To celebrate ten years in the Sports Scholarship business, we took a look back to induct ten of most successful former clients into our FirstPoint USA Hall of Fame!
Andrew Kean, FirstPointUSA founder and chief executive had this to say about Aisling:
Aisling Coyle has been one of the most successful international field hockey players in the college game in recent years. As a scholarship recipient at Ohio State University, Aisling excelled both on and off the field for the Buckeyes and received conference and regional acclaim in the process. As well as being a great field hockey success for FirstPoint, Aisling is also one of several female athletes who have make a huge impact in their respective sport and represented international female sporting talent admirably in the process. Aisling is a excellent candidate for induction into the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame.’
Here we take a look over Aisling’s accomplishments:
YEAR GP/GS GOALS ASSISTS POINTS GAME-WINNERS
2008 21/21 5 7 17 3
2009 20/19 5 9 21 1
2010 23/23 24 7 55 7
Ohio State Career Honors:
2010 (Junior Season):
* NFHCA First Team All-American
* NFHCA West Region Player of the Year (first buckeye in history)
* Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (first buckeye in history)
* Unanimous First Team All-Big Ten
* NFCHA First Team All-West Region
* NCAA All-Tournament Team
* Big 10 All-Tournament Team
* Named Team Captain
* Named Team MVP
* Seven game-winning goals in a season are a record, surpassing the previous high set in 1999
* 55 points, has not been accomplished by a Buckeye since 1996
* 55 points is fifth on the all-time single-season points list
2009 (Sophomore Season):
* NFHCA First Team All-West Region
* First Team All-Big Ten honoree
* Named team captain
* Named the team’s MVP
* played in all 20 games, starting in 19
2008 (Freshman Season):
* Started all 21 games …
* tied for third on the team with 17 points …
* Second Team All-Big Ten honoree …
* named to Big Ten All-Tournament Team
*Second Team All-West Region
2007: Redshirted the season because of injury.
Prior to Ohio State: Played on three Scotland National Teams, including the Under-16 (2003), Under-18 (2004, 2005) and Under-21 (2005, 2006)
We caught up with Aisling to ask her a few questions about her experiences:
1. Please describe your athletic career since going to University.
Lots of high and lows, mostly highs though. Senior year was particularly memorable. most successful team in history in 2010.
2. Please Outline your highest accomplishments throughout your athletic career.
Individual – 1st team All American, 1st team West Region, unanimous 1st team All Big 10, Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year, West Region Player of the Year, OSU captain
Team – Big 10 champions 2010, NCAA Final Four 2010 (first time in history), most wins in a season.
3. What are your future plans?
Keep playing hockey but as more of a hobby and less of a full time commitment! Concentrate on a career in the UK, hopefully in the PR/Marketing field.
4. What would you say are the benefits of having an American college experience?
So many but mostly the opportunity to play at the highest level in your sport while gaining a degree at the same time. The facilities and money in college sports is incomparable to anything in the UK.
5. Would you recommend First Point USA and the american scholarship route to others?
Yes of course. I think FirstPointUSA prepares you well for the move to the states as the advisors have been in the same place as you before.
6. What would be your advice be to any young athletes considering an American Scholarship?
I would say definitely take the opportunity and go in with an open mind. I think a lot of success in College sports is down to your attitude and commitment.
7. What has been the highlight of your time in the USA?
Being able to travel the country living and playing as an almost professional athlete with my teammates/friends.
Gemma Webster
Gemma, a former Firstpoint USA client, has enjoyed a successful career at Ohio State University
2008-09 (Senior Season): Team captain … competed in a team-best 34 rounds … finished senior season with a 78.38 stroke average … had two season-low rounds of 71 with the last coming in the final round of the 2009 NCAA Championships (May 19-22) … posted a season-best finish of ninth at the Lady Buckeye Invitational (April 18-19) and shot a 71 during the second round … tallied a team-best two rounds under par.
2007-08 (Junior Season): Second Team All-Big Ten … team captain…competed in 31 rounds, the second-most on the team … completed the season with a stroke average of 77.29 … recorded a hole-in-one in a season-low of 70 at the Mason Rudolph Women’s Championship (Sept. 14-16) … posted a season-high finish of seventh at the Lady Buckeye Invitational (April 19-20) … had three Top 10 finishes, including two to open the fall season … opened the season with a tie for 10th at the Mason Rudolph with an even-par 216 … placed eighth at the Lady Northern Invitational at 7-over (Sept. 22-23).
2006-07 (Sophomore Season): Second Team All-Big Ten honoree … team co-captain … competed in 34 rounds … played one tournament as an individual … recorded five Top 20 finishes, including a tie for 15th at the Big Ten championships … had the lowest single-round score of the squad with a 69 during the third round of the Central District Invitational (Feb. 20) … finished the event, in which she competed as an individual, in third with a total of 216 for her lowest tournament score of the season … owned the third-lowest season stroke average with 77.24.
