A group of men and women as fine as you would find anywhere. All of them had huge talent and were/are exemplary examples of character and consistency. All of them played NCAA Division I soccer, except one, and he had the opportunity but chose his school for academic reasons. Several had professional soccer opportunities and three of them were able to pursue that dream. In one case, Tyler Back was able to make it all the way to The Champions League. Read each of their bios to be inspired.
Class of 2011 Academic Award Winner:
Matthew Mahoney
Class of 2011 Academic Award 2nd Place
Taylor Avery
Zachary Davis
Sam Howard
Class of 2011 Academic Award 3rd Place
Brandon Bolen
Zaryn Jennings
Eric Hamilton
Honorable Mention
Nathanial Ramsland, Tyler Back
Matthew Mahoney
Class of 2011 Academic Award 2nd Place
Taylor Avery
Zachary Davis
Sam Howard
Class of 2011 Academic Award 3rd Place
Brandon Bolen
Zaryn Jennings
Eric Hamilton
Honorable Mention
Nathanial Ramsland, Tyler Back
Taylor Avery (Holder)
Undergraduate:
College of Charleston
Graduate:
University of Virginia
Taylor has been a member of Academy One since she was 12 years old. Taylor is an excellent athlete, soccer player, academic, but she surpasses that as simply one of the finest individuals of character the Academy has ever had. In high school, Taylor had a perfect GPA in all honors and AP courses. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a two time winner of the Scholar Athlete Award, winner of the HOBY Leadership Award and Scholarship winner- Representing State of Virginia at the World Leadership Conference. She also mentored autistic students and was a Girl Scout leadership award winner. In her "hobby" sport, Taylor earned All-American status as a swimmer, as well as being an American record holder. As a soccer player, Taylor was one of the top keepers in the Eastern United States. She was a member of the Virginia State ODP team before there was US Soccer Academy. She led her SYA club team to numerous tournament championships and ranking as one of the top teams in Virginia. She had numerous offers to join high powered club teams in the Northern Virginia area, but she decided to stay with her original team - the team she had been with since she was eight, which her father was the coach for most of its history. Taylor led her club team to an amazing undefeated record in its last three seasons, and over half of those games were shut outs. She helped lead her high school team to equal status. They were ranked in the upper echelon of the state for most of Taylor's tenure as starter. Taylor was recruited by numerous top level and nationally ranked NCAA Division I colleges and universities. She chose to accept a scholarship at The College of Charleston for their up-and-coming soccer program and their top ranked Marine Biology program. In one of the closest races in Academy history, Taylor won the Academy One Academic Award. She went on to start every year at College of Charleston, but she was hampered by injury through her entire career at the school. Taylor was a huge and inspiring presence on campus being involved in Phi Eta Sigma, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Literacy Outreach Initiative, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Athletes in Action, and Special Olympics. This was all done while she was studying at the Honors College in one of the best Marine Biology programs in the country. Taylor finished as a four time Scholar Athlete and two time Academic All-Conference team. Taylor graduated with a degree in Marine Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Taylor was quickly hired as a Fisheries Biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources MARMAP. She had interned with them while in college. During this time, and her time in college, Taylor had been both a runway and a print model. After a couple years working for the South Carolina government, Taylor moved to Charlottesville and earned her Master's degree in Education from the prestigious University of Virginia. She then became a high school science teacher at Albemarle County High School. Fortunately, Taylor takes her skills as an educator with her great knowledge of soccer to coach as the Albemarle High School varsity and coach at SC United Mount Pleasant. We have begged her to come back as staff for Academy One because she has been excellent doing so in the past, but she is just too busy. Taylor lives in the Albemarle area with her handsome husband and their rogue dog, and she bakes a mean bagel.
College of Charleston
Graduate:
University of Virginia
Taylor has been a member of Academy One since she was 12 years old. Taylor is an excellent athlete, soccer player, academic, but she surpasses that as simply one of the finest individuals of character the Academy has ever had. In high school, Taylor had a perfect GPA in all honors and AP courses. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a two time winner of the Scholar Athlete Award, winner of the HOBY Leadership Award and Scholarship winner- Representing State of Virginia at the World Leadership Conference. She also mentored autistic students and was a Girl Scout leadership award winner. In her "hobby" sport, Taylor earned All-American status as a swimmer, as well as being an American record holder. As a soccer player, Taylor was one of the top keepers in the Eastern United States. She was a member of the Virginia State ODP team before there was US Soccer Academy. She led her SYA club team to numerous tournament championships and ranking as one of the top teams in Virginia. She had numerous offers to join high powered club teams in the Northern Virginia area, but she decided to stay with her original team - the team she had been with since she was eight, which her father was the coach for most of its history. Taylor led her club team to an amazing undefeated record in its last three seasons, and over half of those games were shut outs. She helped lead her high school team to equal status. They were ranked in the upper echelon of the state for most of Taylor's tenure as starter. Taylor was recruited by numerous top level and nationally ranked NCAA Division I colleges and universities. She chose to accept a scholarship at The College of Charleston for their up-and-coming soccer program and their top ranked Marine Biology program. In one of the closest races in Academy history, Taylor won the Academy One Academic Award. She went on to start every year at College of Charleston, but she was hampered by injury through her entire career at the school. Taylor was a huge and inspiring presence on campus being involved in Phi Eta Sigma, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Literacy Outreach Initiative, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Athletes in Action, and Special Olympics. This was all done while she was studying at the Honors College in one of the best Marine Biology programs in the country. Taylor finished as a four time Scholar Athlete and two time Academic All-Conference team. Taylor graduated with a degree in Marine Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Taylor was quickly hired as a Fisheries Biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources MARMAP. She had interned with them while in college. During this time, and her time in college, Taylor had been both a runway and a print model. After a couple years working for the South Carolina government, Taylor moved to Charlottesville and earned her Master's degree in Education from the prestigious University of Virginia. She then became a high school science teacher at Albemarle County High School. Fortunately, Taylor takes her skills as an educator with her great knowledge of soccer to coach as the Albemarle High School varsity and coach at SC United Mount Pleasant. We have begged her to come back as staff for Academy One because she has been excellent doing so in the past, but she is just too busy. Taylor lives in the Albemarle area with her handsome husband and their rogue dog, and she bakes a mean bagel.
