I ODP goalkeeper 2002-04. In the days before US Soccer Academy, Alex had huge success in the Super Y League. He was the Super Y-League National ODP keeper, 2004-05 and played with U-17 and U-19 national teams. Alex competed with D.C. United's Youth Squad in 2001-03, winning national championship with the squad in 2001. After graduating from McDonogh as an honor student, Alex chose between numerous NCAA Division I scholarships to attend nationally ranked University of Connecticut. Unfortunately in his freshmen year, Alex had a knee injury that cost him his first two seasons at Connecticut right after winning the starting job. Alex did earn Big East Academic All-Star honors the two years he was at Connecticut. After his two years at Connecticut, Alex transferred to the University of Wisconsin to play for the team and to study at a top ten academic business school. Upon arriving at Wisconsin, Alex started in goal in all 19 games and recorded six shutouts and he tallied a season-high nine saves in a loss to Indiana. The next year Alex started 17 games in goal. Alex earned numerous honors in his time at Wisconsin. He was Academic All-Big Ten his junior and senior year. He was two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (9/7/09 and 9/21/09), named Defensive MVP of Middleton Sports & Fitness Invitational, Milwaukee Panther Invitational all-tournament team, Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week (9/10/2007), and two-time Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week (9/17/07 and 11/4/07). During the summers of his junior and senior years, Alex trained with DC United and The Kansas City Wizards. He also played PDL for the Northern Virginia Royals. After graduating from the top ten ranked business school at Wisconsin, Alex was signed by the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS. An amazing feat for a player right out of college is to go immediately into the MLS. Later on in his first pro season, Alex was signed to be the back-up for the San Jose Earthquakes. In his second year in the MLS, Alex signed with the New York/New Jersey Red Bulls. Alex earned starting minutes and had strong showings in all the matched in which he played. Alex was also the primary starter on the reserve team for the Red Bulls. After two years in the MLS, Alex signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL where he was their starting keeper. Horwath spent two years playing in the USL pro league, playing with the Wilmingron Hammerheads in 2012 and VSI Tampa Bay FC in 2013. After initially signing with the Rochester Rhinos for 2014, Horwath instead joined Ljungskile SKS in the second division of Sweden. Alex then moved to SK Brann in the Norwegian second level and was a force in helping them rise to the top division in Norwegian professional soccer. Alex played in all of SK Brann appearances Norwegian Cup and Europa League. After his years in Sweden and Norway, Alex came back to the USA and signed with Real Salt Lake. He also brought his beautiful wife with him that he met and married while in Scandinavia. Alex was with Real Salt Lake for a couple years before announcing his retirement. Alex resided with his family outside of Chicago where he coaches and helps run a business helping Scandinavian players come to study and play in the United States. Alex and his family now reside in the Charleston, South Carolina area where Alex is also a nationally respected soccer agent.
University of Connecticut
University of Wisconsin
Graduate:
University of Wisconsin
In an Academy of very successful and accomplished members, Alex is among the top in achievement and work ethic. Alex was one of the early members of Academy One, joining in 2000 when he was already one of the top keepers in the nation. Alex was a four year starter at the McDonogh School, which is considered one of the top high school programs in the country. Alex led the team to four straight MIAA (Considered the best private school conference in the nation) private school championship matches and one title. For his effort, Alex was named All-Conference, All-County, All-Met and All-State. As a club player, Alex led his Pikesville Shakedown team to four Maryland State Cup finals. He then moved to the Bethesda Internationals and led that team to a Maryland State Cup Championship and numerous premier level tournament championships. Alex was starting goalkeeper for Maryland Olympic Developmental Program team from 1998-2005 and Region I ODP goalkeeper 2002-04. In the days before US Soccer Academy, Alex had huge success in the Super Y League. He was the Super Y-League National ODP keeper, 2004-05 and played with U-17 and U-19 national teams. Alex competed with D.C. United's Youth Squad in 2001-03, winning national championship with the squad in 2001. After graduating from McDonogh as an honor student, Alex chose between numerous NCAA Division I scholarships to attend nationally ranked University of Connecticut. Unfortunately in his freshmen year, Alex had a knee injury that cost him his first two seasons at Connecticut right after winning the starting job. Alex did earn Big East Academic All-Star honors the two years he was at Connecticut. After his two years at Connecticut, Alex transferred to the University of Wisconsin to play for the team and to study at a top ten academic business school. Upon arriving at Wisconsin, Alex started in goal in all 19 games and recorded six shutouts and he tallied a season-high nine saves in a loss to Indiana. The next year Alex started 17 games in goal. Alex earned numerous honors in his time at Wisconsin. He was Academic All-Big Ten his junior and senior year. He was two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (9/7/09 and 9/21/09), named Defensive MVP of Middleton Sports & Fitness Invitational, Milwaukee Panther Invitational all-tournament team, Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week (9/10/2007), and two-time Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week (9/17/07 and 11/4/07). During the summers of his junior and senior years, Alex trained with DC United and The Kansas City Wizards. He also played PDL for the Northern Virginia Royals. After graduating from the top ten ranked business school at Wisconsin, Alex was signed by the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS. An amazing feat for a player right out of college is to go immediately into the MLS. Later on in his first pro season, Alex was signed to be the back-up for the San Jose Earthquakes. In his second year in the MLS, Alex signed with the New York/New Jersey Red Bulls. Alex earned starting minutes and had strong showings in all the matched in which he played. Alex was also the primary starter on the reserve team for the Red Bulls. After two years in the MLS, Alex signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL where he was their starting keeper. Horwath spent two years playing in the USL pro league, playing with the Wilmingron Hammerheads in 2012 and VSI Tampa Bay FC in 2013. After initially signing with the Rochester Rhinos for 2014, Horwath instead joined Ljungskile SKS in the second division of Sweden. Alex then moved to SK Brann in the Norwegian second level and was a force in helping them rise to the top division in Norwegian professional soccer. Alex played in all of SK Brann appearances Norwegian Cup and Europa League. After his years in Sweden and Norway, Alex came back to the USA and signed with Real Salt Lake. He also brought his beautiful wife with him that he met and married while in Scandinavia. Alex was with Real Salt Lake for a couple years before announcing his retirement. Alex resided with his family outside of Chicago where he coaches and helps run a business helping Scandinavian players come to study and play in the United States. Alex and his family now reside in the Charleston, South Carolina area where Alex is also a nationally respected soccer agent.
Chris Jones
Undergraduate:
University of Delaware
Central Connecticut State University
Graduate:
University of Cincinnati
Chris is another Academy standout from the class of 2005. He is an individual, who through hard work developed himself into one of the best keepers in the country and a remarkable inspiration. Chris started up with AOG back in 2001 when he was one of the top goalkeepers in the state. Chris had a remarkable high school career at Century High School. Starting on varsity from the very beginning of the school’s existence, Chris led the team to a Maryland State Championship and another appearance in the State final four despite mediocre coaching. In Chris’ four years at Century, he was named three time first team All-County, two time first team All-Conference, first team All-State, first team All-Southern United States and he was an All-American nominee. Chris was not limited to amazing success in soccer. Chris won the Maryland State Championship in the 55 meter hurdles and finished second in the 110 meter hurdles and the high jump. Chris achieved the remarkable feat of being able to high jump higher than his height and he ran a 110 hurdle time (13.9) that would have qualified him for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Here is how dominant Chris was as a high school athlete, he was named to "Carroll County Times" Athletes of the Decade (1999-2009). He was named 1st Team for Boy's Soccer, Boy's Indoor Track, and Boy's Outdoor track. Chris was one of four athletes to make first team for three different teams in the County's history. Chris nearly equaled his high school success in club soccer. His teams were always among the best in the region and made it to the Maryland State Cup Championship match. They were unfortunate to always lose to the eventually national youth champion. His teams always finished highly or won the best tournaments in the nation. Chris was also a four year member of the Maryland ODP State team. In the days before US Soccer Academy programs, Chris played Super Y-League for DC United. After graduating from Century High School as an honor student, Chris weighed numerous options and chose to accept a scholarship to play for the University of Delaware. Chris earned the starting spot immediately. During his summers in Delaware, Chris would play for the Delaware Dynasty of the Premier Development League. Unfortunately, a severe back injury ended Chris’ time at Delaware. He was forced to rehab from an injury that could have taken away his ability to walk. After rehabbing for over a year, Chris transferred to Central Connecticut University and helped them reach the NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16” and a NEC Conference Championship. Chris played another year for Central Connecticut and then graduated. Chris was born with only 10% of his hearing. During his life, Chris always participated in school and sports without consideration for his disability. Chris did become the starting goalkeeper for the United States Deaf National Team in 2007. The US Deaf National Team had been a poor contender internationally, but once Chris became the keeper, things changed dramatically. Chris lead the team to their best finish, fourth, in the Deaf World Championships in Greece in 2008. Chris helped the team finished fourth in the World Deaf Olympics held in Taiwan in 2009. Now that Chris has graduated college, then he started his first “real job” of being a teacher and coach at the Grove School for students with various disabilities. Chris moved to Central Dauphin High School where he led his girls varsity team to the Pennsylvania State Championship. Chris was named Pennsylvania Coach of the Year. Chris coaches, as he has done effectively over the years with his high school team and youth around the country while still playing with the Deaf US National Team. Chris is also married and a father.
