Fourteen players associated with the D.C. United Academy have signed National Letters of Intent to play Division 1 soccer. Eleven players chose colleges in either Maryland or Virginia. Each one met with dcunited.com to explain their decision.
Donovan Pines
Defender
CollegeChosen: University of Maryland
FormerClub: Soccer Association of Columbia
"I chose the University of Maryland because of its high academic standards and the incredible soccer environment that exists for developing great players."
Notes
: Pines played in the 2015 Academy Select game.
Jonathan Sousa
Defender
CollegeChosen: Loyola University (Md.)
FormerClub: D.C. United
"I chose Loyola because they offered me a great opportunity, it is a great school and I want to win national titles."
Mark Elmore
Defender
CollegeChosen: James Madison University
FormerClub: Virginia Soccer Association
"I chose JMU because it has a quality soccer program, a great education, and an exceptional atmosphere."
Juan Ramirez
Midfielder
CollegeChosen: Loyola University
FormerClub: Bethesda Soccer Club
"I chose Loyola because they have a good program where soccer is one of the main sports on campus. I like the coaches and their style of play and I think I will be a good fit for the team."
Notes
: Ramirez was named to the U-14 Youth National Team.
Jonathan Bell
Defender
CollegeChosen: University of Virginia
FormerClub: Montgomery Soccer Incorporated
"I chose UVA because of the great history of the soccer program. I also fancy the atmosphere of the school campus and the opportunities they offer off the field."
Notes
: Bell was named to the U-20 Youth National Team camp.
Collin Jouan
Midfielder
CollegeChosen: Pennsylvania State University
FormerClub: Bethesda Soccer Club
"I chose Penn State for the great academics and a good soccer program with an excellent coaching staff."
Trey Vinson
Defender
CollegeChosen: University of Maryland Baltimore County
FormerClub: Prince William Soccer Incorporated
"I chose UMBC because of their academic environment, great coaches and their successful soccer program. I am thrilled to be attending UMBC in the fall of 2016."
Notes
: Vinson was named to the U-14 Youth National Team camp, and adidas ESP 2014.
Nico Brown
Forward
CollegeChosen: Loyola University
FormerClub: Baltimore Celtic
"I have chosen to attend Loyola University because I feel comfortable with the coaching staff."
Notes
: Brown was named to the Jamaican U-17 Youth National Team Camp.
Lucas Mendes
Forward
CollegeChosen: University of Virginia
FormerClub: Arlington Soccer Club
"I chose Virginia because they have an amazing coaching staff and it will be a great stepping stone on my journey to becoming a professional footballer."
Notes
: Mendes was named to the USDA First 11 and an NSCAA All-American, as well as the U-18 and U-20 National Team camps.
Hristo Bustamante
Defender
CollegeChosen: College of William & Mary
FormerClub: Arlington Soccer Club
"I chose W&M because it offers a rigorous but rewarding academic education. On top of that, the coaches, as well as the players, create a robust and competitive environment that will help me succeed at the collegiate level."
Brandon Williamson
Midfielder
CollegeChosen: Duke University
FormerClub: D.C. United
"I love the campus and the atmosphere there. It was always my dream school; I wanted to attend Duke ever since I was a little kid."
Lance da Silva
Goalkeeper
CollegeChosen: Longwood University
FormerClub: Stafford Soccer
"I thought it was the best school for me to receive a good education and continue my soccer career."
Carson Jeffris
Forward
CollegeChosen: James Madison University
FormerClub: Braddock Road Youth Club
"I chose JMU because from the moment I stepped on campus I felt welcome."
Grant Robinson
Forward
CollegeChosen: George Mason University
FormerClub: Baltimore Celtic
"I chose George Mason primarily due to coaching staff and overall soccer program. After speaking with coaches and touring campus and reviewing academic opportunities, GMU seems like a great fit.."
Notes
: Robinson was named to the U-19 Youth National Team camp.