2005-06 (Freshman Season): Played in 25 of 33 rounds … competed in both the Big Ten championships and the NCAA Central Region … notched a stroke average of 78 … recorded season-low score of 71 during opening round of the Dick McGuire Invitational (Sept. 26) … finished the Big Ten championships tied for 19th for her best finish of the season (April 28-30) … an OSU Scholar-Athlete. Prior to Ohio State: Member of the Scottish National Team … represented Scotland in the Home Nations championship … competed in the European Girls Team championships … won the British University Championship in 2005 by two shots with a score of 298 … runner-up in the Scottish girl’s championships in 2002 … also represented Scotland in field hockey and track for the Scottish national team … co-captained the Scottish field hockey team in 2003.
Andrew Kean, FPUSA Chief Executive and founder had this to say about Gemma….
Gemma was one of Scotland’s leading golfing prospects when we sent her to Ohio State University and she enjoyed a tremendous college career. A great ambassador for FirstPoint and an inspiration to young female athletes, Gemma epitomised what is meant to be a student-athlete and thrived in the pressure of being part of one of the biggest and most recognised university athletic departments in America. Her nomination as team captain of the Ohio State golf team highlighted her leadership qualities, and her outstanding academic achievements signalled her intent to maximise the opportunity provided to her. I am sure that she will carry this commitment and focus with her into her professional golfing career.
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Check out this video of Gemma as she talks about her hole in one!
Ed Brand
Ed has enjoyed a successful career to date with Chelsea Football Club and playing for the Spartans soccer team at San Jose State University, amongst other athletic accomplishments.
Ed is a former client of Firstpoint USA, on this profile we take a look over his career to date and speak to Ed about his experiences.
Andrew Kean, FirstPoint USA chief executive and founder has this to say of Ed and his achievements:
“When Chelsea FC contacted me to highly recommend a member of their youth team as a possible scholarship candidate, I knew that the player would have to be very special. Ed Brand has been an excellent ambassador for FirstPoint and enjoyed a terrific academic and playing career at San Jose State University in California. His leadership qualities were well recognised at SJSU and he led the team as captain for the majority of his 4 years on scholarship. Ed is a great example to any player that there are still life after being released from a professional academy. Another excellent candidate for the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’ and very deserving of the success he has enjoyed to date.”
Ed Brand
Position:
D/MF
Height:
5’11″
Weight:
170
Year:
Senior
Hometown: London, England
High School: Elliott School
Experience: 3 Letters
SPARTAN NOTES: In his fourth season with the Spartans…one of six seniors on the 2008 roster…veteran anchor in central defense and three-time team captain…enters his final collegiate campaign with 50 career starts among 51 games played, and is vying to join Johnny Gonzalez (2002-05) and Frank Sanfilippo (2000-03) in becoming just the third known Spartan to earn all-conference honors in all four years…voted to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation 15th-Year Anniversary Men’s Soccer Third Team prior to the 2007 season…all five career goals have come from the penalty spot, on five attempts, with three of them game-winners…2007 Academic All-MPSF honoree and 2006-07 San Jose State University Scholar-Athlete.
2007:Named an All-MPSF second team performer…started 15 of the 16 games in which he played…had two goals for four points…both goals came on penalty kicks…scored the game-winning opener in the 48th minute of a 2-0 home defeat of Cal State Bakersfield (9/26), and the lone Spartan goal in a 2-1 overtime loss at MPSF foe Denver (10/29)…aided in three of the Spartans’ five team shutouts defensively…five of six shots for the season were on goal…shared Most Valuable Player award with Ismael Ibarra, as voted on by teammates…one of four Spartans to be named to the season-opening Davidson adidas Classic All-Tournament Team, earning Most Valuable Player honors.2006: Named to the All-MPSF first team…voted by teammates as the Spartans’ Most Valuable Defensive Player…started all 16 games in which he played…produced two goals and two assists for six total points, third on the team…both goals came from the penalty spot in a 2-1 home victory over Notre Dame de Namur (9/16)…two assists, which tied him for the team lead, came on the lone goal at Sacramento State (10/1) and on the game-winning opener during the first half of a 3-0 home victory over UNLV (10/26)…was one of three team tri-captains…changed his jersey number from 2 to 6 prior to the season…took six shots, with three on goal.
2005: Earned All-MPSF honorable mention and a team Coaches’ Award…one of just three Spartans, and the only newcomer, to start all 19 games…partnered in central defense with senior Dylan Pender…provided one goal and one assist offensively for three total points…goal was the double-overtime game-winner in a 1-0 victory at Air Force (10/28), from a penalty kick in the 106th minute…earned MPSF Brine Co-Player of the Week selection following that game (10/31)…assisted on the lone Spartan goal in a 3-1 home loss to then-second-ranked New Mexico (11/4)…took five shots, with three on goal.
