Northshore School District Grads Garner Youth Soccer Scholarships

The Northshore Youth Soccer Association (NYSA) announced its 2011 College Scholarship recipients, Aug. 31. Northshore School District Class of 2011 graduates Marina Oldfin of Bothell High School, and Alison Leonard and Connor Cox of Inglemoor High School each received $1,000 scholarships. 

Applications were accepted from Northshore School District graduating seniors that planned to enter an accredited institution of higher learning during the 2011/2012 academic year. Individuals were reviewed and selected based on their positive involvement and commitment to the NYSA program and the community, but also in their participation in the NYSA referee program.

Having all started playing soccer at a very young age, Oldfin, Leonard and Cox were honored for their outstanding contributions and success on the soccer field and in their academic achievements. Oldfin will be attending the University of Washington in the fall studying business and finance. She plans to continue playing soccer, refereeing and wants to explore coaching. “NYSA introduced me to a sport that I can take with me, and be a part of, throughout my life,” she said.

Leonard will be studying biology as a freshman at the University of Washington. “Being a part of the Northshore Youth Soccer Association, both as a player and as a referee, has been a transformative experience for me as a person,” Leonard said. “It made me realize not just how important soccer has been in my own life but how much I want others to be able to enjoy and learn from it,” she added. “I’ve learned not to be afraid to stick to my decisions in the face of opposition, and to have the confidence to walk into uncomfortable situations with my head held high.”

Cox will be attending Boise State University. Along with his team duties and assistant coaching, Cox was nominated as Washington State Youth Referee of the Year. “I’ve put in countless hours supporting the program,” Cox said, “through playing, refereeing, volunteering and coaching. I’ve had a great run with NYSA, with an almost storybook ending and have truly enjoyed every minute of it.”

The Northshore Youth Soccer Association awards scholarships annually and supports teams in Bothell, Woodinville and Kenmore. Visit northshoresoccer.org  for more information.

Information from Northshore Youth Soccer Association