Tyler Back
Undergraduate:
Mary Washington University
Graduate:
Oregon State University
Tyler has been a member of Academy One Goalkeeping since he was 13 years old, back in 2006. He went from being a very good youth club player to the highest levels of European premier league soccer.Tyler started out playing for one of the top DC area club teams with Arlington Soccer Club. Tyler played for the Arlington Soccer Club team that made it to the Virginia State Cup Final Four and moved from the National Capital Soccer League Division 4 all the way to the Region I Colonial League. He then worked his way up to the top US Soccer Academy program - DC United. He was a member of DC United US Soccer Academy program through his high school years. DC United was one of the best US Soccer Academy programs in the nation. In his first year as an Academy player, his MLS run team won the Major League Soccer Cup Championship (An Academy tournament for teams that represent MLS teams). His DC United team also went to the National Academy playoffs both seasons Tyler was there. As a high school keeper, Tyler was his school's starter from the beginning of his freshmen year. In that time, the team won three Conference Championships, three Regional Championships and two State Championships. In Tyler's senior year, his team lost in the state finals. Tyler was named All-Conference three times, All-Region three times and All-State three times. Tyler also played basketball at his high school. Tyler finished his career at George Mason High School as its greatest goalkeeper. After graduating high school, Tyler accepted an offer to attend and play soccer at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mary Washington University is a regional power in NCAA Division III men's soccer, as well as an excellent academic school. As a true freshmen, Tyler earned the starting position at Mary Washington. He was named the CAC Conference Defensive Player of the Week and established himself as one of the best young keepers in NCAA soccer. In the next three, Tyler was dominant. His Junior year was marred by injury - something that would effect Tyler's future career. This did Tyler an extra year of eligibility. After graduating from Mary Washington, Tyler went to nationally ranked NCAA Division I Oregon State University. Tyler played for a year at Oregon State and then was offered a huge opportunity of playing for European Champions League and Finnish Premier League team Rovaniemen Pallosuera. Tyler earned the starting position playing in the Finnish Open Cup and league matches, which is very rare for a young American playing in Europe for the first time, but a shoulder injury and the surgery to repair it ended his time in Finland. Tyler recovered from his shoulder surgery and did some training with a Danish team for a short period of time before accepting an offer from Nordvärmland FF in Sweden. Tyler spent a year with that club, then he accepted an offer from NK Spansko in Zagreb, Croatia. Tyler started off well, but a fluke punctured lung injury caused him to miss the first half of the season with surgery and the recovery. Tyler was able to heal and return to the starting lineup. Tyler finished his first in Croatia and is all set to return to continue his career. When Tyler is not living wherever in the world he is playing professionally, he lives in the Arlington, Virginia area.
Mary Washington University
Graduate:
Oregon State University
Tyler has been a member of Academy One Goalkeeping since he was 13 years old, back in 2006. He went from being a very good youth club player to the highest levels of European premier league soccer.Tyler started out playing for one of the top DC area club teams with Arlington Soccer Club. Tyler played for the Arlington Soccer Club team that made it to the Virginia State Cup Final Four and moved from the National Capital Soccer League Division 4 all the way to the Region I Colonial League. He then worked his way up to the top US Soccer Academy program - DC United. He was a member of DC United US Soccer Academy program through his high school years. DC United was one of the best US Soccer Academy programs in the nation. In his first year as an Academy player, his MLS run team won the Major League Soccer Cup Championship (An Academy tournament for teams that represent MLS teams). His DC United team also went to the National Academy playoffs both seasons Tyler was there. As a high school keeper, Tyler was his school's starter from the beginning of his freshmen year. In that time, the team won three Conference Championships, three Regional Championships and two State Championships. In Tyler's senior year, his team lost in the state finals. Tyler was named All-Conference three times, All-Region three times and All-State three times. Tyler also played basketball at his high school. Tyler finished his career at George Mason High School as its greatest goalkeeper. After graduating high school, Tyler accepted an offer to attend and play soccer at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mary Washington University is a regional power in NCAA Division III men's soccer, as well as an excellent academic school. As a true freshmen, Tyler earned the starting position at Mary Washington. He was named the CAC Conference Defensive Player of the Week and established himself as one of the best young keepers in NCAA soccer. In the next three, Tyler was dominant. His Junior year was marred by injury - something that would effect Tyler's future career. This did Tyler an extra year of eligibility. After graduating from Mary Washington, Tyler went to nationally ranked NCAA Division I Oregon State University. Tyler played for a year at Oregon State and then was offered a huge opportunity of playing for European Champions League and Finnish Premier League team Rovaniemen Pallosuera. Tyler earned the starting position playing in the Finnish Open Cup and league matches, which is very rare for a young American playing in Europe for the first time, but a shoulder injury and the surgery to repair it ended his time in Finland. Tyler recovered from his shoulder surgery and did some training with a Danish team for a short period of time before accepting an offer from Nordvärmland FF in Sweden. Tyler spent a year with that club, then he accepted an offer from NK Spansko in Zagreb, Croatia. Tyler started off well, but a fluke punctured lung injury caused him to miss the first half of the season with surgery and the recovery. Tyler was able to heal and return to the starting lineup. Tyler finished his first in Croatia and is all set to return to continue his career. When Tyler is not living wherever in the world he is playing professionally, he lives in the Arlington, Virginia area.
