RYSA’s class of 2010 is doing great things. 13 players from the local soccer club will go on to play at the collegiate level. “We couldn’t be more proud of the class of 2010”, says Director of Coaching, Rafe Mauran. “These kids are carrying the flag for our club. They are great role models that show our younger players what can be done if you work hard and are dedicated to the sport of soccer. They are all great athletes and students. I know that they will positively represent Rockdale Youth Soccer Association as student athletes in college.”
RYSA Class of 2010
Se Hoon Ahn – Piedmont College
Emily Boggus – Presbyterian College
Michelle Borg – Georgia Perimeter College
Kristin Bird – LaGrange College
Brittany Gray – LaGrange College
Brendan Lister – Piedmont College
Meghan Marvinny – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Ashley Miller – Columbus State University
Jordan Reed – Georgia Southern
Sama Tucker – Southern Polytechnic Institute
Brittany Whitson – Presbyterian College
Kwazi Yankey – Georgia Perimeter College
Nicole Young – Mercer College
While placing 13 kids in college soccer programs is an impressive feat, perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that the RYSA class of 2010 will earn approximately $529,400 in athletic and academic scholarships. “It just goes to show how hard these kids worked both on the field and in the classroom. We like to think that being involved in sports helps kids grow as players and as people. As we grow as a club, I hope that we can help even more kids realize their dreams of attending college and playing at the college level if they wish.” Senior Brittany Whitson knows what an important part RYSA has played in her development. She stated, “RYSA has been like a second family to me, getting to grow up playing there. Thanks to RYSA, I have been able to receive quality training and coaching and I feel prepared mentally and physically for the college level.”
RYSA recently added a college advisor to their list of volunteers with the organization. Rafe Mauran said, “I think this is an important step towards ensuring that our players are given every opportunity as they begin to research their college options. My wife, Jenni Mauran, worked as the Director of Admissions at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. She has 14 year of experience in admissions. She has been a great addition and will continue to assist all of our RYSA players with the college admissions process for years to come.” RYSA college advisor, Jenni Mauran said, “In the future we’d like to work more with the younger high school players, offering seminars and personal college and financial aid counseling to those that are interested. We want to offer these services to all members of RYSA, not just those planning to play in college.”
RYSA Academy Director, Fields Brown said “The opportunity to be a student-athlete in college enriches the college experience, but more importantly, prepares these young people for life after college. I hope the example that these 13 players have left will leave a path for our younger players to follow for years to come.” The younger players at RYSA certainly have great role models to look up to. Senior Emily Boggus said, “I have been a part of the RYSA family since I was 4 years old, and have truly loved every minute of it. My RYSA coaches have developed me into the player I am today, and have definitely prepared me to play at the next level.” With the success of the RYSA class of 2010, there certainly seem to be great things in store for the club in the coming years.
