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Celebrating our Graduating Sophomores – Class of 2020

Photo by Aldrin Capulong
Photo by Aldrin Capulong
May 8, 2020

The month of May signifies the end of the term, the coming of the summer, and the much-needed slowdown from a hectic academic year.  It arrives, in the same way, every year, quick and unexpected, but is always bittersweet in my mind. On the one hand, I am happy to see our sophomores continue their journey and on the other hand, I am sad to have such little time remaining to enjoy their presence.  This year was especially difficult considering May really arrived in March and our lack of closure is felt even as we celebrate graduation.   

I am incredibly proud of our team this year.  They have faced some unique circumstances.  Hurricane Dorian paused the start to the season by two weeks and COVID-19 prematurely ended their academic and athletic year.  However, our team showed composure in the face of the unknown and adaptability when needed.  It is moments like this that remind me of why I coach and that our greatest successes come far away from the playing field.   The mark of success for any college athletic program rests solely on how well they impact the lives of their players.  At Daytona State we measure our success by how well we help our players develop into better students, better athletes and better people.   

Over the last five years, we have seen over 50 players graduate from Daytona State and continue their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions.  Many of those players have had the opportunity to continue their athletic careers thanks to their dedication and discipline to their training.  However, other players have decided to focus on their academic and career ambitions instead.  As I always tell my players, I am happy when they make the decision to take responsibility for their future, no matter what role soccer plays in it.   

Our graduating class this year is the largest in program history.  We welcome 16 players to our alumni team.  This class will always be special in my heart for their character and their personality.  I can honestly say there was not a day that went by without laughter and thoughtful discussion.  As a coach, they saw me at my lowest with the passing of my brother-in-law their first semester and helped me feel one of my proudest moments after our heartbreaking loss in the Region 8 Final this past fall.  They challenged me to be better on the field and more importantly to be a better person and a better leader.  I am forever grateful to the Class of 2020 for teaching me to let go and enjoy the moment.  

Although we did not have the chance to induct our class into our alumni family per tradition this year, I still expect a stacked alumni team at our next game.  Please know that you are forever a part of our Falcon Family and I look forward to celebrating your continued successes with you.    

Graduating Class of 2020 - Welcome to the Alumni Team 

  1.  Samantha Saez – Daytona State Nursing or UNF Nursing 

  1. Brooke Walden – Arizona State University  

  1. Makenna Gottschalk – New Mexico State University 

  1. Sydney Timmes – Palm Beach Atlantic University 

  1. Tayla Duffy – Rollins College 

  1. Michelle O'Driscoll - University of Texas-El Paso 

  1. Kate Castillo – Florida Atlantic University 

  1. Gabrielle Gayle – University of South Alabama 

  1. Jade Louis-Jeune – University of Central Florida 

  1. Cassidee Rentsch – University of Central Florida 

  1. Megan Wintermeier – University of West Alabama 

  1. Ivy Grace Morgan – University of Central Florida 

  1.  Alauna Neely – University of South Carolina Aiken 

  1. Brooke Boccuzzo – Warner University 

  1. Haley Yates – St. Leo University 

  1. Julianne Souza – University of Central Florida or The University of Florida 

  2. Natalia Diaz - University of Central Florida

 

Much Love,  

Brittany