Brandon Bolen
Undergraduate:
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Brandon joined Academy One in the summer of 2010 where he is known for being one of the hardest workers and positive peple in the Academy's long history. He was the top goalkeeper on one of the best US Soccer Academy programs in the nation - DC United. In his first year on his MLS run team, they featured players that at the end of the season went straight into the professional ranks or on to nationally ranked NCAA Division I programs. Previous to that, Brandon played in the top division of the top league in the Maryland/DC/N. Virginia area. Brandon was also a starter on his high school that is ranked among the best in the Northern Virginia area as a freshmen and sophomore. He decided to not play high school soccer after that to maintain his commitment to DC United. Brandon graduated high school as an honor student. Brandon was a finalist for the Academy One Academic Award. During his senior year of high school, during a DC United practice, Brandon seriously injured his knee. As someone who thrives on a challenge and hard work, Brandon was able to rehabilitate himself in a matter of a few months and was able to attend college preseason on schedule for the start of his freshmen college year. Brandon earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. As a freshmen, he was the number two keeper on the depth chart all through his first season. Brandon took over tbe starting position for his sophomore year. He continued being a valuable starter to the program through his Junior year until another severe knee injury finished his soccer career. Brandon graduated from UNC-Wilmington with a degree in Finance. Besides playing on the soccer team, Brandon was also a member of the Student Finance Association. After graduation, Brandon started work at Live Oak Bank. He went from a Investment Advisor, to Underwriter, to Business Analyst, to Loan Officer, all the way up to Vice President. Brandon settled in the Wilmington, North Carolina area on the water with his dog.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Brandon joined Academy One in the summer of 2010 where he is known for being one of the hardest workers and positive peple in the Academy's long history. He was the top goalkeeper on one of the best US Soccer Academy programs in the nation - DC United. In his first year on his MLS run team, they featured players that at the end of the season went straight into the professional ranks or on to nationally ranked NCAA Division I programs. Previous to that, Brandon played in the top division of the top league in the Maryland/DC/N. Virginia area. Brandon was also a starter on his high school that is ranked among the best in the Northern Virginia area as a freshmen and sophomore. He decided to not play high school soccer after that to maintain his commitment to DC United. Brandon graduated high school as an honor student. Brandon was a finalist for the Academy One Academic Award. During his senior year of high school, during a DC United practice, Brandon seriously injured his knee. As someone who thrives on a challenge and hard work, Brandon was able to rehabilitate himself in a matter of a few months and was able to attend college preseason on schedule for the start of his freshmen college year. Brandon earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. As a freshmen, he was the number two keeper on the depth chart all through his first season. Brandon took over tbe starting position for his sophomore year. He continued being a valuable starter to the program through his Junior year until another severe knee injury finished his soccer career. Brandon graduated from UNC-Wilmington with a degree in Finance. Besides playing on the soccer team, Brandon was also a member of the Student Finance Association. After graduation, Brandon started work at Live Oak Bank. He went from a Investment Advisor, to Underwriter, to Business Analyst, to Loan Officer, all the way up to Vice President. Brandon settled in the Wilmington, North Carolina area on the water with his dog.
