Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, Orlando City Soccer Club continued a two-year long partnership with SAI Academy, the Official Pre-College Partner for the Orlando City Academy.
Through SAI Academy’s modern approach, combining technology, evidence-based learning, and community feedback, every athlete has access to NCAA eligibility consideration and college preparation programs.
“Our partnership with Orlando City SC has continued to grow and provide an all-encompassing academic solution for their elite Academy,” Shamini Ghay, SAI CEO & Academy Director said. “With the support of the club, we have worked together to ensure the success of our student-athletes.”
Below are some of the achievements of student-athletes throughout the 2021-2022 school year:
- 54 Student-Athletes
- 3.730 average GPA
- 100% graduation rate for Pace & Private School Program Students
- 41% of students with above a 4.0 GPA
- 64% of students with above a 3.5 GPA
“We are very grateful for this partnership with SAI Academy to ensure that our players are developing both on the field and in the classroom,” Orlando City Technical Director and Assistant GM Ricardo Moreira said. “At the Club, we are focused on developing great human beings, not just great soccer players, and our partnership with SAI is instrumental in helping us achieve this.”
In the last school year, a number of Orlando City Academy products excelled in the classroom, with a select few highlighted below.
Student Spotlight
Ethan S., a U-19 U.S. National Team player, traveled to California for 10 days for training camp in April 2022 and trained with the First Team during preseason in Port St. Lucie. He completed his Junior year of high school through SAI with a 3.334 GPA and will graduate on-time in 2023.
Zackory C., a rising sophomore and U-15 U.S. National Team player, traveled to a tournament in Croatia for 10 days in April, in addition to MLS Next Fest and the GA Cup. He completed his freshman year with SAI Academy with a 4.418 average GPA.
Owen V., who graduated from SAI Academy with college credit through dual enrollment and an average GPA of 4.074. He will continue to play soccer in the NCAA on an academic and athletic scholarship.
Emilio R., a rising Senior in SAI Academy’s Pace Program, was not NCAA eligible prior to enrolling with SAI. Now, he will graduate with eligibility on-time in the Summer of 2023.