ELLIOTT SCHOOL: Graduated in 2005 from the Elliott School in London, England, where he was the captain of both the soccer (1998-2002) and cricket (1998-2000) teams…Player of the Year in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
CLUB/OTHER: Played in the youth system of London’s Chelsea Football Club of the English Premier League for seven years…previously played with club teams Fulham and Brunswick as a youth…represented his native England six times at various levels since 2003, including one game as captain.
ED: A journalism major with a minor in political science…intends to pursue a career in professional soccer…men’s soccer team representative on the Spartan Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)…wrote for Access last year, a campus magazine published each semester…enjoys writing, movies, music, cooking, reading and sports…favorite professional soccer team is London’s Arsenal Football Club…has one older sister, Rowena…parents are Chris and Ginny Brand…Edward Christopher Brand was born in London, England, on January 22, 1987.
BRAND’S CAREER STATISTICS Year GP GS Shots G A Pts Shot% GWG
2005 19 19 5 1 1 3 .200 1
2006 16 16 6 2 2 6 .333 1 2007 16 15 6 2 0 4 .333 1 Totals 51 50 17 5 3 13 .294 3
We asked Ed a few questions about his achievements and about any advice he may offer any young athletes considering pursuing an American college experience:
Please describe your athletic career since going to university
Since i have left University i have taken up a full time position working within Chelsea Academy as a coach and performance analyst
Please outline your highest accomplishments throughout your athletic career
Representing Chelsea Football Club from the ages of 10-18 is something i am very proud of. I captained the Youth Team and represented the reserve team on 6 occasions. Representing England at U16 and U17 level is something i am also proud of. I played for my country 6 times and captained them once, which is my proudest achievement. I represented San Jose State University for 4 years enjoyed some of my best memories playing for State and i was proud to captain them for 3 years.
What are your future plans?
As mentioned earlier, i am now focusing on my coaching and learning every day from the best club to do so in the world in Chelsea Football Club. I am progressing through my coaching badges and enjoying the experience alot.
What would you say are the benefits of having an American college experience?
It made me grow as a person. I have always been reasonably independent but attending University in America challenged me in ways and gave me experiences i could never put a price on, and im very thankful for the opportunity and experience i was given.
Would you recommend FPUSA and the American scholarship route?
Yes without a doubt, its a great way to live your life if you are prepared and enthused enough to see it through.
What would be your advice to any young athletes considering an American scholarship?
Trust yourself and listen to your heart. Yes there are challenges and yes there will be times when you will experience lows. However, compared to the highs you will experience they are secondary. The memories, friends and qualifications you can attain for yourself are something you should not miss out on.
We would like to thank Ed for taking the time to reflect upon his career to date with us, to congratulate him in all his accomplishments . We wish him continued success in his role as a coach and performance analyst at Chelsea Academy.
John Paul Boyle, an All-American award winner, enjoyed a successful soccer career at Hartwick College. John Paul now works in the FirstPointUSA clearing department.
Andrew Kean, our founder and chief executive has this to say about John Paul:
The first time I saw John Paul Boyle in action was when he was the standout performer for Kilmarnock FC in the Scottish Youth Cup Final against Glasgow Rangers. Kilmarnock won the game and we felt that JP was a certainty for a professional contract at the club, and therefore out of reach for us to sign. Once we learned that JP would be interested in going to America to pursue his academic and playing career, we were delighted. John Paul was an immediate success at Hartwick College and was named as a ‘Soccer America’ Magazine All-American. He was the leading scorer for the side during his 4 years there and it was no surprise to see him on the radar of many of the US professional sides. We were once again delighted when we added JP to the FirstPoint staff, where his first-hand knowledge and experience has been invaluable. John Paul was, and still remains, an outstanding ambassador for FirstPoint and has been quite rightly recognised as a potential inductee into the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame.’
Here, we take a look over the highlights of his athletic career.
2008 Mid American All Tournament team
2008 Team MVP & Captain
2008 NSCAA/Adidas North Atlantic All Region (1st team)
2008 Mid-American All Conference( 1st team)
2007 Mid-AmericanAll Conference (1st team)
2007 NSCAA/Adidas North Atlantic All Region (2nd team)
2007 Team MVP
2006 Atlantic Soccer All Conference (1st team)
2005 Soccer America Freshman All-American
2005 ASC Rookie of the Year
2005 Atlantic Soccer All Conference (1st team)
2005 NSCAA/Adidas All-Region (1st team)
2005 ASC Tournament Offensive MVP
AS A SENIOR (2008):
Named in the Mid Aerican All Conference and North Atlantic All Region 1st team.
Started in all 19 games and led the team with 8 goals and 3 Assists.
Named in the Mid American All Tournament team.
