On Thursday evening, the culmination of the ‘X’s and O’s’ on the field turned into 13 Internationals SC players putting pen to paper in front of excited family, friends, coaches, and teammates as they signed their National Letters of Intent to play collegiate soccer next fall.
“I think we attract good people because of our values,” Internationals SC Director of Coaching Keri Sarver said. “They realize this is something more than just the sport of soccer. We always hear positive feedback about our members, not only on the field, but in the classroom, and how they help impact a university.”
Those signing Thursday night were Megan Anderson (Walsh University), Emily Austin (Purdue Fort Wayne), Haley Curtis (George Washington University), Olivia Darrow (Ohio University), Lina Feltovich (Cleveland State University), Kaylyn Galloway (Kent State), Mia Gambaccini (Capital University), Addisen Holt (Ursuline College), Maria Nelson (University of Tennessee), Ali Schroeder (Clarion University), Mackenzie Simon (Youngstown State University), Elizabeth Talabac (University of Findlay), and Brianna Yurkovich (Auburn University at Montgomery).
Galloway is already at Kent State and will return to the club once her spring semester is over.
“People measure success in different ways, but the measure for us are the players that come through our club and what they do afterwards,” Sarver added. “Players come to our program and commit to their development for a longer period of time.”
Out the of 13 Northeast Ohioans, seven players will be heading to Division I and six will play in either Division II or III. The length of the players time at the club has varied, with the longest member spending eleven years, growing and getting ready for this moment.
“Every year there is a bit of sadness, but also much happiness,” Internationals SC Founder, President, and Director of Coaching Zdravko Popovic said of the graduating class. “We have shared our culture and shared our beliefs with them, in the hopes that they become not just the best athletes they can become, but the best people they can become.”
The Internationals family continues to grow, as the 2019 class with 23 players, marks the largest graduation class in the program’s history.
“I think that I am definitely ready for the next step,” Medina native and future University of Tennessee Lady Volunteer Maria Nelson said of her signing. “I love the coaching staff; the school is beautiful and I was able to meet the other girls coming into my class.” Nelson, who was a standout at her time at Medina, will join a Lady Vols’ program that made it to the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Champions last fall, even knocking out #16-ranked Texas A&M.
“I’m excited to go there after seeing a game there, it’s such a fast-paced game and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Nelson continued.
Locally Nelson was named Greater Akron District Player of the Year, Medina Gazette MVP, and Great Cleveland Conference Player of the Year after she helped Medina High School share a conference title in a 17-1-2 season. She was a prolific attacker, finishing with 22 goals and 18 assists. Nelson would also garner OSSCA Girls Division I Player of the Year and USC High School Girls All-America honors.
“What is most important is that they are leaving with the skill set to be able to make a positive impact on their generation,” Popovic added of his club, and if the past is any indication there is no doubt that next year will produce top-quality athletes and people as well.
