Seven D.C. United Academy players commit to play collegiate soccer

Washington D.C. – Seven D.C. United Academy players have committed to play collegiate soccer at six different academic institutions. Julian Cummings, Steven Gandy, Joshua Golob, Bashir Hooper, Christian Kershaw, Michael Monahan and Noah Pilato are graduating seniors that currently play for D.C. United’s U-18 Developmental Academy team.

Of the seven graduating seniors, six signed National Letters of Intent to play at NCAA Division I programs. The D.C. United Youth Development Program has helped over 80 players achieve their dream of playing collegiate soccer, and eight D.C. United Academy players have also gone on to sign homegrown contracts with the First Team: Bill Hamid, Andy Najar, Conor Shanosky, Ethan White, Michael Seaton, Collin Martin and Jalen Robinson.

“We’re excited for each of these individuals and are proud of the success each of them have had, both on the field and in the classroom,” said D.C. United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “This achievement is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication, and we’re confident each of them will be terrific student-athletes.”

All seven commits played in the D.C. United Pre-Academy program and worked their way up through the D.C. United system. Cummings and Hooper were also a part of the D.C. United Training Programs prior to the creation of the Pre-Academy.

D.C. United U-16 Head Coach and Pre-Academy Manager Tom Torres said, “Watching their success from our youngest pre-academy team to signing with colleges has been extremely gratifying for us as an academy. We know they will continue to represent the club well as they move into the college ranks.”

D.C. United’s goal to develop successful players from an early age has been a staple of the program since its creation. “It’s very encouraging to see our players recruited by top college programs,” said D.C. United Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy. “Seeing them go from pre-academy to academy and now to college is very rewarding. We’re very proud of all the hard work they’ve put in.”

Julian Cummings—University of Virginia
DOB: 7-27-96
Hometown: Fredericksburg, Va.
Position: Forward
Tenure at D.C. United: 4 years
Previous Club: McLean Youth Soccer Association

Steven Gandy—University of Virginia
DOB: 11-11-96
Hometown: Gainesville, Va.
Position: Defender
Tenure at D.C. United: 3 years
Previous Club: Prince William Soccer Inc.

Josh Golob—Lafayette College
DOB: 9-18-95
Hometown: Potomac, Md.
Position: Defender
Tenure at D.C. United: 4 years
Previous Club: Potomac Soccer Association

Bashir Hooper—George Mason University
DOB: 12-2-95
Hometown: Gainesville, Va.
Position: Forward
Tenure at D.C. United: 5 years
Previous Club: McLean Youth Soccer Association

Christian Kershaw—Marshall University
DOB: 1-22-95
Hometown: Severna Park, Md.
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Tenure at D.C. United: 4 years
Previous Club: Baltimore Bays

Michael Monahan—New Jersey Institute of Technology
DOB: 3-16-96
Hometown: Falls Church, Va.
Position: Midfield/Forward
Tenure at D.C. United: 4 years
Previous Club: McLean Youth Soccer Association

Noah Pilato—Penn State University
DOB: 6-25-96
Hometown: Herndon, Va.
Position: Midfielder
Tenure at D.C. United: 4 years
Previous Club: Chantilly Soccer Club