Northwood’s elite soccer team has had another successful round of college placements. Here’s a look at a few success stories.
Photo: Mr. MIchael Aldridge.
Noah Ledell is a senior from Hong Kong. He has been at Northwood for two years. In that time, he’s played for the U19s for two years and the Black Rock USL team in the summer. Before coming to Northwood, Noah played for the Hong Kong Football Club for a few years before deciding to go to America and pursue his goal of playing college soccer. Noah is a center-back and has been an integral part of Coach Moody’s team for the last two years, starting almost every game during the previous two seasons. A couple of schools recruited Noah since the start of the year, but he finally set his sights on Yale. When talking to Noah about committing to Yale. Yale secured a mid-table finish last year in the Ivy League, but after a very successful 2023 recruiting class, they look to secure a higher finish next season.
Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Jeremey Tsang is a senior from Hong Kong who has been a Northwood and Black Rock family member for three years. Jeremy has played two seasons for the U17s and one season for the U19s. Before coming to Northwood, Jeremey played for Hong Kong Football Club and the U21 Hong Kong National Team. He played in Hong Kong FC for a few years before deciding to come to America and pursue his goal of playing college soccer. He is a left-back and left wing-back with an explosive pace down the line. Jeremy has been crucial to the U19s this year as he has also played as a center-back due to our low supply of center-backs. Jeremy committed his next four years to the University of Vermont, ranked in the top five men’s Division I soccer schools. UVM is looking to have another meaningful run in the college cup for next season. Jeremy has stated that he feels at home at UVM, and the players have already made him feel welcome. He also said he has never seen facilities that good, and he cannot wait to be on campus with the team. We hope to see Jeremy in a Catamount uniform soon!
Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Ean Malay is a senior from New Hampshire. He is in his first year at Northwood and Black Rock. Ean played for Seacoasts U19 in the MLS Next Program before coming to Northwood. Ean is a left-back and left wing-back for the U19s and has been the glue for the team this year. His continued positivity and communication have been an enormous help to the team this year. Ean committed to Division 3 powerhouse Gettysburg very early in the year, as he knew immediately that that was where he wanted to spend the next four years. Ean said he committed to Gettysburg because “it is the perfect balance between a good education and soccer level.” He is very excited to start working at Gettysburg in pursuit of his goal of achieving a national championship. We cannot wait to see Ean’s passion for the game translate to the college level.
Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Rafael Borlido is a senior from Brazil. He has been a Northwood and Black Rock family member for two years. Before coming to Northwood, Rafael played for Seven Academy in Belo Horizonte for a few years before deciding to go to America and pursue his goal of playing college soccer. Rafael is a center midfielder and a left-back with an excellent left foot. Rafa has been crucial for the 19s this year, as he has been playing multiple positions for the team’s benefit. Rafael committed his next four years to Clemson University, which recently won the NCAA Championship and has not slowed down. With an excellent 2023 recruiting class, they are looking to push for their second national title in three years. Rafael has stated that he is so happy to have committed to Clemson, and a lot of stress has been lifted since he committed. He also stated that he is so thankful for this opportunity, and he will not put it to waste. We hope to see Rafael lift the college cup in the next four years.
Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Mathis Nolet Gagne, 23’ is a senior from Quebec City, Canada. He has been a Northwood and Black Rock family member for three years. He has played under Coach Martinez with the U17s and Coach Moodey with the U19s. Before coming to Northwood, Mathis played for AS Charlesbourg in Québec for a few years before deciding to go to America and pursue his goal of playing college soccer. Mathis is a defensive midfielder and center-back and has been an essential part of the program all year. Late in the first semester, Mathis committed to Division 3 powerhouse Alleghany College in Pennsylvania. After visiting the campus with his mother and meeting the team, Mathis felt a sort of comfort at Allegheny, which factored into his decision to call it his new home.