AS A JUNIOR (2007):
Garnered first team Mid-American Conference accolades and second team North Atlantic Region honors
Played in 17 of 18 games, making 16 starts
Led the team in goals (7) andpoints (15)
Tallied two goals and an assist in a 3-3 tie versus Western Michigan (10/20)
Had two game winning goals on the season
Credited with the winner in the Mayor’s Cup title game against Seton Hall (9/9) and then in
the last regular season league game at Buffalo (11/3)
Scored against then #10 New Mexico (9/2), Penn (9/14), and Bowling Green (10/14)
AS A SOPHOMORE (2006):
Selected as first team Atlantic Soccer Conference honoree
Ranked among league leaders in goals and points
Started all 20 games for the Hawks
Recorded five goals and an assist for 11 points
Scored game-winning goals against Fairfield (9/3) and Florida Atlantic (10/14)
Finished seventh in the conference in scoring
AS A FRESHMAN (2005):
Named the ASC Rookie of the Year
A first-team conference pick and a first team NSCAA/Adidas All-Region selection
Led the ASC in scoring with 11 goals and 25 points
Named ASC Rookie of the Week five occasions
Named Offensive MVP of the ASC Tournament
Scored seven game-winning goals
Netted the game-winner in 2-1 win over sixth-ranked St. John’s
Scored the lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Seton Hall in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
John Paul Boyle’s Career Stats
Year GP Shots G A Pts
2005 20 48 11 3 25
2006 20 39 5 1 11
2007 17 40 7 1 15
2008 19 498319
Career 76 176318 70
Callum Bisset
He has enjoyed success throughout his soccer career at The University of Rhode Island. He has now been named an assistant men’s coach by Rhode Island.
Callum’s Stats
Career Honors:
Three-time team captain
Started in all 80 of his career games
2007 NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region Second Team
2007 Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team
2007 Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team
Notre Dame’s 2007 Mike Berticelli Memorial All-Tournament Team
2006 Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team
2006 Preseason All-Conference Team
2006 Rhode Island Classic All-Tournament Team
2005 Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team
2005 NSCAA All-New England Region Third Team Career Totals:
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
Points: 12
Games Played: 81
Games Started: 81
2007 (Senior):
Team co-captain… Earned NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region Second Team honors and was named to the Atlantic 10 Second Team… Also earned a spot on the A-10 All-Championship Team… Played 14 full games this season and made 17 appearances overall (missed two games due to injury)… Anchored a backline that limited its A-10 opponents to a combined 25 shots on goal in nine league games while URI outshot its conference opponents by an overall margin of 176-82… Was named to Notre Dame’s Mike Berticelli Memorial All-Tournament Team… Tallied a goal in Rhody’s 4-2 win at Saint Joseph’s (Nov. 11).
2006 (Junior):
Finished the season with three points on one goal and one assist… One of the team’s tri-captains… Was named to the Preseason All-Atlantic 10 Team… Scored a goal in 2-1 victory over Providence (Oct. 28)… Was named to the Rhode Island Classic All-Tournament Team (Sept. 3)… Assisted on the game-winning goal at Dayton on Oct. 8… Was named to the 2006 Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team… Netted his PK shot to help URI defeat Rutgers in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 11.
2005 (Sophomore):
Was named a tri-captain as a sophomore… Started as the center back in all 22 games played… Contributed an assist in the match against Providence… Had a season high two goals in a win over Richmond… Scored his second game-winner in an overtime win against St. Bonaventure… Totaled seven points on the season, with three goals and one assist… Earned All-Atlantic 10 Second Team honors and was a Third Team All-New England selection.
2004 (Freshman):
Started 19 games for the Rams in 2004… Took nine shots during the season… Steady player who made an impact in his first season in a Rhode Island uniform.
High School:
Played for Knox Academy and the East Lothian regional team.
Callum has now been named an assistant men’s coach by Rhode Island.
His coach said of his new position:
“Having Callum return to the Rhody soccer program could not be more exciting news,” said URI coach John O’Connor. “As my first team captain here at URI, he was outstanding leader and someone I always new would be a great coach one day.”
Andrew Kean, our chief executive and founder has this to say of Callum Bissett and his accomplishments:
“Callum Bissett epitomised the true meaning of what being a ‘student-athlete’ was all about. He was an excellent student who applied as much to his academic endeavours as he did to his soccer career. On the field, Callum made an immediate impact with the University of Rhode Island and was quite rightly regarded as one of the leading defensive players in the nation. The fact that Callum is now working as a coach with the University of Rhode Island highlights just how highly he was regarded by the university. A great ambassador for FirstPoint, Callum is a legitimate candidate for induction into the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’”
Throughout Callum’s soccer career he has had many accomplishments as fully described in this article:
Bissett was a four-year starter and three-time captain for the Rams. He was a member of two Atlantic 10 Championship teams and helped lead the Rams to the NCAA Tournament in both 2006 and 2007.
A three-time Atlantic 10 All-Conference selection, he was a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Region honoree in both 2005 and 2007 while landing a spot on the 2006 A-10 All-Tournament team.
Academically, Bissett was a member of the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll from 2004-2007. He also received the league’s 2008 Sporting Award – which is presented annually to one male and one female A-10 student-athlete who best exemplifies good sportsmanship, is in good academic standing, is active within the campus community and embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity, and sporting conduct.