University of Delaware
Central Connecticut State University
Graduate:
University of Cincinnati
Chris is another Academy standout from the class of 2005. He is an individual, who through hard work developed himself into one of the best keepers in the country and a remarkable inspiration. Chris started up with AOG back in 2001 when he was one of the top goalkeepers in the state. Chris had a remarkable high school career at Century High School. Starting on varsity from the very beginning of the school’s existence, Chris led the team to a Maryland State Championship and another appearance in the State final four despite mediocre coaching. In Chris’ four years at Century, he was named three time first team All-County, two time first team All-Conference, first team All-State, first team All-Southern United States and he was an All-American nominee. Chris was not limited to amazing success in soccer. Chris won the Maryland State Championship in the 55 meter hurdles and finished second in the 110 meter hurdles and the high jump. Chris achieved the remarkable feat of being able to high jump higher than his height and he ran a 110 hurdle time (13.9) that would have qualified him for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Here is how dominant Chris was as a high school athlete, he was named to "Carroll County Times" Athletes of the Decade (1999-2009). He was named 1st Team for Boy's Soccer, Boy's Indoor Track, and Boy's Outdoor track. Chris was one of four athletes to make first team for three different teams in the County's history. Chris nearly equaled his high school success in club soccer. His teams were always among the best in the region and made it to the Maryland State Cup Championship match. They were unfortunate to always lose to the eventually national youth champion. His teams always finished highly or won the best tournaments in the nation. Chris was also a four year member of the Maryland ODP State team. In the days before US Soccer Academy programs, Chris played Super Y-League for DC United. After graduating from Century High School as an honor student, Chris weighed numerous options and chose to accept a scholarship to play for the University of Delaware. Chris earned the starting spot immediately. During his summers in Delaware, Chris would play for the Delaware Dynasty of the Premier Development League. Unfortunately, a severe back injury ended Chris’ time at Delaware. He was forced to rehab from an injury that could have taken away his ability to walk. After rehabbing for over a year, Chris transferred to Central Connecticut University and helped them reach the NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16” and a NEC Conference Championship. Chris played another year for Central Connecticut and then graduated. Chris was born with only 10% of his hearing. During his life, Chris always participated in school and sports without consideration for his disability. Chris did become the starting goalkeeper for the United States Deaf National Team in 2007. The US Deaf National Team had been a poor contender internationally, but once Chris became the keeper, things changed dramatically. Chris lead the team to their best finish, fourth, in the Deaf World Championships in Greece in 2008. Chris helped the team finished fourth in the World Deaf Olympics held in Taiwan in 2009. Now that Chris has graduated college, then he started his first “real job” of being a teacher and coach at the Grove School for students with various disabilities. Chris moved to Central Dauphin High School where he led his girls varsity team to the Pennsylvania State Championship. Chris was named Pennsylvania Coach of the Year. Chris coaches, as he has done effectively over the years with his high school team and youth around the country while still playing with the Deaf US National Team. Chris is also married and a father.
Sarah Mease
Undergraduate:
Community College of Baltimore - Catonsville
University of Baltimore
Like many members of the Academy class of 2005, Sarah was a very hard worker and an excellent athlete. Her athleticism ended up hurting her soccer career in the long run due to her abilities in other sports. Sarah was a starter at Dundalk High School for four years, but her first two years she played in the field. A broken ankle her senior year cost her post-season recognition. She did go down as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Dundalk High School (Along with fellow Academy One member Laura Burgess). As a lacrosse player, Sarah was named team MVP all four years she was at the school. She was also named All-County. After graduation, Sarah was inducted into the Dundalk High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also an honor student. As a club player, Sarah was a member of the top clubs in the Baltimore area in that time. She played for Parkville (Again with Laura Burgess), Baltimore Football Club and Soccer Club of Baltimore. Sarah played in the top division of the top league in the nation for that time – WAGS. She also led her SCB team to the Maryland State Cup final four. Sarah was a member of the Maryland Olympic Development State team. Sarah attended Catonsville Community College, but played lacrosse. She led her Catonsville team to the Junior College National Championship game. Sarah graduated Catonsville and finished her undergraduate degree in Business at the University of Baltimore. She worked in a management position for Best Buy Corporation. Sarah still plays adult league soccer, but after years of struggling with her fitness and health, Sarah focuses on weightlifting, fitness training, and wellness.