Zach Davis
Undergraduate:
Colgate University
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Graduate:
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Zachary joined the Academy back in the Winter of 2009/2010. He is known for being one of the friendliest members with the biggest personality and heart in the Academy, but he is truly one of the most remarkable and talented people that one can ever meet. Zach has had a remarkable career considering he didn't start playing soccer seriously until the middle of his junior year in high school. Zach attended one of the top academic private schools in the Baltimore area, Boys Latin, where, aside from being the soccer goalkeeper, he was the catcher on the baseball team, and ice hockey goaltender. Zach was named All-Conference twice for soccer in leading his team to the private school championships three times and winning once. He was an honor student, a prominent member of the drama department, and the Student Body President. He was considered one of the most remarkable students to have ever attended Boys Latin. Zach was a finalist for the Academy One Academic Award upon high school graduation. Zach started playing club soccer in late 2009. His Soccer Association of Columbia team was one of the best club teams in Region I. They made the State Cup Final Four, where they lost out to fellow Academy One member Seth MacMillan's Pachuca team. They finished high up in the Region I Premier League. They also finished high in numerous premier level tournaments. During his senior year, Zach played for the Baltimore Chelsea Bays US Soccer Academy U-18 team. Along with fellow Academy One member Andrew Harris, Zach helped the Bays to the US Soccer Academy tournament finals. After being recruited by numerous top level Division I schools, Zach chose a scholarship to attend and play soccer at Colgate University. Unfortunately, Zach started his freshmen year injured and was unable to train until the middle of the season. He ended the season moving up the depth chart as the Colgate team won the Patriot League Championship and a place in the NCAA Tournament. He was very active on campus and was elected Student Class President. Zach made the tough decision to transfer from Colgate and attend The University of North Carolina at Asheville. Just like he did at Colgate, Zach had a huge impact upon the school once he arrived. Not only was he a captain of the soccer team, but he was a member Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Open Doors S.T.R.I.V.E. Zach earned starting minutes every season that he was healthy and even was in the top four in the nation for saves per game and saves for the season in his Senior year. Zach had such an impact that when his time as a player was over and he graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Health and Wellness Promotions, he was immediately hired to be a Graduate Assistant for both the Men's and Women's program. After finishing his Master's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, he was again immediately hired as a full time coach. During his time in North Carolina, even with his many interests and activities, Zach was active in helping coach/teach young soccer players with North Carolina ODP and the ABSYA Club program. After his time in Asheville, Zach accepted a position as an Assistant Coach with the Women's program at The George Washington University in DC. In his time with the George Washington program so far, Zach and the team have had nothing but success reaching the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships every year. Zach is also a coach and Director for the Alexandria Soccer Club, and most importantly, we are proud to say that Zach has been one of our Academy One Directors, and he will continue to be one for as long as he wants. Zach is one of the finest young coaches in the country. Zach lives in the Washington D.C. area with his fiance.
Colgate University
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Graduate:
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Zachary joined the Academy back in the Winter of 2009/2010. He is known for being one of the friendliest members with the biggest personality and heart in the Academy, but he is truly one of the most remarkable and talented people that one can ever meet. Zach has had a remarkable career considering he didn't start playing soccer seriously until the middle of his junior year in high school. Zach attended one of the top academic private schools in the Baltimore area, Boys Latin, where, aside from being the soccer goalkeeper, he was the catcher on the baseball team, and ice hockey goaltender. Zach was named All-Conference twice for soccer in leading his team to the private school championships three times and winning once. He was an honor student, a prominent member of the drama department, and the Student Body President. He was considered one of the most remarkable students to have ever attended Boys Latin. Zach was a finalist for the Academy One Academic Award upon high school graduation. Zach started playing club soccer in late 2009. His Soccer Association of Columbia team was one of the best club teams in Region I. They made the State Cup Final Four, where they lost out to fellow Academy One member Seth MacMillan's Pachuca team. They finished high up in the Region I Premier League. They also finished high in numerous premier level tournaments. During his senior year, Zach played for the Baltimore Chelsea Bays US Soccer Academy U-18 team. Along with fellow Academy One member Andrew Harris, Zach helped the Bays to the US Soccer Academy tournament finals. After being recruited by numerous top level Division I schools, Zach chose a scholarship to attend and play soccer at Colgate University. Unfortunately, Zach started his freshmen year injured and was unable to train until the middle of the season. He ended the season moving up the depth chart as the Colgate team won the Patriot League Championship and a place in the NCAA Tournament. He was very active on campus and was elected Student Class President. Zach made the tough decision to transfer from Colgate and attend The University of North Carolina at Asheville. Just like he did at Colgate, Zach had a huge impact upon the school once he arrived. Not only was he a captain of the soccer team, but he was a member Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Open Doors S.T.R.I.V.E. Zach earned starting minutes every season that he was healthy and even was in the top four in the nation for saves per game and saves for the season in his Senior year. Zach had such an impact that when his time as a player was over and he graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Health and Wellness Promotions, he was immediately hired to be a Graduate Assistant for both the Men's and Women's program. After finishing his Master's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, he was again immediately hired as a full time coach. During his time in North Carolina, even with his many interests and activities, Zach was active in helping coach/teach young soccer players with North Carolina ODP and the ABSYA Club program. After his time in Asheville, Zach accepted a position as an Assistant Coach with the Women's program at The George Washington University in DC. In his time with the George Washington program so far, Zach and the team have had nothing but success reaching the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships every year. Zach is also a coach and Director for the Alexandria Soccer Club, and most importantly, we are proud to say that Zach has been one of our Academy One Directors, and he will continue to be one for as long as he wants. Zach is one of the finest young coaches in the country. Zach lives in the Washington D.C. area with his fiance.
