Thursday January 29, 2014 First Six Charlotte Soccer Academy US ...
Thursday January 29, 2014 First Six Charlotte Soccer Academy US Development Academy Players Commit To College Soccer Programs College of Charleston, Stanford, UNC Charlotte, Davidson College and University of Denver headline the list The Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) is proud to release the first six commitments to Division One schools today, just prior to the February 5th official signing date. Players will be joining programs in the Fall of 2014. “If you look at the first group of players and where they are going it is quite diverse in terms of location but in terms of quality of program it is very similar,” said Richard Butler, CSA Academy Director. “All these programs have competed for their conference championships and/or in the NCAA tournament recently. For all these players it will be a great opportunity to compete with and against some of the best players in the nation over the next four or five years. It is following years of hard work and determination that they now have this chance at the next level. Congratulations to them all.” TK Abderahman Commitment: College of Charleston
“I have had a fantastic experience at CSA and have been very lucky to have great coaches in Kevin Langan, Nathan Williams, and Richard Butler. I also want to thank Brad Wylde for reaching out to me to join CSA to become a part of this club and give me this fantastic opportunity. The overall training and game preparation at CSA has really helped me elevate my game in all areas. It is a very professional environment that constantly challenges us to be our best, both on and off the field. The intensity at training is amazing, and I have also been fortunate to have great teammates throughout my years in the CSA Academy. My teammates and I have really come together through the past three years through the games, practices, and traveling. Charlotte Soccer Academy is a very competitive atmosphere and really focuses on players to play their hardest for every second. I appreciate how the coaches have made this mindset second nature to me. I am really excited to have committed to the College of Charleston and take my career to the next level. It was a great fit from the start of the recruiting process and the coaches there made me feel very welcome. Ralph Lundy, Troy Lesesne, and Keith Wiggans, the coaching staff at College of Charleston, were very interested from the start. I am very fortunate to get the opportunity to play under these outstanding coaches. COC has a fantastic program and facilities, and combined with a strong academic reputation it has everything a student athlete could ask for. I would like to thank all of my coaches for everything they have done for me.”
Nick Gardner Commitment: University of Denver
Nick Gardner has committed to the University of Denver for the fall of 2014. The Pioneers, under the leadership of head coach Bobby Muuss, finished their inaugural season in the Summit League 13-3-4 overall and 6-0-0 in conference play. After winning the conference tournament, the Crimson and Gold advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Denver also earned its fifth consecutive NSCAA Team Academic Award in 2013. “I really enjoyed my visits to Denver,” said Nick. “The size of the school, the campus, the academics, being close to downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, and the opportunity to continue playing soccer at the D-I level make Denver the best fit for me. Getting to know Coaches Muuss, Franks and Hopkins, and spending time with my future teammates convinced me that I’m making the right decision.” The 6’4” goalkeeper started with Charlotte Soccer Club at U9 and continued through the evolution to CSA and on into the US Development Academy. “I’ve learned many lessons from my teammates and club coaches—Ben Cook, Ray Fumo, Paul Gladu, Erik Lefebvre, Kevin Langan and Richard Butler. Whether on the field or off, a professional approach, positive attitude and commitment will help you manage success and cope with adversity.” Tomas Hilliard Commitment: Stanford University
Hilliard said: “I have been at CSA since U14 and looking back on my years with this club I remember nothing but great memories, whether it be playing in the Regional Championship at U14 or helping my team get to Development Academy nationals at U16. CSA has done a great job at not only developing my soccer skills but also helping me grow as a person. The Academy has strengthened qualities like leadership, responsibility, and discipline. CSA has always challenged me to work on aspects of my game that were not as strong while encouraging me to keep the stronger aspects of my game sharp. I chose to commit to Stanford because I feel like it has the perfect blend of academics and athletics. Also Stanford plays a similar style of soccer that CSA currently does, allowing for a smooth transition into college soccer. I'm looking forward to being able to compete with the best players and I feel like Stanford has created an environment that will ultimately improve my game.”