Community College of Baltimore - Catonsville
University of Baltimore
Like many members of the Academy class of 2005, Sarah was a very hard worker and an excellent athlete. Her athleticism ended up hurting her soccer career in the long run due to her abilities in other sports. Sarah was a starter at Dundalk High School for four years, but her first two years she played in the field. A broken ankle her senior year cost her post-season recognition. She did go down as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Dundalk High School (Along with fellow Academy One member Laura Burgess). As a lacrosse player, Sarah was named team MVP all four years she was at the school. She was also named All-County. After graduation, Sarah was inducted into the Dundalk High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also an honor student. As a club player, Sarah was a member of the top clubs in the Baltimore area in that time. She played for Parkville (Again with Laura Burgess), Baltimore Football Club and Soccer Club of Baltimore. Sarah played in the top division of the top league in the nation for that time – WAGS. She also led her SCB team to the Maryland State Cup final four. Sarah was a member of the Maryland Olympic Development State team. Sarah attended Catonsville Community College, but played lacrosse. She led her Catonsville team to the Junior College National Championship game. Sarah graduated Catonsville and finished her undergraduate degree in Business at the University of Baltimore. She worked in a management position for Best Buy Corporation. Sarah still plays adult league soccer, but after years of struggling with her fitness and health, Sarah focuses on weightlifting, fitness training, and wellness.
Mitchell Singer
Undergraduate:
Towson University
Mitch will always be considered one of Academy One’s favorite members because Mitch was the original member. Mitch joined AOG back in 1999 with the original class of keepers. Mitch was a hard worker and a talented athlete. He was the starting keeper at Franklin High School all four years he attended. A shoulder injury his junior year did restrict that season, but he was in goal the rest of the time at the school. By the end of his era at Franklin, Mitch went down as one of the greatest keepers in the history of the school, holding numerous school records. Mitch was also named All-County and led the team to a Regional Finals appearance. Mitch also played lacrosse and graduated an honor student. As a club player, Mitch played for the top teams in the Baltimore area – Baltimore Football Club, Baltimore Bays and the Pikesville Shakedown (Along with fellow AOG member Alex Horwath). His teams played in the top division of what was then the best league in the nation. They routinely finished at the top of the premier tournaments in the region. They twice made the Maryland State Cup finals. Mitch was in goal in the second finals match when he suffered his third serious shoulder injury that cost him his soccer career. Mitch was already set to play college soccer at Gettysburg College, but his injury was so severe that he was told he could never play competitive soccer again. Since then Mitch has had another surgery to completely reconstruct his shoulder. With no chance to play soccer, Mitch attended Towson University and graduated with a degree in Chemistry. He currently works with the family business, Cleanedge, that deals with chemical industrial industry. Mitch helps coach youth soccer in the Baltimore area when he has time. He accomplished his greatest accomplishment when he became a father. Mitch lives in the Baltimore area with his wife and children.
Towson University
Mitch will always be considered one of Academy One’s favorite members because Mitch was the original member. Mitch joined AOG back in 1999 with the original class of keepers. Mitch was a hard worker and a talented athlete. He was the starting keeper at Franklin High School all four years he attended. A shoulder injury his junior year did restrict that season, but he was in goal the rest of the time at the school. By the end of his era at Franklin, Mitch went down as one of the greatest keepers in the history of the school, holding numerous school records. Mitch was also named All-County and led the team to a Regional Finals appearance. Mitch also played lacrosse and graduated an honor student. As a club player, Mitch played for the top teams in the Baltimore area – Baltimore Football Club, Baltimore Bays and the Pikesville Shakedown (Along with fellow AOG member Alex Horwath). His teams played in the top division of what was then the best league in the nation. They routinely finished at the top of the premier tournaments in the region. They twice made the Maryland State Cup finals. Mitch was in goal in the second finals match when he suffered his third serious shoulder injury that cost him his soccer career. Mitch was already set to play college soccer at Gettysburg College, but his injury was so severe that he was told he could never play competitive soccer again. Since then Mitch has had another surgery to completely reconstruct his shoulder. With no chance to play soccer, Mitch attended Towson University and graduated with a degree in Chemistry. He currently works with the family business, Cleanedge, that deals with chemical industrial industry. Mitch helps coach youth soccer in the Baltimore area when he has time. He accomplished his greatest accomplishment when he became a father. Mitch lives in the Baltimore area with his wife and children.