Eric Hamilton
Undergraduate:
Howard University
Graduate:
University of Cologne
Eric joined the Academy late in his college career when he was one of the finest goalkeepers in the country. Little is know about the details of his college career because Howard University kept such poor statistics, but Eric was one of the finest goalkeepers in the schools very proud soccer history. During most of his time at Howard, Eric suffered through poor and unstable coaching and team situation. He led the nation every year in saves and shots on goals and finished his career as one of the NCAA all-time leaders in saves and shots on goal. Eric was named to the MEAC Commissioner's All-Conference Academic team and to the Sun Belt Conference Honor Roll. Eric was a very active member of the Howard University community. Not only was he the Captain of the soccer team for multiple years and on the Dean's List every year, but he was a member of the Economics Honor Society and a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon International fraternity. Eric finished at Howard University, graduating Cum Laude and then pursued his professional playing career in Germany. He played for VFL Alfter and for former German World Cup Champion Jurgen Kohler. After a couple years, Eric decided to pursue academics. He stayed in Germany and took a German language and literature program at the City of Cologne Volkshochschule. He then was accepted to Cologne University's Economics and Masters of Business Administration program. Before all of his world travels and education, Eric grew up in North Carolina and played for the nationally recognized CASL soccer club. He helped his teams to state championships, premier level tournaments around the country, and the top leagues in the Southeastern US. He even was the starter for the U-23 National Club Champions. Eric led his academically prestigious Cardinal Gibbons High School team to North Carolina State Championships and multiple post season honors and North Carolina All-State honors. Eric was highly active in high school in other sports and he was an honor student. Athletics and academic accomplishment runs deep with Eric and his family. His father, Steven, was a member of the Washington Redskins Super Bowl winning team and Eric's sister Kendall was a star at Howard University's multiple conference champion soccer team. Eric has been actively involved with Special Olympics, Unicef, and the Grassroots Project DC as a volunteer. Eric resides in Cologne, Germany.
Howard University
Graduate:
University of Cologne
Eric joined the Academy late in his college career when he was one of the finest goalkeepers in the country. Little is know about the details of his college career because Howard University kept such poor statistics, but Eric was one of the finest goalkeepers in the schools very proud soccer history. During most of his time at Howard, Eric suffered through poor and unstable coaching and team situation. He led the nation every year in saves and shots on goals and finished his career as one of the NCAA all-time leaders in saves and shots on goal. Eric was named to the MEAC Commissioner's All-Conference Academic team and to the Sun Belt Conference Honor Roll. Eric was a very active member of the Howard University community. Not only was he the Captain of the soccer team for multiple years and on the Dean's List every year, but he was a member of the Economics Honor Society and a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon International fraternity. Eric finished at Howard University, graduating Cum Laude and then pursued his professional playing career in Germany. He played for VFL Alfter and for former German World Cup Champion Jurgen Kohler. After a couple years, Eric decided to pursue academics. He stayed in Germany and took a German language and literature program at the City of Cologne Volkshochschule. He then was accepted to Cologne University's Economics and Masters of Business Administration program. Before all of his world travels and education, Eric grew up in North Carolina and played for the nationally recognized CASL soccer club. He helped his teams to state championships, premier level tournaments around the country, and the top leagues in the Southeastern US. He even was the starter for the U-23 National Club Champions. Eric led his academically prestigious Cardinal Gibbons High School team to North Carolina State Championships and multiple post season honors and North Carolina All-State honors. Eric was highly active in high school in other sports and he was an honor student. Athletics and academic accomplishment runs deep with Eric and his family. His father, Steven, was a member of the Washington Redskins Super Bowl winning team and Eric's sister Kendall was a star at Howard University's multiple conference champion soccer team. Eric has been actively involved with Special Olympics, Unicef, and the Grassroots Project DC as a volunteer. Eric resides in Cologne, Germany.
Sam Howard
Undergraduate:
Kenyon College
La Salle University
Graduate:
Howard University
Sam joined Academy One back in early spring of 2009. Sam is another one of those goalkeepers who didn't play soccer seriously until he was already halfway through high school. Being a hard worker and highly intelligent, Sam was able to make the transition from recreation level to one of the top levels in the country. It was two and a half years from the time Sam was playing in a recreation league to starting for one of the best club teams in the region. He originally made his Potomac team as strictly a back-up. It took him only a season to take over as the primary keeper. He led the team to the Maryland State Cup Championship in his first season as primary starter. Sam turned down offers to be a member of the US Soccer Academy McLean and Potomac teams to remain with his Potomac club team. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury that required surgery kept Sam from playing for his Potomac team in the Spring of his senior year. The team was unable to repeat its success without Sam. As a high school keeper, Sam has been the Varsity starter since he entered high school leading his team to three straight DC private school final four appearances. Sam was four-time All-PVAC selection, earning first-team honors as a Junior and Senior. He was twice named Defensive Player of the Year for Edmund Burke and once City All-Star Private Schools team choice.He set school records for saves and shutouts as a junior. He received Athletic Leadership Award following his senior season. He also lettered in volleyball, track and field, and and basketball. Music runs in Sam's family. His father is a music professor, his sister plays piano and bass and Sam has played the violin since he was four years old. Sam is the older brother of class of 2014 Academy member Nora Howard. Sam was a finalist for the Academy One Academic Award. After graduating as an honor student and the best goalkeeper in the school's history, from the academically prestigious Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C. Sam turned down offers from numerous colleges, even nationally ranked schools, to attend the academically regarded Kenyon College in Ohio. Kenyon had a nationally respected soccer program that was often nationally ranked. Sam spent a frustrating first year at Kenyon with a coaching situation that was unstable. He played his second year at Kenyon as an All-Conference kicker on the football team. Sam then decided to transfer to NCAA DI La Salle University in Philadelphia. Sam attended La Salle University from 2013 to 2015. He earned starting time in both years at the school. He graduated in 2015 and spent a graduate year at Howard University, making 92 saves in 18 appearances during the 2015 season. Sam lead all NCAA DI goalkeepers in saves, and shots on goal. He was named to the All-Tournament team for the DC Classic. Sam competed in the National Premier Soccer League for the ASA Charge in 2015 during his Summer before Howard. Sam spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons with IFK Amal in the Swedish lower professional leagues. He made 68 appearances for the Swedish club, compiling a 48–15–5 career record that included 16 total clean sheets. Sam helped IFK Amal to promotion to higher leagues twice. Sam decided to come home instead of staying in the Swedish professional league and he signed to Fresno FC of the United Soccer League on April 13, 2018, for the remainder of the USL Season. Sam was signed after trialing with the Chicago Fire prior to the start of the 2018 Major League Soccer season. Sam earned starting minutes and was re-signed for the 2019 season, which was announced on 11/29/18. Sam made no USL Championship appearances during the 2019 season, however he started all the US Open Cup matches for the club, a 1–0 win against El Farolito in San Francisco, and a 1–0 extra time loss against Sacramento Republic. On April 9, 2020, Sam joined USL League One side Union Omaha ahead of their inaugural season. Sam earned starting time with Omaha and helped them get to the USL playoffs in their first season. Sam is an excellent coach of goalkeepers wherever he goes. Sam lives wherever he is playing, but still calls the Washington DC area home.
