Jason Van Achteren’s soccer journey is a testament to his adaptability, skill, and deep connection to his Belgian roots. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Jason’s talent on the field was evident from a young age, earning him a spot on the Belgian U-15 National Team and opportunities with top Belgian clubs such as KV Mechelen, K. Lierse S.K., and Germinal Beerschot. His soccer career took an international turn when he was recruited by Kevin Zimmermann to play collegiate soccer in the United States.
Collegiate Success in the United States
Jason began his college soccer career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he started all 12 games as a freshman. His impressive performances led to a transfer to Eastern New Mexico University, a Division II school, where he played a pivotal role in 12 games during his sophomore year, starting in 10 and frequently logging full 90-minute matches.
In 2018, Jason took his talents to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), a Division I program, where he continued to excel. As a senior, he made 12 appearances, scoring his first career goal, a game-winner, against Jacksonville. His time at FGCU was marked by his development as a strong, tactical midfielder, ready to take on professional challenges.
A Professional Journey from Iceland Back to Belgium
After finishing his collegiate career, Jason spent a season with Selfoss in Iceland’s 2. deild during the 2021 campaign. Although his time in Iceland was brief, Jason made a significant impact as a defensive midfielder, helping Selfoss in their push for promotion. His experience in Iceland added another dimension to his game, enriching his understanding of different playing styles and conditions.
Following his stint in Iceland, Jason returned to Belgium, where he continued his professional career. He played for clubs like Lyra-Lierse and Oxford Hemiksem, bringing with him the diverse experiences gained from his time in the United States and Iceland. His return to Belgian soccer allowed him to reconnect with his roots while applying the knowledge and skills he had acquired abroad.
Building a Solid Soccer Foundation in Belgium
Before his international journey, Jason developed his soccer foundation in Belgium, playing for notable clubs such as K. Rupel Boom FC, KV Mechelen, K. Lierse S.K., and BX Brussels. His time with these clubs, along with his participation in the Belgian U-15 National Team, laid the groundwork for his later successes and adaptability in various competitive environments.
Looking Ahead
Jason Van Achteren’s journey is a powerful example of how talent, hard work, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to success across borders. From his early days in Belgium to his collegiate career in the U.S., a professional stint in Iceland, and now back to Belgium, Jason’s story is one of growth and resilience.
As he continues his career in Belgium, Jason remains a versatile and experienced player, ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way. His journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes, showing that with dedication and an open mind, it’s possible to thrive in different environments while staying true to one’s roots.
Ithaisa Viñoly: From SIS Free Trial in Tenerife to College and Professional Soccer Success
Ithaisa Viñoly’s remarkable journey from Lanzarote, Spain, to the competitive world of American college soccer began at the SIS Free Trial in Tenerife. It was there that her talent was recognized by Coach Jonathan Garbar, who recruited her to join Franklin Pierce University, marking the start of a promising career.
A Promising Start at Franklin Pierce
After being recruited by Coach Garbar, Ithaisa made an immediate impact at Franklin Pierce University. In her freshman year, she appeared in five games, including four starts, logging 348 minutes in goal. Her strong performances, which included 22 saves and a .759 save percentage, earned her recognition on the Northeast-10 Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Shining at FIU
Ithaisa’s success at Franklin Pierce paved the way for her transfer to Florida International University (FIU), where she continued to excel in the highly competitive C-USA league.
2021 (Junior Year): Ithaisa started all 12 of her appearances, playing 1,140 minutes in goal. She recorded a team-high 51 saves, including a season-high 10 saves in a draw against FAU, and posted two shutouts, proving her ability to perform under pressure.
2022 (Senior Year): In her senior year, Ithaisa continued her strong form, starting in all 10 of her appearances. She logged 848 minutes, made 33 saves, and consistently delivered solid performances against top teams like Mississippi State and Lipscomb.