Jared Kent Commitment: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Kent commented: “I have had an amazing experience throughout my seven years playing for Charlotte Soccer Academy. I made one of the smartest decisions when I was only 11 years old to join CSA. Since I have been here, I have learned so much on and off the pitch. It has been a pleasure playing under quality coaches such as Richard Butler, Kevin Langan, Nathan Williams, Mark Thornton, Brad Wylde, Paul Gladu, and Todd Herman. These coaches have shaped me into the player I am today. Ever since I was very young, I had a goal in mind to play Division I level college soccer. Each time I practiced my skills, I kept the goal in mind. All of the hard work to balance school and soccer has been well worth it. As I approached the college recruiting process, I focused on what was most important. Although I took the time to consider a wide variety of college opportunities, committing to UNCC was a very easy decision. Not only is it a great school academically, but the soccer environment is exceptional. The coaches hold the players to a very high standard and push them to become more than you think you can be. One other important factor is that I feel very comfortable around the coaching staff and players. I plan to make a difference and have a positive impact at the next level. I love the city of Charlotte and I am proud to be a 49er!!” Nathan Marder Commitment: Davidson College
Marder said: “Since the beginning of my competitive soccer career at Under 9, I have played with CSA (formerly SCSA) and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Over the last 9 years playing with the club I've learned many things from an array of amazing coaches about the game and about how to be a respectable young man. I've had the pleasure of working with coaches like Phil Hufstader, Kevin Langan, Nathan Williams and Richard Butler. Every single one of them has pushed me to be a better soccer player and person. Without them I could never have gotten this far. I am honored to part of such an outstanding club and I can't thank the staff enough for helping me along the way. As for my commitment, I chose to play at Davidson for a variety of reasons. I visited a number of schools and Davidson was clearly the best fit academically and athletically. I was always looking for a top-notch education and Davidson was the clear choice for that. The soccer program was just a cherry on top. What excites me is that the program is improving every year and is moving to the Atlantic 10 conference in 2014. Everything from the facilities, staff, and the players are amazing and it was a nobrainer for me. I am extremely grateful for the past 9 years and I can't wait for the years ahead.”
Zhuvonte Wilson Commitment: University of North Carolina Charlotte
“My years at Charlotte Soccer Academy have proven to be beneficial thanks to the great coaches I've had, such as Kevin Langan, Richard Butler, Jeremy Gunn, Brad Wylde, Mark Silke, and Philip Poole. They all share a common goal which is to make me not only a better soccer player but a better person off the field as well. Throughout the past 7 years I have spent with these coaches has helped me to develop as a player and as a person which will allow me to further my career as a college soccer player at UNCC. I was able to choose the college that fit me best thanks to Richard Butler and Kevin Langan. Both have helped me through the college process as well as challenging training at each of the practices at the Academy level. I chose to play at UNCC because of the great history they have in their soccer program as well as a great staff of coaches that encourage their players to strive to be the best. These common morals they share with CSA make me feel comfortable about their program. UNCC is led by Head Coach Kevin Langan and his assistant coaches Kyle Gookins and Jason Osborne. The soccer program has proven to be the fittest team in the nation as well as a great soccer team, winning their conference consistently. UNCC also has the major I want to study, Exercise Science. This was also a major factor in my decision. I truly have enjoyed playing with many great players during my years at CSA and now look forward to taking my skills and education to a higher level at UNCC.”
“I have had a fantastic experience at CSA and have been very lucky to have great coaches in Kevin Langan, Nathan Williams, and Richard Butler. I also want to thank Brad Wylde for reaching out to me to join CSA to become a part of this club and give me this fantastic opportunity. The overall training and game preparation at CSA has really helped me elevate my game in all areas. It is a very professional environment that constantly challenges us to be our best, both on and off the field. The intensity at training is amazing, and I have also been fortunate to have great teammates throughout my years in the CSA Academy. My teammates and I have really come together through the past three years through the games, practices, and traveling. Charlotte Soccer Academy is a very competitive atmosphere and really focuses on players to play their hardest for every second. I appreciate how the coaches have made this mindset second nature to me. I am really excited to have committed to the College of Charleston and take my career to the next level. It was a great fit from the start of the recruiting process and the coaches there made me feel very welcome. Ralph Lundy, Troy Lesesne, and Keith Wiggans, the coaching staff at College of Charleston, were very interested from the start. I am very fortunate to get the opportunity to play under these outstanding coaches. COC has a fantastic program and facilities, and combined with a strong academic reputation it has everything a student athlete could ask for. I would like to thank all of my coaches for everything they have done for me.”