Kenyon College
La Salle University
Graduate:
Howard University
Sam joined Academy One back in early spring of 2009. Sam is another one of those goalkeepers who didn't play soccer seriously until he was already halfway through high school. Being a hard worker and highly intelligent, Sam was able to make the transition from recreation level to one of the top levels in the country. It was two and a half years from the time Sam was playing in a recreation league to starting for one of the best club teams in the region. He originally made his Potomac team as strictly a back-up. It took him only a season to take over as the primary keeper. He led the team to the Maryland State Cup Championship in his first season as primary starter. Sam turned down offers to be a member of the US Soccer Academy McLean and Potomac teams to remain with his Potomac club team. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury that required surgery kept Sam from playing for his Potomac team in the Spring of his senior year. The team was unable to repeat its success without Sam. As a high school keeper, Sam has been the Varsity starter since he entered high school leading his team to three straight DC private school final four appearances. Sam was four-time All-PVAC selection, earning first-team honors as a Junior and Senior. He was twice named Defensive Player of the Year for Edmund Burke and once City All-Star Private Schools team choice.He set school records for saves and shutouts as a junior. He received Athletic Leadership Award following his senior season. He also lettered in volleyball, track and field, and and basketball. Music runs in Sam's family. His father is a music professor, his sister plays piano and bass and Sam has played the violin since he was four years old. Sam is the older brother of class of 2014 Academy member Nora Howard. Sam was a finalist for the Academy One Academic Award. After graduating as an honor student and the best goalkeeper in the school's history, from the academically prestigious Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C. Sam turned down offers from numerous colleges, even nationally ranked schools, to attend the academically regarded Kenyon College in Ohio. Kenyon had a nationally respected soccer program that was often nationally ranked. Sam spent a frustrating first year at Kenyon with a coaching situation that was unstable. He played his second year at Kenyon as an All-Conference kicker on the football team. Sam then decided to transfer to NCAA DI La Salle University in Philadelphia. Sam attended La Salle University from 2013 to 2015. He earned starting time in both years at the school. He graduated in 2015 and spent a graduate year at Howard University, making 92 saves in 18 appearances during the 2015 season. Sam lead all NCAA DI goalkeepers in saves, and shots on goal. He was named to the All-Tournament team for the DC Classic. Sam competed in the National Premier Soccer League for the ASA Charge in 2015 during his Summer before Howard. Sam spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons with IFK Amal in the Swedish lower professional leagues. He made 68 appearances for the Swedish club, compiling a 48–15–5 career record that included 16 total clean sheets. Sam helped IFK Amal to promotion to higher leagues twice. Sam decided to come home instead of staying in the Swedish professional league and he signed to Fresno FC of the United Soccer League on April 13, 2018, for the remainder of the USL Season. Sam was signed after trialing with the Chicago Fire prior to the start of the 2018 Major League Soccer season. Sam earned starting minutes and was re-signed for the 2019 season, which was announced on 11/29/18. Sam made no USL Championship appearances during the 2019 season, however he started all the US Open Cup matches for the club, a 1–0 win against El Farolito in San Francisco, and a 1–0 extra time loss against Sacramento Republic. On April 9, 2020, Sam joined USL League One side Union Omaha ahead of their inaugural season. Sam earned starting time with Omaha and helped them get to the USL playoffs in their first season. Sam is an excellent coach of goalkeepers wherever he goes. Sam lives wherever he is playing, but still calls the Washington DC area home.