Bissett also was voted the URI Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Year in both 2006 and 2007.
He went on to play professionally for the Western Mass Pioneers of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) until a career-ending injury forced his retirement.
Bissett earned his undergraduate degree in International Business and finished with a 3.5 GPA in his major. He was a member of the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence in 2004, 2006 and 2007.
Prior to joining the Rhode Island staff, he had returned to URI to pursue a Masters Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He spent the previous 18 months as a Senior Sports Consultant for FirstPointUSA, an athletic scholarship assistance company based in Glasgow, Scotland. There, he was responsible for evaluating players interested in pursuing academic and athletic careers at colleges and Universities here in the United States.
Upon graduating from Rhode Island in December of 2007, Bissett spent a year in the University’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) program working for Versacold Logistics, LLC as a management trainee.
In addition to his assistant coaching duties, Bissett will also serve as the Assistant Director of Coaching for Rams Football Club, a premier youth soccer organization that is a fundraising arm for Rhody men’s soccer. He holds a Scottish Football Association and UEFA “C” Coaching License, as well as an NSCAA Regional Diploma and Scottish Football Association Youth Coaching License.
Callum also had the opportunity to travel during his American scholarship experience:
“During the Spring of my Junior year. A requirement of my International Business degree was to study abroad. So I had the opportunity to choose to study on any continent for one semester. I studied and lived in Prague, Czech Republic for 6 months and played right back for a pro team while I was out there, and my scholarship paid for it.”
We asked Callum if he has any advice for anyone considering an American athletic scholarship:
“Do everything you can to maximize your potential. The tools and opportunities are there for you to make an impact in whatever sport and professional field you are focused in. Aim high and put in the hard work to get there.”
Barry Neville
As well as being a former client and enjoying a successful soccer career at college in America, he is also a staff member here as part of our clearing department!
Andrew Kean, our founder and chief executive had this to say about Barry:
Barry Neville is well-deserving of his consideration for the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’. An excellent student, Barry personified everything about being a student-athlete and excelled both on and off the field for Binghamton University. During his four years at the university, Barry was recognised as both an All-Conference and All-Region performer and was on the short-list of selected players for the MLS Combine. His leadership qualities were appreciated by the soccer program who decided to make him the team captain for the side. Upon graduation, we were very fortunate when Barry decided to take-up a role within FirstPoint’s Clearing Dept and he has guided many potential student athletes through the recruitment process. He is undoubtedly an excellent candidate for the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame.’
2009 Jake Pitler Award (career achievement, leadership, given to senior male)Barry Neville (Sr., Soccer)
Neville is a two-year captain on the men’s soccer team. He was named first-team all conference as a midfielder in 2007 and as a back this past season. He was also named second-team All-Region following his senior season. In each of the past three seasons, Neville was named to the America East All-Tournament team but his crowning honor was being named the Most Outstanding Player in 2006. In the classroom, he has been named to the America East Honor Roll each season and was also named to the 2007 America East Fall Academic squad.
Junior Season (2007) Named first-team all-conference
Selected to the America East All-Tournament team for the second year in a row
Ranked third on the team with nine points and tied for first with five assists.
One of five players to have started in all 20 games.
Scored the winning goal against Stony Brook on Nov. 1 in a game that clinched the Bearcats’ second consecutive America East regular season title.
Converted a penalty kick against Albany on Oct. 27.
Tallied a career-high two assists against Maine on Oct. 20.
Named to the America East Academic Honor Roll.Sophomore Season (2006)
The team MVP.
Named the America East Tournament MVP after scoring the winning penalty kick in sudden death overtime against Vermont in the championship game.
Ranked second on the team with three goals and tied for second with seven total points.
Scored his final goal of the season against Harvard in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Named to the America East Academic Honor Roll.
Named to the America East Fall Academic Squad.Freshman Season (2005)
Named to the America East Conference All-Rookie Team.
Had a career-high two assists against St. Joseph’s on Sept. 7.
Netted his first career goal against UMBC in the America East Conference semifinals on Nov. 9.
Named to the America East Academic Honor Roll.Before Binghamton A four-year letterwinner at Mearns Castle.
Helped lead his squad to the National Five-a-Side Tournament and a second-place finish in the National 11-a-side Tournament.
In Barry’s senior season (2008) he achieved:
-Fi First team all conference for America east conference
-2 Second Team all region for northeast
Voted Team MVP
Team got to 6th consecutive conference final- a conference record
David McGuire
David was playing playing NAIA soccer with Thomasville University in Georgia, before an injury blighted his first season. He moved to Manchester, Boston, Southern New Hampshire University where he enjoyed a very successful soccer career.
More details to follow on how you can vote for David to be inducted to the Hall of Fame!