Jessica Vetock (O' Donnell)
Undergraduate:
Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Jessica became a member of Academy One way back in 2000. Jess was an excellent goalkeeper, a great athlete, and a hard worker, but she had a huge problem. Despite her great ability and success with soccer, she loved and excelled at softball more. As a high school goalkeeper, Jess played for the Institute of Notre Dame – like her little sister and fellow Academy member Lauren Vetock. Jessica was their varsity starter for all four years. In those four years, Jessica was All-County four years, All-Conference four years and led a traditionally weak school in one of the best private school leagues in the nation to a finals appearance. As a club player, Jess played in the top division in the top league in the nation for that time. She helped her team to a Maryland State Cup finals appearance and numerous high finishes in premier level tournaments. After graduating from Institute of Notre Dame as an honor student and winning the school’s Athlete of the Year, Jess attended the Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville. Jess was ranked sixth best goalkeeper in the nation at CCBC giving up only 6 goals, with four of them coming on penalty kicks. She led her team to a Conference Championship and an appearance in the National Junior College Championship tournament. After this, Jess was named runner-up Athlete of the Year at CCBC. She was also named a two time Academic All-American and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. The specter of softball then truly overpowered Jess. She accepted a full scholarship to University of Maryland Baltimore County to play softball. Jess had done many things with soccer, but her softball credentials were more impressive. She was All-County, All-Conference, All-Met, All State and a Conference Champion in high school. She was Junior College All-State, All-Region and All-American. She led her CCBC team to a Conference and Region Championship and a place in the National Junior College World Series. At UMBC, she was starting shortstop and captain. She was three time America East Honor Roll. Jess graduated in 2010. She began a series of successful assistant college softball coaching assignments. She started coaching at Community College of Baltimore and also with the Florida Pride professional team. She then moved to Francis Marian University in South Carolina where her sister Lauren had started as goalkeeper. Jess then moved to Villanova University and earned the position of Associate Head Coach. She then was hired as the Head Women's Softball Coach at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. She lives there with her husband.
Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Jessica became a member of Academy One way back in 2000. Jess was an excellent goalkeeper, a great athlete, and a hard worker, but she had a huge problem. Despite her great ability and success with soccer, she loved and excelled at softball more. As a high school goalkeeper, Jess played for the Institute of Notre Dame – like her little sister and fellow Academy member Lauren Vetock. Jessica was their varsity starter for all four years. In those four years, Jessica was All-County four years, All-Conference four years and led a traditionally weak school in one of the best private school leagues in the nation to a finals appearance. As a club player, Jess played in the top division in the top league in the nation for that time. She helped her team to a Maryland State Cup finals appearance and numerous high finishes in premier level tournaments. After graduating from Institute of Notre Dame as an honor student and winning the school’s Athlete of the Year, Jess attended the Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville. Jess was ranked sixth best goalkeeper in the nation at CCBC giving up only 6 goals, with four of them coming on penalty kicks. She led her team to a Conference Championship and an appearance in the National Junior College Championship tournament. After this, Jess was named runner-up Athlete of the Year at CCBC. She was also named a two time Academic All-American and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. The specter of softball then truly overpowered Jess. She accepted a full scholarship to University of Maryland Baltimore County to play softball. Jess had done many things with soccer, but her softball credentials were more impressive. She was All-County, All-Conference, All-Met, All State and a Conference Champion in high school. She was Junior College All-State, All-Region and All-American. She led her CCBC team to a Conference and Region Championship and a place in the National Junior College World Series. At UMBC, she was starting shortstop and captain. She was three time America East Honor Roll. Jess graduated in 2010. She began a series of successful assistant college softball coaching assignments. She started coaching at Community College of Baltimore and also with the Florida Pride professional team. She then moved to Francis Marian University in South Carolina where her sister Lauren had started as goalkeeper. Jess then moved to Villanova University and earned the position of Associate Head Coach. She then was hired as the Head Women's Softball Coach at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. She lives there with her husband.
