Seven Internationals SC players recently received awards from the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association (OSSCA). Maria Nelson (Medina HS), Maia Ransom (Copley HS), Jordan Fusco (Olmstead Falls HS), Kenzie Simon (Olmstead Falls HS), Taylor Huff (Madison HS -Mansfield), Keke Babic (Lake Catholic HS), and Krista Prasek (Streetsboro HS) all were honored for their exemplary play during the fall high school season.
“We are pleased to see that so many of our members had such a positive impact on their high school programs once again this year,” Internationals SC Founder, President, and Director of Coaching Zdravko Popovic said. “First and foremost, we try instill good habits on and off the field so that our players can take that with them regardless of where they are playing or who they are playing with. Congratulations to the award winners and their respective school programs. We are proud of the individuals listed above, as well as all of our members who represented our club with class during the high school season. Now, we are happy to have them back, competing in an Internationals uniform, as we begin another club season.”
Nelson was named the OSSCA Ohio Girls Division I Player of the Year in addition to receiving OSSCA Girls Division I First Team honors. Nelson finished the season with 21 goals and 18 assists. She played in 20 games, scoring in 17 of them. She also finished with multiple points in 10 games. Nelson also scored game-winning goals in five games and registered game-winning assists in four games.
“Internationals Soccer Club has been the foundation of my soccer career,” Nelson said. “I have played for Keri Sarver and Zdravko Popovic since the age of nine. They have taught me not only how to play soccer, but also to be a student of the game. With this I have learned to be versatile player, knowing the roles of every position on the field. Playing for Internationals has helped me become the player and person I am today. Winning the Ohio Division I State Player of the
Year is a great honor and I owe a part of that to Keri and Zdravko.”
Ransom received a variety of awards during her junior season, including OSSCA Girls Division I First Team, All-District First Team, and Suburban League Player of the Year honors. The three-year letterman also finished with an All-Conference Academic award. Ransom finished with 18 goals and one assist this fall and currently has 33 career goals.
“I am honored to have been selected as the Suburban League Player of the Year and to be named to the Division I First Team,” Ransom said. “It’s great to be recognized while being able to play with great teammates.”
Fusco finished with SWC First Team, Greater Cleveland First Team, and OSSCA Girls Division I Second Team honors. She tallied 15 goals and 11 assists during the fall season.
“The competitive environment at Internationals prepared me to play anywhere on the field which helped me win awards in a position I do not normally play,” Fusco said.
Simon earned OSSCA Girls Division I Second Team honors after registering nine shutouts to go along with a.900 save percentage and a .750 Goals Against Average (GAA).
“Receiving these awards is an incredible honor I would not have been able to achieve without my coaches and teammates,” Simon said. “Internationals Soccer Club has helped develop me as a player and a leader. My confidence and communication skills grew a lot since I joined this club, and I definitely wouldn’t be the player I am without the competitive atmosphere to always be a next level player.”
Huff received OSSCA Girls Division II First Team, OCC Offensive Player of the Year, and District Player of the Year honors after contributing 31 goals and 19 assists with her high school team.
“Receiving the awards that I got this year I do not feel would be possible without the training I’ve had from the Internationals coaches. The trainings and the amazing coaching staff at Internationals are what has helped me become successful. They always want to help make you the best player you can be, and I’m humbled by getting these awards.”
Babic was named to the OSSCA Girls Division II Second Team after tallying 22 goals and nine assists as captain of the Lake Catholic HS varsity team.
“Receiving All-Ohio, I have gained a valuable measure of respect from my teammates, coaches, fans, and my opponents when I compete in battle in each play. Playing for Internationals Soccer Club on my ENCL team has prepared me to be a player that is trained to focus and fight for the opportunity to become champions. I make my opponents earn everything they get. ISC ingrained in me to be tenacious. Competitiveness allows me to influence my opponents, giving me a fighting chance no matter what I am up against. ISC has taught me every opportunity is a way to prove myself and raise the bar in success. Quality preparation is the paramount of a successful player.”
Prasek received OSSCA Girls Division II Second Team honors.