GPA 3.76 Economics/finance Major International Business Minor.
season 2004 gp gs gls assists
7
David McGuire
17-17
9
7
25
34
.265
15
.441
3-0
9
2-2
season 2005
10
David McGuire
12-11
10
1
21
38
.263
21
.553
8-0
10
2-4
season 2006
10 David McGuire 15-13 3 8 14 35 .086 0 2-4
FPUSA Founder and Chief executive, Andrew Kean had this to say of David:
David McGuire is probably the most technically gifted football player that FirstPoint has ever worked with. His pace and creativity set him apart in the US college game and it was of no surprise to see him named as a consensus All-American during his time there. After playing as a youth with FC Barcelona, David was a real coup for FirstPoint and epitomised the quality of player that we are striving to work with. Although an excellent football talent, David was exceptional academically and graduated from university with close to a 4.0 GPA – which was a terrific achievement and testament to the hard work he put-in on, and off the park. A great lad, an outstanding student-athlete, and a great ambassador for FirstPoint, David is quite rightly a candidate for induction into the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’.
We spoke to David about his accomplishments;
Please describe your athletic career since going to University
I spent a year in Georgia playing NAIA soccer with Thomasville University; injury really blighted my first season here. I then moved to SNHU up in Manchester NH as this was close to Boston where I had a few friends. I really enjoyed my time at both colleges but my time at SNHU thankfully was not blighted with injury . We made the NCAA tournament in my final season but were beaten by Franlklin Pierce who reached the final that year and went onto win the national championship the following year.
Please outline your highest accomplishments throughout your athletic career
My highest accomplishment was being named to the All American team in my junior and senior years. It was also nice to be voted the SNHU Athlete and Scholar athlete of the year during my junior year and the Athlete of the year in my senior year.
What are your future plans?
I am actually looking to head back to the US in the next year or two to gain a GA position to pursue my MBA and start a coaching a career. I have a alot of friends over in the US, so hopefully I can get something sorted.
What would you say are the benefits of having an American college experience?
There are so many benefits of having an American college experience, its actually difficult to put them all down on paper. For me, the main thing is you get to play football at a good level with excellent facilities while you earn your degree in the process. This is not something that everyone gets to achieve in their lifetime and its something that shouldn’t be taking for granted. The other main benefit is the people you get to meet. I met so many people from many different cultures and learned so much from them, it really helps you grow as person.
Would you recommend Firstpoint USA and the American scholarship route to others?
Without a shadow of a doubt! The chance of gaining a sports scholarship in America is a chance in a lifetime and First Point have the know how and contacts to make it happen for you. Its not just a matter of having a coach see you play, you need to have the required educational background to become eligible and First Point have extensive knowledge of all the requirements required of future student athletes. It really puts your mind at ease when you know there is someone behind you that knows exactly what they are doing.
What would your advice be to any young athletes considering an American scholarship?
My advice would be to go for it if its what you really want to do. Before heading to the states, you need to be willing to work hard on the field and in the classroom, its not just an athletic experience, its an educational one too. Also, you need to enjoy it, its the experience of a lifetime. The four years pass in the blink of an eye, anyone who has completed the four years will tell you that, so make the most of it and never take it for granted.
where she was a four-year starter for the Falcons. She has played in 75 career matches which is the most played by any Montevallo women’s soccer player in history. Despite being one of the best defenders in the country, Jackson did some scoring in her career as well. She had 13 career goals and 10 career assists including four game-winning goals. One of her game-winning goals came late in her senior year as she blasted a 50-yard free kick over the defense with just one second left on the clock to give Montevallo a 1-0 win over North Alabama. She was named First Team All-Gulf South Conference all four years. She was named First Team All-Region her junior and senior years by Daktronics while earning two Second Team All-Region awards and one Third Team award by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Her junior season she was named Honorable Mention Daktronics All-America while as a senior she was named Second Team All-America. She was recently named to the Gulf South Conference First Team All-Time team.
Adele met her fiancé at Montevallo and he was an all American on the men’s team!! He set every record in the books here and they are both future hall of fame candidates. Their senior year together they were both voted male and female athletes of the year!
Player
YR.
GP
GS
G
A
Pts
Shots
SOG
GWG
Adele Jackson
2008
19
19
3
6
12
29
14
1
2007
22
21
4
2
10
26
12
1
2006
16
16
0
1
1
31
11
0
2005
18
18
6
1
13
28
17
2
Total
75
74
13
10
36
114
54
4
Andrew Kean, Firstpoint USA Chief Executive and founder had this to say about Adele:
“Adele was the first of our female soccer players to earn national acclaim during her college career and was regarded, and still remains, as one of the most successful players in Montevallo’s history. She was an excellent athlete, a joy to work with, and someone we knew would make a success of the opportunity they had been given. Adele is a well deserving candidate for induction into the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’
Anthony Griffiths
Anthony Griffiths is a former FirstPoint USA clientwho has enjoyed his experiences at the The University of Rio Grandein Ohio, USA.
Anthony has enjoyed success in his university soccer career including being twice All-American, captain of the team, and reaching the national finals four years in a row.