Nick Gardner Commitment: University of Denver
Nick Gardner has committed to the University of Denver for the fall of 2014. The Pioneers, under the leadership of head coach Bobby Muuss, finished their inaugural season in the Summit League 13-3-4 overall and 6-0-0 in conference play. After winning the conference tournament, the Crimson and Gold advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Denver also earned its fifth consecutive NSCAA Team Academic Award in 2013. “I really enjoyed my visits to Denver,” said Nick. “The size of the school, the campus, the academics, being close to downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, and the opportunity to continue playing soccer at the D-I level make Denver the best fit for me. Getting to know Coaches Muuss, Franks and Hopkins, and spending time with my future teammates convinced me that I’m making the right decision.” The 6’4” goalkeeper started with Charlotte Soccer Club at U9 and continued through the evolution to CSA and on into the US Development Academy. “I’ve learned many lessons from my teammates and club coaches—Ben Cook, Ray Fumo, Paul Gladu, Erik Lefebvre, Kevin Langan and Richard Butler. Whether on the field or off, a professional approach, positive attitude and commitment will help you manage success and cope with adversity.” Tomas Hilliard Commitment: Stanford University
Hilliard said: “I have been at CSA since U14 and looking back on my years with this club I remember nothing but great memories, whether it be playing in the Regional Championship at U14 or helping my team get to Development Academy nationals at U16. CSA has done a great job at not only developing my soccer skills but also helping me grow as a person. The Academy has strengthened qualities like leadership, responsibility, and discipline. CSA has always challenged me to work on aspects of my game that were not as strong while encouraging me to keep the stronger aspects of my game sharp. I chose to commit to Stanford because I feel like it has the perfect blend of academics and athletics. Also Stanford plays a similar style of soccer that CSA currently does, allowing for a smooth transition into college soccer. I'm looking forward to being able to compete with the best players and I feel like Stanford has created an environment that will ultimately improve my game.”
Jared Kent Commitment: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Kent commented: “I have had an amazing experience throughout my seven years playing for Charlotte Soccer Academy. I made one of the smartest decisions when I was only 11 years old to join CSA. Since I have been here, I have learned so much on and off the pitch. It has been a pleasure playing under quality coaches such as Richard Butler, Kevin Langan, Nathan Williams, Mark Thornton, Brad Wylde, Paul Gladu, and Todd Herman. These coaches have shaped me into the player I am today. Ever since I was very young, I had a goal in mind to play Division I level college soccer. Each time I practiced my skills, I kept the goal in mind. All of the hard work to balance school and soccer has been well worth it. As I approached the college recruiting process, I focused on what was most important. Although I took the time to consider a wide variety of college opportunities, committing to UNCC was a very easy decision. Not only is it a great school academically, but the soccer environment is exceptional. The coaches hold the players to a very high standard and push them to become more than you think you can be. One other important factor is that I feel very comfortable around the coaching staff and players. I plan to make a difference and have a positive impact at the next level. I love the city of Charlotte and I am proud to be a 49er!!” Nathan Marder Commitment: Davidson College
Marder said: “Since the beginning of my competitive soccer career at Under 9, I have played with CSA (formerly SCSA) and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Over the last 9 years playing with the club I've learned many things from an array of amazing coaches about the game and about how to be a respectable young man. I've had the pleasure of working with coaches like Phil Hufstader, Kevin Langan, Nathan Williams and Richard Butler. Every single one of them has pushed me to be a better soccer player and person. Without them I could never have gotten this far. I am honored to part of such an outstanding club and I can't thank the staff enough for helping me along the way. As for my commitment, I chose to play at Davidson for a variety of reasons. I visited a number of schools and Davidson was clearly the best fit academically and athletically. I was always looking for a top-notch education and Davidson was the clear choice for that. The soccer program was just a cherry on top. What excites me is that the program is improving every year and is moving to the Atlantic 10 conference in 2014. Everything from the facilities, staff, and the players are amazing and it was a nobrainer for me. I am extremely grateful for the past 9 years and I can't wait for the years ahead.”
Zhuvonte Wilson Commitment: University of North Carolina Charlotte
“My years at Charlotte Soccer Academy have proven to be beneficial thanks to the great coaches I've had, such as Kevin Langan, Richard Butler, Jeremy Gunn, Brad Wylde, Mark Silke, and Philip Poole. They all share a common goal which is to make me not only a better soccer player but a better person off the field as well. Throughout the past 7 years I have spent with these coaches has helped me to develop as a player and as a person which will allow me to further my career as a college soccer player at UNCC. I was able to choose the college that fit me best thanks to Richard Butler and Kevin Langan. Both have helped me through the college process as well as challenging training at each of the practices at the Academy level. I chose to play at UNCC because of the great history they have in their soccer program as well as a great staff of coaches that encourage their players to strive to be the best. These common morals they share with CSA make me feel comfortable about their program. UNCC is led by Head Coach Kevin Langan and his assistant coaches Kyle Gookins and Jason Osborne. The soccer program has proven to be the fittest team in the nation as well as a great soccer team, winning their conference consistently. UNCC also has the major I want to study, Exercise Science. This was also a major factor in my decision. I truly have enjoyed playing with many great players during my years at CSA and now look forward to taking my skills and education to a higher level at UNCC.”
