In an effort to assist high school senior soccer players whose recruitment has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Putnam Science Academy’s athletic department announced that it will offer partial scholarships of $29,100 to any senior — boy or girl — who is not yet signed to play in college.
Because the pandemic has shut down the regular recruiting window this spring and into the summer, many soccer players will not have the opportunity to play in front of college coaches and could have their careers cut short upon high school graduation.
“As a soccer player seeking to take the next step to the collegiate level, the springtime is a crucial recruiting period,” said PSA Athletic Director Tom Espinosa. “Unfortunately, college coaches are unable to watch players live, and players are unable to play in front of those coaches. It is crucial that we do everything we can to help those players gain back the opportunity for exposure that they are losing right now.”
Putnam Science Academy’s soccer program only began in 2018, yet still placed four players from this past season’s roster into NCAA Division I programs. Two will play next year at Missouri State, which went undefeated in the regular season and advanced to the second round of the 2020 NCAA Tournament; the others will attend the University of Dayton and Gardner-Webb University. A handful of other players hold offers from Division I schools but as of yet are uncommitted. Still others will play at the Division II and junior college levels.
The Mustangs’ boys’ prep team went 8-2 in 2019; the varsity team finished 7-3-1. They were comprised of top-level players from around the globe, most notably from Sprain, Brazil, Italy, and South Africa. Of those players, two have caps with their Youth National Teams at the U19 age group in South Africa and Botswana.
Those players bring with them an elite level of talent that saw the program compete against former U19 USSF Developmental clubs, including Bethesda SC, Oakwood SC, Beachside SC, and MLS Youth Team DC United. In addition, the prep team, which will be coached by Ryan Dunnigan in 2020, played matches against perennial top programs Berkshire School, Northfield Mount Hermon, and South Kent School.
The girls’ prep team, coached by Jen Bennett, is also comprised of top-level talent from around the globe, and outscored its opponents 69-11 en route to a 7-1 record in its first season.
The partial scholarships are for any boarding students who successfully complete the school’s standard admissions process. More information on tuition and applying can be found at the school’s website, putnamscienceacademy.org. Please contact Director of Admissions John Seaward at
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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