Zaryn Jennings
Undergraduate:
University of Michigan
Graduate:
Arizona State University
A dynamic personality and an excellent athlete, Zaryn is an inspiration to anyone she meets. She is Academy One's first Michigan
member. Zaryn joined the Academy in 2013. As a high school athlete, Zaryn was one of the best athletes to ever attend Dexter High School in Dexter, Michigan. As a soccer player she was 4 year Varsity starter, 4 year All-Conference, 4 year All-District, 4 year All-Region, Washtenaw County Women's Soccer Most Valuable Player, and Michigan All State on the team she Captained. To show her all around athletics ability she added All-Area and All-Conference Basketball player to the list. She was a 3 time Scholar Athlete and National Honor Society member. Aside from her academic and athletic prowess, Zaryn was involved with charity and community service work. As a club soccer player, she led her Novi Jsgs Gold team to two Michigan State Quarterfinal appearances. She then moved to Michigan Rush where she helped them to three consecutive Michigan State Quarterfinal appearances. After graduation from high school, Zaryn earned a spot on the nationally ranked University of Michigan team. While she was on the team, she earned starting minutes every year except the one year where injuries plagued her. The team earned three NCAA Tournament appearances, two NCAA Tournament "Sweet 16" appearances, and one NCAA Tournament "Elite 8" appearance. Zaryn earned three University of Michigan Athletic Academic Achievement Awards, two University of Michigan University Honors, and two Academic All-Big Ten Awards. As a student/athlete, Zaryn was a Student Athlete Ambassador for the Michigan Athletics Department. She worked to bridge the gap between the University athletic department and the outside community and donors. Zaryn graduated with a degree in English Language and Literature, and Spanish. After college, Zaryn was a Retail Marketing Intern for Adidas. She was so effective that she was hired full time by Adidas and has steadily moved up their corporate ladder. She started off as an intern and then moved to Assistant Manager | Community Management. She now holds the title of Director | Consumer Engagement. During her time at Adidas, Zaryn was able to earn a Masters of Science Degree from Arizona State University. Zaryn still loves the outdoors and any active activity. She has also been an excellent coach of goalkeepers and we are very proud to have her as a staff member whenever she is not busy. Zaryn lives in the Portland, Oregon area.
University of Michigan
Graduate:
Arizona State University
A dynamic personality and an excellent athlete, Zaryn is an inspiration to anyone she meets. She is Academy One's first Michigan
member. Zaryn joined the Academy in 2013. As a high school athlete, Zaryn was one of the best athletes to ever attend Dexter High School in Dexter, Michigan. As a soccer player she was 4 year Varsity starter, 4 year All-Conference, 4 year All-District, 4 year All-Region, Washtenaw County Women's Soccer Most Valuable Player, and Michigan All State on the team she Captained. To show her all around athletics ability she added All-Area and All-Conference Basketball player to the list. She was a 3 time Scholar Athlete and National Honor Society member. Aside from her academic and athletic prowess, Zaryn was involved with charity and community service work. As a club soccer player, she led her Novi Jsgs Gold team to two Michigan State Quarterfinal appearances. She then moved to Michigan Rush where she helped them to three consecutive Michigan State Quarterfinal appearances. After graduation from high school, Zaryn earned a spot on the nationally ranked University of Michigan team. While she was on the team, she earned starting minutes every year except the one year where injuries plagued her. The team earned three NCAA Tournament appearances, two NCAA Tournament "Sweet 16" appearances, and one NCAA Tournament "Elite 8" appearance. Zaryn earned three University of Michigan Athletic Academic Achievement Awards, two University of Michigan University Honors, and two Academic All-Big Ten Awards. As a student/athlete, Zaryn was a Student Athlete Ambassador for the Michigan Athletics Department. She worked to bridge the gap between the University athletic department and the outside community and donors. Zaryn graduated with a degree in English Language and Literature, and Spanish. After college, Zaryn was a Retail Marketing Intern for Adidas. She was so effective that she was hired full time by Adidas and has steadily moved up their corporate ladder. She started off as an intern and then moved to Assistant Manager | Community Management. She now holds the title of Director | Consumer Engagement. During her time at Adidas, Zaryn was able to earn a Masters of Science Degree from Arizona State University. Zaryn still loves the outdoors and any active activity. She has also been an excellent coach of goalkeepers and we are very proud to have her as a staff member whenever she is not busy. Zaryn lives in the Portland, Oregon area.
Matthew Mahoney
Undergraduate:
Dartmouth College
Matt joined the Academy at the end of the summer of 2010. He is one of the best students in the history of the Academy as well as an excellent athlete. Matt only focused on soccer starting his junior year of high school. He was recruited by several NCAA Division I teams. That fact was amazing considering that Matt did not play club soccer. Even without club soccer, Matt was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State for his high school team three times in a row. In his senior year, Matt lead his team to the state quarterfinals. Matt was also named Conference MVP for basketball and was Central Virginia's leading scorer. As a senior, Matt was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State for basketball and was named Conference Most Valuable Player. Matt is an honor student at his high school and earned the second highest SAT score (2300+) in Academy One history. Matt won the American Math Competition and the Department Math Award for his school. He was treasurer for the student senate. At his high school graduation from the academically prestigious Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, Virginia, Matt was named National Merit Scholar and National AP Scholar. National AP Scholar is awarded for earning the highest possible score in a minimum of eight AP classes. After a tough decision where he had numerous options for college, Matt chose to attend one of the finest colleges in the world: Dartmouth College. Matt was a member of the nationally prominent soccer program. Matt walked on and was the 5th goalkeeper on the team, but with his work ethic, athletic ability, and intelligence, he was able to move up to the number two keeper on the depth chart. After a couple years, Matt decided to focus more on his studies and left the Varsity soccer team. He was still the Captain of the club soccer and basketball teams. Matt earned an AB in Economics from Dartmouth College with a concentration in Finance along with a Government minor with a concentration in Public Law. Previously, he interned at the University of Virginia Investment Management Company, where he worked on quantitative analysis for investment decision-making and risk management. Matt joined Sherpa Technology Group and served as an analyst in their Silicon Valley branch. He then moved to the Boston branch as a Senior Associate. Matt currently resides in the Boston area.
