Upper 90 College – 2025 Year in Review: From National Titles to A-League Pros

2025 stands as a defining year for Upper 90 College and our incredible network of student-athletes. From national championship victories to professional contract signings in Australia's A-League Women, our clients have demonstrated that the U.S. college pathway remains one of the most powerful development routes in world football.

This comprehensive review brings together the milestone achievements, academic excellence, and professional breakthroughs that defined our year. For families considering the best soccer colleges in America, these results provide concrete evidence of what's possible when talent meets the right guidance and opportunity.

1. Historic Milestone: Six National Champions

Upper 90 College reached a significant landmark in 2025, with our client network now including six National Champions across multiple divisions. Most notably, Zoe Edwards made history as Upper 90's first female National Champion, capturing the NAIA National Championship with Keiser University Women's Soccer.

Edwards' championship victory came after helping Keiser reach the national final the previous year, demonstrating the progressive development that characterizes successful college soccer careers. Her achievement sends a powerful message to female athletes and their families: you don't need NCAA Division I to compete for national titles at the highest level.

The NAIA pathway has proven particularly effective for international players seeking top soccer universities in the US, offering competitive environments, substantial scholarship opportunities, and clear pathways to professional soccer. Edwards' success reinforces that among the best soccer colleges USA has to offer, NAIA institutions provide world-class development opportunities.

Our existing national champions continue to exemplify excellence across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA divisions, creating a proven pattern of championship success that extends far beyond individual achievements.

2. Academic Excellence: The Complete Student-Athlete Model

The foundation of Upper 90's philosophy centers on developing complete student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. Our 2025 cohort has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement alongside their athletic success.

Spotlight: Liv Riddel – Jefferson University (NCAA Division II)

Riddel's 2025 achievements exemplify the dual excellence we champion:

• Two-time CACC Goalkeeper of the Year
• CACC Champion and key contributor to Jefferson's NCAA D2 East Regional Final appearance
• CSC First Team Academic All-American recognition

Additional Academic Standouts

Keegan Grant – University of Findlay (NCAA Division II)

• GMAC Goalkeeper of the Year
• Led Findlay to the NCAA D2 National Tournament Sweet Sixteen
• Maintains outstanding academic performance while competing at the highest levels

Ryan Mrvcic – Mercyhurst University (NCAA Division I)

• Instrumental in Mercyhurst's conference success during their inaugural NCAA Division I season
• Pursuing a dual major in Accounting and Finance, demonstrating the academic rigor possible within elite college soccer programs

These examples underscore a crucial message for families researching colleges for soccer in USA: the best university for soccer doesn't require sacrificing academic ambitions. Our athletes consistently prove that excellence in both areas is not only possible but expected.

3. Professional Pathways: From Campus to Contracts

2025 marked a breakthrough year for our alumni transitioning to professional soccer, highlighted by Emma Bates' historic signing with the Newcastle Jets for the 2025-26 A-League Women season.

Emma Bates: A Flagship Professional Success Story

Bates' journey illustrates the comprehensive development possible through the U.S. college system:

NCAA Division I Foundation: Competed at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, gaining invaluable experience in highly competitive Division I environments among the top soccer universities in the US.

USL W League Development: Joined Eagle FC Women in Pennsylvania during college off-seasons, utilizing the USL W League's pre-professional platform to maintain match fitness and gain exposure to professional scouts.

Professional Breakthrough: Leveraging her Newcastle Jets academy background (six years across two spells) combined with her U.S. college and USL W experience, Bates secured a scholarship-based professional contract.

Her success demonstrates a critical pathway truth: you don't have to choose between education and professional aspirations. The U.S. college system, when properly navigated, can serve as a launchpad into professional soccer rather than a detour from it.

Expanding Semi-Professional Network

Beyond Bates' professional contract, multiple Upper 90 clients have secured placements in crucial developmental leagues:

• USL League Two (men)
• USL W League (women)
• NPSL and MWPL competitions

These leagues provide essential stepping stones between college soccer and professional opportunities, with active scouting from professional clubs and development-focused environments.

4. Transfer Success: Strategic Progression Through the System

Among our most compelling 2025 success stories is John Fragakis' strategic progression to NCAA Division I with the University at Albany.

John Fragakis: From NJCAA to NCAA Division I Excellence

Fragakis' journey exemplifies smart pathway navigation:

NJCAA Foundation: Began at Camden County College (NJCAA Division III), where the team achieved a 16-1 record and finished 3rd at the 2024 NJCAA DIII National Championship.

NAIA Development: Transferred to Georgia Gwinnett College (NAIA), earning team captaincy and helping secure an at-large bid to the 2024 NAIA National Tournament.

NCAA Division I Achievement: Earned a full scholarship to pursue his Master's degree at the University at Albany (NCAA Division I).

This progression demonstrates that the first college placement serves as a starting point, not the destination. Strategic transfers through NJCAA and NAIA can often provide superior development compared to rushing into imperfect NCAA Division I situations straight from high school.

5. Essential Themes for Prospective Families

Drawing from our 2025 successes, several critical themes have emerged for families considering the U.S. college pathway:

Universal Pathway Effectiveness

With six national champions and our first A-League Women professional, evidence clearly demonstrates the pathway's effectiveness for both male and female athletes across all competitive levels.

Academic-Athletic Balance Reality

Stories from Riddel, Grant, Mrvcic, and Edwards prove that pursuing rigorous academics while competing at elite levels is not only possible but standard among the best soccer universities in the us.

Strategic Pathway Planning

Non-linear journeys through NJCAA, NAIA, and strategic transfers often provide superior development compared to rushing into imperfect situations. These aren't "Plan B" options: they're intelligent pathway strategies.

Summer Competition Importance

USL League Two, USL W League, NPSL, and similar competitions serve as crucial developmental platforms, providing professional-style environments and scouting exposure during college careers.

Professional Guidance Value

The complexity of navigating colleges for soccer in america requires experienced guidance to avoid common pitfalls and identify optimal opportunities for individual circumstances.

7. Your Next Step: Professional Consultation

For parents of motivated footballers and ambitious players themselves, Upper 90 College offers comprehensive pathway guidance tailored to individual circumstances, abilities, and ambitions.

Our consultation process includes:

• Realistic positioning assessment within the U.S. college system
• Comprehensive pathway mapping across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA options
• Academic, financial, and competitive reality explanation for informed decision-making

Ready to explore your opportunities? → Contact Upper 90 College to book your 1:1 consultation and discover how our proven pathway strategies can transform your football ambitions into academic and athletic reality.

This year's achievements: from national champions to new professionals like Emma Bates: demonstrate the transformative potential when talent, dedication, and expert guidance converge within America's unparalleled college soccer system.

Upper 90 College – transforming Australian football talent into academic and athletic success through strategic U.S. college pathway navigation.