2023 (Graduate Student Year): In her final season at FIU, Ithaisa played and started in 15 games, logging 1,282 minutes in goal. She led the team with a 0.7 goals-against average and 42 saves, earning six shutouts and a place on the C-USA All-Conference Third Team.
A Leap to Professional Soccer
Following her successful college career, Ithaisa took the next big step by signing with Necaxa Femenil in Liga MX Femenil, one of the world’s most competitive women’s soccer leagues. Her professional debut came against Mazatlán FC, where she immediately secured the starting goalkeeper position, marking the beginning of her professional journey.
A Future Bright with Promise
Ithaisa Viñoly’s story is a testament to hard work, talent, and perseverance. From being recruited at the SIS Free Trial in Tenerife to making her mark in American college soccer and now stepping into the professional arena, Ithaisa continues to break new ground. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with dedication and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Guillermo Segovia’s journey is one of remarkable achievements, both on the soccer field and in the world of software engineering. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Guillermo first caught the attention of scouts during your very first showcase, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to collegiate soccer success in the United States. His journey has been marked by a seamless blend of athletic prowess and academic excellence, culminating in a promising career in software engineering.
Soccer Success at Florida Tech
Guillermo’s athletic journey began at Ohio Valley University, where he made an immediate impact by leading his team to both the GMAC regular season and tournament championships. His standout performance earned him second team All-GMAC and All Mid-West region team honors. Following his success at Ohio Valley, Guillermo transferred to Florida Tech, where he continued to excel as a forward.
Over his collegiate soccer career at Florida Tech, Guillermo’s contributions were nothing short of impressive:
2018: Scored five goals and recorded one assist in his debut season, earning spots on the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Florida Tech Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
2019: Tallied 8 goals and 8 assists, becoming the first Men’s Soccer player in Florida Tech history to be named a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American.
2020: Scored three goals over four spring games in a shortened season.
2021: Led the team with 10 goals, earning All-Sunshine State Conference Second Team, D2CCA All-South Region Second Team, and CoSida Academic All-District honors.
A Career in Software Engineering
While excelling on the soccer field, Guillermo also pursued his passion for technology. He graduated with a degree in Software Engineering, developing a strong technical skill set that includes Python, SQL, Java, Flask, and machine learning. Guillermo has two years of professional experience, specializing in Python and working extensively with Java and Flask to develop REST APIs. His work in an Azure DevOps environment, where he implemented deep learning models following the SCRUM methodology, has given him hands-on experience with modern software development practices.
Guillermo’s technical expertise also extends to managing and administrating relational databases, deploying microservices in Linux environments, and utilizing tools like Bash and Agile methodologies to streamline workflows. His blend of technical skills and practical experience makes him a valuable asset in the field of software engineering.
Balancing Soccer and Software
Guillermo’s ability to balance a demanding athletic career with rigorous academic and professional pursuits speaks to his dedication and time management skills. His experience as a student-athlete at Florida Tech has not only prepared him for success on the soccer field but also equipped him with the resilience and problem-solving abilities needed in the fast-paced world of software engineering.
Looking to the Future
As Guillermo’s collegiate soccer career comes to a close, he is poised to continue his journey in the field of software engineering. With plans to pursue a master’s degree and further his education, Guillermo’s future is bright, whether he continues to score goals on the soccer field or tackles complex challenges in the tech world.
Guillermo Segovia’s story is one of ambition, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days at the showcase to his dual success in soccer and software engineering, Guillermo’s journey is an inspiration to all aspiring student-athletes and tech enthusiasts.
Gema Fernández’s journey from the soccer fields of Madrid to competing at the collegiate level in the United States is a testament to her dedication and skill. It all began in 2018, when Gema participated in an SIS Free Trial in Madrid, where she showcased her talent and caught the attention of scouts. This pivotal moment set her on a path that would take her across the Atlantic to pursue her soccer dreams.
Early Beginnings in Spain
Gema’s passion for soccer was evident from a young age. She played at Zurbaran and later for the well-known club Rayo Vallecano, where she was part of teams that consistently finished in the top three in the rankings. These formative years in Spain laid a strong foundation for her future success.
