Local Boca U18 members make college decisions

Local members of the Jersey Shore Boca U18 team have confirmed their decisions to continue their soccer and academic careers in college this fall.

According to Walt Konopka, head coach of the Boca U18 team and member of the Jersey Shore Boca Board of Directors, the list of local Boca U18 team members includes Will McMaster of Rumson (Christian Brothers Academy) who will attend Randolph Macon College (Virginia); and Patrick Bulvanoski of Ocean Township (Christian Brothers Academy) who will attend Mount St. Mary’s College (Maryland).

"I am very proud to have had the opportunity to coach such a group of fine young men," Konopka said. "They are all very special to me. They are all respectful young adults, good students and are very talented individuals on the soccer field. All of them have made great decisions on their choice of colleges.

"Some of these players were heavily recruited and will make an immediate impact on the soccer field at their respective colleges, and some will have to really fight for playing time and a permanent spot on the roster. However, regardless of their level of recruiting, I’m confident that all of them will work extremely hard to succeed not only on the pitch, but in the classroom as well," Konopka said.

All Boca U18 college-bound players are currently competing for a spot on the roster of Boca’s Premier Development League team that begins its inaugural PDL season on May 4.

Jersey Shore Boca was awarded a Premier Development League franchise from the United Soccer Leagues Nov. 25.

The Premier Development League is the only national men’s U23 amateur league in the United States. PDL rosters can have up to 26 players, eight of whom can be over the age of 23. PDL rosters must also contain at least three players under the age of 19.

For more information about Jersey Shore Boca, log on to the club’s new official Web site at www.jerseyshoreboca.com.