Dartmouth College
Matt joined the Academy at the end of the summer of 2010. He is one of the best students in the history of the Academy as well as an excellent athlete. Matt only focused on soccer starting his junior year of high school. He was recruited by several NCAA Division I teams. That fact was amazing considering that Matt did not play club soccer. Even without club soccer, Matt was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State for his high school team three times in a row. In his senior year, Matt lead his team to the state quarterfinals. Matt was also named Conference MVP for basketball and was Central Virginia's leading scorer. As a senior, Matt was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State for basketball and was named Conference Most Valuable Player. Matt is an honor student at his high school and earned the second highest SAT score (2300+) in Academy One history. Matt won the American Math Competition and the Department Math Award for his school. He was treasurer for the student senate. At his high school graduation from the academically prestigious Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, Virginia, Matt was named National Merit Scholar and National AP Scholar. National AP Scholar is awarded for earning the highest possible score in a minimum of eight AP classes. After a tough decision where he had numerous options for college, Matt chose to attend one of the finest colleges in the world: Dartmouth College. Matt was a member of the nationally prominent soccer program. Matt walked on and was the 5th goalkeeper on the team, but with his work ethic, athletic ability, and intelligence, he was able to move up to the number two keeper on the depth chart. After a couple years, Matt decided to focus more on his studies and left the Varsity soccer team. He was still the Captain of the club soccer and basketball teams. Matt earned an AB in Economics from Dartmouth College with a concentration in Finance along with a Government minor with a concentration in Public Law. Previously, he interned at the University of Virginia Investment Management Company, where he worked on quantitative analysis for investment decision-making and risk management. Matt joined Sherpa Technology Group and served as an analyst in their Silicon Valley branch. He then moved to the Boston branch as a Senior Associate. Matt currently resides in the Boston area.
Nathanial Ramsland
Undergraduate:
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Nate has been a member of the Academy since 2008. A hard worker and highly intelligent, Nate was one of the best goalkeepers in Maryland. He was a member of one of the best high school programs in the nation - St. Joseph's School for Boys in Baltimore, MD. In Nate's junior year they won the MIAA Championship, which is considered the best private school conference in the nation. They ended the season ranked in the top 20 in the nation. In Nate's senior year, Nate led the team to the conference final four. As a club player, Nate's team made the State Cup semi-finals in his sophomore year. They won the Region I Colonial League and moved on to finish impressively in the Region I Premier League. In Nate's senior year, his Soccer Association of Columbia team won the Maryland State Cup championship. Academy Class of 2012 member Cory Budka was a teammate. They went on the regional finals championship match where they lost in the last minutes of overtime. The SAC team had an impressive record in the top tournaments around the country. Upon graduating from St. Joseph's, Nate committed to attend and play soccer at St. Mary's College of Maryland. St. Mary's is the honors college of Maryland and considered one of the top academic schools in the region. Nate is teammates with Academy Class of 2010 member Austin Brown and fellow Academy members Allison Griffin, Kelsey Wirtz, and Shelby Perkins. Nate earned starting minutes every year he was at St. Mary's. A series of injuries over his last three years hampered his playing time. His Senior season he was named team Captain and earned CAC All-Conference Academic honors to go with his 0.81 Goals Against Average. After graduating from St. Mary's with a degree in Economics, Nate went West and explored his love of the outdoors as a ski instructor and ski sales. He then moved to Montana and worked along side Academy One member Austin Brown as a Ranch Hand. After a couple years in Montana, Nate came back home to Maryland and joined the business world as an IT Sales Representative. He currently lives in the Baltimore area.
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Nate has been a member of the Academy since 2008. A hard worker and highly intelligent, Nate was one of the best goalkeepers in Maryland. He was a member of one of the best high school programs in the nation - St. Joseph's School for Boys in Baltimore, MD. In Nate's junior year they won the MIAA Championship, which is considered the best private school conference in the nation. They ended the season ranked in the top 20 in the nation. In Nate's senior year, Nate led the team to the conference final four. As a club player, Nate's team made the State Cup semi-finals in his sophomore year. They won the Region I Colonial League and moved on to finish impressively in the Region I Premier League. In Nate's senior year, his Soccer Association of Columbia team won the Maryland State Cup championship. Academy Class of 2012 member Cory Budka was a teammate. They went on the regional finals championship match where they lost in the last minutes of overtime. The SAC team had an impressive record in the top tournaments around the country. Upon graduating from St. Joseph's, Nate committed to attend and play soccer at St. Mary's College of Maryland. St. Mary's is the honors college of Maryland and considered one of the top academic schools in the region. Nate is teammates with Academy Class of 2010 member Austin Brown and fellow Academy members Allison Griffin, Kelsey Wirtz, and Shelby Perkins. Nate earned starting minutes every year he was at St. Mary's. A series of injuries over his last three years hampered his playing time. His Senior season he was named team Captain and earned CAC All-Conference Academic honors to go with his 0.81 Goals Against Average. After graduating from St. Mary's with a degree in Economics, Nate went West and explored his love of the outdoors as a ski instructor and ski sales. He then moved to Montana and worked along side Academy One member Austin Brown as a Ranch Hand. After a couple years in Montana, Nate came back home to Maryland and joined the business world as an IT Sales Representative. He currently lives in the Baltimore area.
