SOCA is pleased to announce that 16 graduating seniors will be continuing their soccer careers at the collegiate level. There is equal representation at both the men’s and women’s college level with eight players each from the U18 Boys and Girls Elite teams going on to college soccer.

SOCA has a history of sending its top players to quality collegiate programs and is encouraged to have another high-achieving graduating class.

SOCA’s Director of Soccer, Bill Mueller, is pleased with the club’s long term success and with the 2016 graduating class. “SOCA has a history of graduating terrific players. We’ve become known as a club which has well-trained, well-coached, and adaptable players. College coaches know they are getting players who are prepared for the next level of play.”

Mueller says the club’s reputation with college coaches goes beyond the playing field. “In addition to the quality of our players, SOCA has a great reputation as a club with top quality people, not just good athletes. Our college-bound players tend to be ambitious, multi-talented and very capable. Our kids are conscientious students and quality citizens, which makes us an attractive club for college recruiters. We believe the club supports our players’ academic pursuits while engaging them in a highly demanding athletic activity. We are very proud of all our players and are delighted for those who choose to continue their soccer career in college.”

SOCA has developed long-standing relationships with college coaches, and enjoys a favored status with some. “We’ve become a known entity, with kids college coaches can count on”, says Mueller. “Praise must go to the players and their families for their devotion to their sport but also because of their comprehensive quality. We have great kids from great families who will go on to succeed on all fronts at top quality schools.”

Director of Coaching Dan Ensley is particularly involved in helping graduating players find a good college fit. Ensley coached in the college ranks for many years and has developed a network of relationships with college coaches which enables a level of trust when he makes a recommendation. SOCA works hard to find an appropriate fit for each athlete who wishes to pursue college soccer.

Congratulations to these players as they advance their soccer careers:

Burke Bender: Virginia Tech
James Kasak: Virginia Tech
Brendan Moyers: Virginia Tech
Carter Allbaugh: James Madison University
Jonathan Whyte: Emory University
Griffin Coffey: Washington & Lee University
Jake Lovinger: Mary Washington University
Ben Ahrens: Mary Washington University

Anna Sumpter: University of Virginia
Hannah Keith: William & Mary
Rachel DeMasters: William & Mary
Madalyn Messier: VMI
Christine McBeath: St John’s University
Sunny Gelnovatch: Messiah College
Juliet Karnes: Shenandoah University
Rachel Keefer: Castleton State College

Additional player information will be announced as placements are confirmed.