Since the very beginning of OCYS programs there has been no shortage of great young soccer talent to come out of Orlando. Dozens of boys and girls who have previously represented the purple and gold now find themselves competing, and winning at the collegiate level. With national college signing day getting closer and closer, here is a look back at some of our OCYS alumni who are kicking their way to the top of collegiate competition.
Forward Heather Nulty took her talents from Orlando to the east coast as she is now starting and contributing for the Daytona State Falcons, in the programs inaugural season. In her freshman year, #20 has already produced as many points as the number she wears on the back of her jersey through just the first eight games of the season. With eight goals and four assists so far this season, Nulty looks to continue her early success and hopes to help keep the young Falcons program undefeated as they set their sights on the playoffs.
Another talented alumni to come out of the OC youth program, Brianna Palmer, is starting to make a name for herself in her sophomore season with the Winthrop Eagles. Palmer, usually known for her defensive skill set, recently put in two goals and notched one assist on her way to being named the Big South Conference’s attacking player of the week. With two shutout victories under her belt this season, Palmer and the rest of Eagles’ defensive unit looks to keep their opponents out of the net in the final five games of their regular season.
Former City youth keeper, Zachary King seems to have had no problem adjusting to the collegiate level of competition he is currently facing at Lenoir Rhyne University. #1 has been outstanding in the net thus far for the Bears as he has already notched 5 shutouts this season. Through the first 13 games of this season, King has made a whopping 58 saves and has allowed an average of just 1.11 goals per game. With just 4 games left in the Bears’ regular season, King should continue to be a rock in the net and hopes to help his team jump even further up the standings by season’s end.
Coming off of a great statistical season for the Cedarville Yellow Jackets, former City youth defender Sean Reilly, looks to pick up where he left off last year. Starting in 20 games as a sophomore, #22 helped the Yellow Jacket defensive unit to 10 shutout victories, allowing an average of just .88 GAA. Through the first 13 games of his junior season, Reilly has continued his high level of play in the backfield and even found a way to notch his first and only goal of the season.
These college stars are just a few examples of quality young soccer talent to come out of OCYS over the years. Identifying young talent and helping players such as Heather, Brianna, Zachary, Sean and many others develop their skills to the highest potential.
Congratulations to these players and many other alumni who work hard on their craft day in and day out. Stay tuned for weekly updates on many of the country’s thriving young soccer stars that call themselves Orlando City alumni.
