Every year many OCYS and Developmental Academy athletes use national signing day as an opportunity to get to choose where they want to play soccer during their collegiate careers. Dozens of former Youth Lions have made the transition to college soccer and many more plan to follow.
#25 Morgan Campbell decided to take her talents to Palm Beach Atlantic University and has made quite a splash for the Sailfish. In just her freshman season, Campbell was able to work her way from a reserve player to one of PBA’s starting forwards. Starting 11 of her team’s 15 matches, Campbell was able to find the back of the net three times in three straight contests. She also notched one assist giving her 7 total points on the season. Since her freshman season, Campbell has seen an increased role and continues to be a significant scoring threat for the Sailfish.
Brittany Raymond is another former OCYS player that currently plays in the Sunshine State. Raymond decided to attend the University of South Florida in 2014 and since has been an important piece in the Bull’s midfield. In her freshman season Raymond saw action in 17 games while helping USF record nine shutouts. Raymond was able to see an increase in playing time in her sophomore season as she appeared in all 22 games while starting 19 of them. In that span, Raymond was able to score two goals, including her first career goal against UNC at Charlotte on the road, and was also able to tally two assists to her season totals.
Orlando City Academy alumni, who currently plays the midfield is #13 Noah Franke. In his freshman season at Creighton, Franke played in 21 matches including all nine games against Big East competition. In his sophomore season, Frank saw an increase in playing time as he appeared in 23 matches, 17 of which he started. Throughout his career with the Bluejays, Franke has scored two goals and has also dished out four assists. in addition to his scoring, Franke also played 90 minutes in seven different matches in 2015, proving that he is a tough and durable piece in the Bluejays’ midfield.
#13 Michael Melvin, yet another skilled midfielder to come from the Orlando City Academy, currently plays for the Clemson Tigers. Clemson was able to use his speed and playmaking abilities off the bench during 13 matches in his freshman season. Melvin was able to notch two assists including the golden goal in the ACC tournament final against Louisville. This gave Clemson their first tournament championship since 2001. In his sophomore season Melvin saw an increase in playing time as he was able to play in 23 matches including nine starts. During that span, Melvin was able to score two goals and notch two more assists, while also being named to the Dean’s list during the fall of 2015.
Congratulations to these 4 athletes’ achievements on and off the pitch. Campbell, Raymond, Franke and Melvin are just four examples of the great talent that OCYS and the Orlando City Academy is able to bring up year after year. Stay tuned for weekly updates on many current college athletes who once wore the purple and gold.