Andrew Kean, our Chief Executive and founder has high praise for this former client:
“Anthony was very committed and focused on the academic and playing opportunities in America when we signed him to FirstPoint. He was a tremendous success during his 4 years at Rio Grande and gaining All-American status typified how highly he was regarded nationally in college soccer. We are very proud of Anthony’s achievements, on and off the field, and I believe that he is a great example to other young scholarship hopefuls and he would be a terrific addition to the FirstPoint ‘Hall of Fame”
We spoke to Anthony about his experiences with FirstPointUSA and about his American college experience:
1.Please describe your athletic career since going to University
“In my freshman year at the University of Rio Grande I started every game scoring 10 goals from 25 games as a defender.
We won the national title conceding only 7 goals along the way and winning 24 games out of 25 with 1 draw along the way to an almost perfect season.
I was twice ALL-AMERICAN and twice champions of character winner. I was Captain at the URG in my Junior year and the reaching the national finals four years in a row. I was all conference 1st team in the PDL western conference for the cascade surge, with the surge i played in Mexico and Peru in the amazon jungle in front of 20,000. During my time at Rio we played 10 games and against DIV 1 school winning 9 and drawing one against OSU, we also beat them the in 2006.”
2. Please Outline your highest accomplishments throughout your athletic career.
“My highest accomplishments would have to be winning the national championship in 2003 as a freshman, and my two time ALL AMERICAN awards. It was also great to be selected and captain the American team in Peru and Mexico and select teams from both countries.”
3. What are your future plans?
“I am planning to go back to America to pursue a coaching career, I have a job lined up with one of my friends in Oakland Cali as a GA and i am due to start in Jan 2012.”
4. What would you say are the benefits of having an American college experience?
“So many, but i will name a few. The new people you meet, my experience was unique, in that, i was on a team which 90% was from the UK and that help me settle, but i now have friends all over America – 90 i am still on contact with.
Training everyday, the facilities, the weather, the opportunities, and the chance to travel. I also found it gave me more confidence and added more dimensions to me as a person.”
5. Would you recommend First Point USA and the American scholarship route to others?
“Definitely for the simple fact, they have a extensive portfolio of contact and that’s the key in football, especially in America where there can be a lot of risk for coaches taking
international players and that’s where FirstPoint reputation will assist greatly. They will assist with the process which can anxious and stressful at times.”
6. What would be your advice be to any young athletes considering an American Scholarship?
“Make sure it financially do-able that’s the big thing, and concentrate on your degree also.”
Richard Moodie
Richard was the first ever client for FirstPoint USA and he went on to achieve success at Carson-Newman College, academically and athletically and then as Head Coach for the University’s Men’s soccer program.
Our founder and chief executive, Andrew Kean had this to say about Richard Moodie:
Richard Moodie is very special to FirstPoint as a company and to me as its founder, as he was the first ever athlete to put his trust in us to help him reach his goal of earning a scholarship to America. Richard left Scotland in 2001 after committing to a soccer scholarship at Carson Newman University where he excelled both academically and athletically for the university. His career progressed after graduation and I was proud to see him playing with the Columbus Crew in the MLS as a professional player. It is now very pleasing to see Richard come full circle and rejoin Carson Newman University as their new Head Coach of the men’s soccer program. He is well deserving of his consideration for the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’ and I look forward to working with him in the future and he builds a strong program for himself.
FirstPoint USA would like to thank Richard for taking the time out to answer a few questions for us about his career to date:
1. Please describe your athletic career since going to University. Pursuing a scholarship to Carson-Newman College (C-N) was the best decision I ever made. I played all 4 years at C-N and graduated with a BS in business management. I continued my stint at C-N as the assistant coach while attaining my Masters degree in education. From here I signed to play division II soccer in the USL for the Cincinnati Kings in Cincinnati, Ohio. During spell in the USL I was loaned to Columbus Crew reserves fora period of time, in which I played in the MLS reserve division. Today, I am happily married with one child and now the new head men’s soccer coach at Carson-Newman College. 2. Please Outline your highest accomplishments throughout your athletic career. Carsort-Newman= Won 4 South Atlantic conferences (SAC), 1 SAC tournament, 5 top 25 national finishes (Ranked as high as #1 in 2005), 2 elite 8 appearances, 2 sweet 16 appearances. As a player I was named All-conference, Al!-toumamnet, All-region Cincinnati Kings= Named on team of the week, week 14 in the USL Columbus Crew= Played 90 minutes against New-England Revolution June 17th, 2007 3. What are your future plans? To pursue a NCAA division 1 head coaching position. 4. What would you say are the benefits of having an American college experience? My whole life has changed for the better. Not only did I actually go to college, something I never really thought about while living in Scotland, I graduated with a masters degree! I truly made life long friends while playing in college, players from all over the world. It’s cool to still talk to them and keep in touch, reminiscing on our good times playing in college. If it had not have been for the college experience I for sure would not be living the quality of life that I am today, and I could not have done it without Firstpoint. 5. Would you recommend First Point USA and the American scholarship route to others? Not only do I recommend Firstpoint, but my parents do also. As a client it was the smoothest and easiest process in pursuing a college scholarship, and by far the best organized company of it’s kind. Now as a head coach, I continuously seek to find players from Firstpoint as I know they will provide me with the quality I’m looking for. 6. What would be your advice be to any young athletes considering an American Scholarship? Go for it! There are so many more opportunities to succeed in the game of soccer in the states than there are back home. America is not for everyone, and not every athlete will recommend it the way I do so it’s important to find a school and program that suits you. My best advice would be, don’t be scared to go for it cause you don’t want to look back and think “what if?” 7. What has been the highlight of your time in the USA? Although my soccer career has truly been amazing and I love making a living coaching, I made life long friends that became family. That to me was the highlight of my experience.! still keep in touch with my friends all over the world that I played with but the truth is that most of them stayed here for the same reasons as I did. If it hadn’t been for the opportunity that Firstpoint created for me I would have never met my wife and have the beautiful family that I do today. Thank you Firstpoint!