Collegiate Soccer Journey
After impressing at the SIS Free Trial, Gema took her talents to the United States, where she began her collegiate career.
Junior College Success: Gema spent two seasons at Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York, where she made an immediate impact. As a freshman, she led the Mustangs with three goals and two assists, contributing to a 9-1-3 overall record. In her sophomore year, she started every game and helped her team finish the season ranked No. 11 in the United Soccer Coaches Junior College poll, while also scoring a crucial goal.
Transition to Division I: Gema continued her soccer journey by transferring to a Division I program. In 2018, she joined the Lady Techsters, where she saw action in four matches. Her first appearance came against Northwestern State, and she earned her first start later that season against Western Illinois, where she recorded a shot in the match.
A Future Driven by Passion
Gema Fernández’s journey from Madrid to the United States is a story of ambition and perseverance. From her early days playing in Spain to making her mark in American collegiate soccer, Gema has shown that with hard work and the right opportunities, great things are possible. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, proving that with determination and the right platform, like the SIS Free Trial, dreams can indeed become reality.
Emmanuel Dennis’ soccer journey is a remarkable story of talent, determination, and strategic decision-making. Originally from Paris, France, with roots in Haiti, Emmanuel’s passion for soccer has taken him across continents and into the competitive world of American collegiate sports. His path to success was shaped significantly in 2022 when he participated in the SIS showcase in Cancun. His standout performance there earned him a full scholarship to play for the Daytona State Falcons, setting the stage for his rise in collegiate soccer.
Dominating at Daytona State College
At Daytona State College, Emmanuel quickly established himself as a force on the field. Playing as a midfielder, he earned numerous accolades, including All-Region and All-American honors from the United Soccer Coaches. His dynamic play and leadership also earned him a spot on the All-Mid Florida Conference team, along with being named Freshman of the Year. Balancing athletics with academics, Emmanuel was also recognized on the All-Academic Team.
For Emmanuel, Daytona State was more than just a stepping stone; it was the realization of a dream to live and play soccer in Florida. Competing in the NJCAA Division I league, he viewed Daytona State as the perfect environment to hone his skills and prepare for the next level of competition.
Stepping Up to NCAA Division I at Oral Roberts University
After his successful tenure at Daytona State, Emmanuel took the next big step in his career by transferring to Oral Roberts University (ORU), where he now competes at the prestigious NCAA Division I level. At ORU, Emmanuel is not only continuing to develop as a top-tier midfielder but also pursuing a degree in Marketing, aligning his academic ambitions with his athletic career.
ORU’s soccer program is known for its competitive edge, and Emmanuel chose it specifically because of its reputation as a top program that can help him achieve his ultimate goal of playing professional soccer. As a junior, Emmanuel is now part of a team that competes in one of the highest levels of collegiate soccer in the United States, the NCAA Division I.
Personal Passions and Inspirations
Off the field, Emmanuel’s cultural heritage remains close to his heart. He has a deep appreciation for the food from his country of origin, Haiti, and holds soccer icons like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi in high regard. His love for the game is matched by his admiration for innovators like Elon Musk, who inspire him to think big and aim high.
When he’s not on the soccer pitch, you might find Emmanuel catching up on “Telefoot,” a French television show that keeps him connected to his love for soccer and his European roots.
A Promising Future Ahead
Emmanuel Dennis’ journey from Paris to Florida, and now to Oklahoma, is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and ambition. From earning a full scholarship at the Cancun showcase to making a name for himself at Daytona State and now competing at the NCAA Division I level with Oral Roberts University, Emmanuel’s story is one of continuous growth and success. As he continues to excel on the field and in the classroom, the future looks incredibly bright for this talented midfielder. There’s no doubt that Emmanuel is well on his way to achieving his dreams in the world of professional soccer.
Emmanuel Playing SoccerEmmanuel Roster Photo Daytona State
