2015 was an outstanding year for Columbus Crew SC, not just for the First Team but the Crew SC Academy and Player Development programs as well.
The Crew SC Academy underwent a major overhaul in 2015. In October, the club announced the hiring of several new Academy staff members and unveiled a revamped Academy to extend the club’s soccer philosophy to Ohio’s most promising boys’ soccer players.
The Academy prioritizes a proactive style of play, player-first culture and focus on individual development. Under the direction of Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter, all Crew SC Academy teams feature the same style of play and training methodology as the First Team, as well as the club’s focus on a player-first culture off the field.
The program is fully funded by Crew SC for the more than 60 players selected into the program and provides a direct pathway to signing a professional contract with the club.
Two Academy Products Recognized, Columbus Resident Receives Significant Coaching Honor
Two products of the Academy, one alumnus and one current player, received notable honors this year.
Academy alum and Ohio State University midfielder Zach Mason was named the 2015 Senior CLASS Award winner in NCAA Division I. The award is chosen by a vote of Division I men’s soccer coaches, national soccer media and fans.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Senior CLASS Award is given to student-athletes in 10 NCAA sports and encourages them to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. Eligible student-athletes must be NCAA Division I seniors and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, community, character and competition.
A standout midfielder and two-time team captain, Mason guided the Buckeyes to their fourth Big Ten title and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. He has started every match in his four years at Ohio State and earned Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors this season.
Crew SC Academy standout, George Braima, meanwhile was named to the 2015 NSCAA Youth Boys All-America Team. Braima was one of 40 players named to the team. They will be recognized at the NSCAA All-America Luncheon held during the 2016 NSCAA Convention in Baltimore on Saturday, January 16.
Earlier in the year, the Crew SC Academy midfielder was called-up to the United States Under-17 National Team camp as part of a 20-player roster for the team’s first domestic training camp in Harrison, New Jersey.
Braima returned to the Crew SC Academy U17/U18 team for the 2015-16 season after participating with the U.S. National U17 Team residency program in the previous year. He has started all 13 games in central midfield for the Crew SC Academy U17/U18 team.
Also set to be recognized by the NSCAA via that organization’s Honor Award is longtime Columbus resident and significant contributor to the game of soccer, Gary Avedikian. The Honor Award is the NSCAA’s highest honor, recognizing the career of a coach whose work through the Association has enhanced the profession and contributed to the game as a whole.
Player Development Standouts Receive State Honors
There were some notable individual accomplishments on the Player Development side as well. The Crew SC Player Development program provides access to the finest coaches and role models, age-specific curriculum, programming, competition, opportunities and facilities.
Several members of the Crew SC Player Development program received All-State honors this year. They include:
- Cole Popelas – Gahanna Lincoln High School - Division I First Team All-State
- James Robson – Canal Winchester High School - Division I Second Team All-State
- Matt Roldan – Westerville North High School - Division I Second Team All-State
- Brandon Mount – Mansfield Christian High School - Division III First Team All-State
- Rose Sawyers – Granville High School - Division II Second Team All-State
- Alicia Donley – Columbus School for Girls High School - Division III First Team All-State