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* Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (first buckeye in history) 
So many but mostly the opportunity to play at the highest level in your sport while gaining a degree at the same time. The facilities and money in college sports is incomparable to anything in the UK. 
2005-06 (Freshman Season): Played in 25 of 33 rounds … competed in both the Big Ten championships and the NCAA Central Region … notched a stroke average of 78 … recorded season-low score of 71 during opening round of the Dick McGuire Invitational (Sept. 26) … finished the Big Ten championships tied for 19th for her best finish of the season (April 28-30) … an OSU Scholar-Athlete.
Prior to Ohio State: Member of the Scottish National Team … represented Scotland in the Home Nations championship … competed in the European Girls Team championships … won the British University Championship in 2005 by two shots with a score of 298 … runner-up in the Scottish girl’s championships in 2002 … also represented Scotland in field hockey and track for the Scottish national team … co-captained the Scottish field hockey team in 2003.
Ed has enjoyed a successful career to date with Chelsea Football Club and playing for the Spartans soccer team at San Jose State University, amongst other athletic accomplishments.
2008 Team MVP & Captain
2007 (Senior):
2005 (Sophomore):
Daktronics All-Region – 2006 (First Team)
David McGuire is probably the most technically gifted football player that FirstPoint has ever worked with. His pace and creativity set him apart in the US college game and it was of no surprise to see him named as a consensus All-American during his time there. After playing as a youth with FC Barcelona, David was a real coup for FirstPoint and epitomised the quality of player that we are striving to work with. Although an excellent football talent, David was exceptional academically and graduated from university with close to a 4.0 GPA – which was a terrific achievement and testament to the hard work he put-in on, and off the park. A great lad, an outstanding student-athlete, and a great ambassador for FirstPoint, David is quite rightly a candidate for induction into the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’.
where she was a four-year starter for the Falcons. She has played in 75 career matches which is the most played by any Montevallo women’s soccer player in history. Despite being one of the best defenders in the country, Jackson did some scoring in her career as well. She had 13 career goals and 10 career assists including four game-winning goals. One of her game-winning goals came late in her senior year as she blasted a 50-yard free kick over the defense with just one second left on the clock to give Montevallo a 1-0 win over North Alabama. She was named First Team All-Gulf South Conference all four years. She was named First Team All-Region her junior and senior years by Daktronics while earning two Second Team All-Region awards and one Third Team award by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Her junior season she was named Honorable Mention Daktronics All-America while as a senior she was named Second Team All-America. She was recently named to the Gulf South Conference First Team All-Time team.
Anthony Griffiths is a former FirstPoint USA client who has enjoyed his experiences at the The University of Rio Grande in Ohio, USA.
“My highest accomplishments would have to be winning the national championship in 2003 as a freshman, and my two time ALL AMERICAN awards. It was also great to be selected and captain the American team in Peru and Mexico and select teams from both countries.”
Richard was the first ever client for FirstPoint USA and he went on to achieve success at Carson-Newman College, academically and athletically and then as Head Coach for the University’s Men’s soccer program. 
Richard Moodie is very special to FirstPoint as a company and to me as its founder, as he was the first ever athlete to put his trust in us to help him reach his goal of earning a scholarship to America. Richard left Scotland in 2001 after committing to a soccer scholarship at Carson Newman University where he excelled both academically and athletically for the university. His career progressed after graduation and I was proud to see him playing with the Columbus Crew in the MLS as a professional player. It is now very pleasing to see Richard come full circle and rejoin Carson Newman University as their new Head Coach of the men’s soccer program. He is well deserving of his consideration for the FirstPoint USA ‘Hall of Fame’ and I look forward to working with him in the future and he builds a strong program for himself.
We stumbled оνer heгe сomіng from a dіfferent wеbsite and thοught
I ѕhould сhecκ things out.
Ι like what Ι see so i аm just
folloωing you. Look forwaгd to looking ovег your web pаge again.