With an already-impressive track record of giving each graduating player the opportunity to play college soccer for 13 consecutive years, South Kent School’s (SKS) award-winning prep soccer program experienced its best year ever in college placements, with 18 graduates going on to NCAA top programs and academic institutions. Among the stellar roster of student-athletes who graduated in the Class of 2021 were eleven who will be competing and studying at DI, one at DII and six on the DIII levels. Additionally, the group of talented, young graduates includes seven who were four-year boys at South Kent School, two of whom served as school leaders in the role of prefect.
Three of South Kent School’s outstanding alumni took the time to chat with their alma mater and discussed what prepared and inspired them to compete as an elite student-athlete on the collegiate level. Read below to hear what they have to say.
Joshua Bolma (University of Maryland)
Joshua Bolma joined the South Kent School community as a third former, coming all the way from Accra, Ghana. The aspiring footballer experienced many firsts on his departure from home, from his first time out of the country, to his first flight, to seeing snow, to being invited to play on the national team for his country. Bolma–who graduated early to begin at the University of Maryland in January 2021–was known at South Kent School for his maturity, purpose, intelligence, faith, work ethic and, of course, dazzling skill on the soccer pitch.
“South Kent School has been the place that helped shape my life today,” Joshua said. “Soccer was always my priority, but at SKS I learned there’s so much more to this world than just soccer or school. I learned to be self-reliant, respectful and polite.” Bolma also grew tremendously as a soccer player, gaining the knowledge and skill needed to succeed. “All the early mornings and late bus rides for soccer with chapel and school the next day made me a much better person. All of these experiences will help me adjust to a place like the University of Maryland.” He made special note of the independence fostered on the Hillside, which will allow him to excel both in the classroom and on the field.
Simon Clarke (Bates College)
Simon Clarke, from Palo Alto, California, spent one year at South Kent School as a postgraduate student, but he made a big impact, and, in turn, learned a lot himself. A physical player with panache on the ball, Simon was able to play in a variety of roles and showed remarkable prioritization and drive toward his goals. “Challenged by a new system, he continually improved and made a huge difference as a strong presence in our program,” said head prep soccer coach Owen Finberg.
Clarke shared the value of training and learning at South Kent School:
“South Kent School’s soccer program under Coach Finberg is easily the best way for aspiring student-athletes to reach their true potential. Not a day goes by at SKS when you’re not trying to improve yourself,” he said. “Students are put in an environment that gives them access to everything necessary to become a top player and student. The opportunity to become a student-athlete at SKS allows for young men to get an inside look on what it takes to become a Division 1 athlete. Coach Finberg makes it clear that you’re only at South Kent School for two things; school and soccer. Everything else is secondary. Nothing is handed to you on a plate and the expectations are that you take every opportunity that is given to you. If one is struggling with school work, the faculty at SKS are there to help at all times. If one doesn’t feel fully fit, there’s a fantastic strength and conditioning coach accompanied by top notch athletic trainers. The community is so strong at SKS that faculty are nearly your second parents. Those friendships last for a lifetime. Once your time is over at SKS you know that you’re ready for the next chapter in your life. Mine happens to be matriculating at Bates College where I’ll be playing soccer.”
Jai Bean (Duke University)
Jai Bean–who calls Bermuda home–spent four great years as a South Kent School student-athlete. Peers appreciated him during his time on the Hillside for his laid-back attitude, love of life and growth mindset. Bean’s speed and skill on the soccer pitch were great assets that were utilized time and time again to lead the team to victory. Named New England Player of the Year in 2019, leading the team to the New England and National Championships and picking up several personal accolades, including being named to the All-American team, along the way.
The incoming Duke freshman feels well-equipped to handle the rigors of college and soccer at the DI level after graduating from South Kent School. “The soccer program at SKS is like no other. It is really extraordinary in every way possible,” Bean said. He expressed thanks to everyone in the community who helped him on his way, but made a special note of the mentorship from Coach Finberg. “I would never have been able to get to where I am without him. Every tip and skill that he has given me, prepared me for the next level and I am just beyond grateful and blessed to have been coached by him.”
A South Kent School education focuses on the whole person, and Jai feels confident for the next level because of the SKS experience. “The SKS community prepared me to be a young gentleman and tackle whatever obstacles are ahead of me. Everything I learned from South Kent School like being punctual, cleaning up dishes, Earth Day cleanup, keeping my room tidy, study hall–it all benefited me for college,” he explained. “The SKS community was like a brotherhood to me and I will never forget what it meant to me.”
A Note from Coach Finberg
Coach Finberg also commented on the significance of the accomplishment and modeled his philosophy of continuously moving forward. “While our record of winning championships and placing players is second to none, we are still trying to improve our program each and every year,” he said. “This was no exception, and although COVID presented many challenges, we provided our students a great soccer experience and in-person schooling throughout the year. The 2021 class was remarkable in their approach and the results they achieved on and off the field. We are elated to send these fine young men to some of the most elite academic institutions and soccer programs in the country and look forward to higher heights ahead.”
Class of 2021 NCAA college placements for the South Kent School prep soccer program:
Division I
United States Air Force Academy
Shane Mendez (Cromwell, CT)
Sean Mulvihill (New Milford, CT)
University at Albany
Gustavo Iasi (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Bryant University
Landon Sartori (Lakeville, CT)
Duke University
Jai Bean (Devonshire, Bermuda)
Iona College
Noah Holczinger (New Fairfield, CT)
Liberty University
Blake Franzen (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Manhattan College
Stevie Mast, Jr. (Traverse City, MI)
Marshall University
Kymani McNeil (Southampton, Bermuda)
Mohammed Seidu (Accra, Ghana)
University of Maryland
Joshua Bolma (Accra, Ghana)
Division II
Bentley University
James Gallagher (Kingston, MA)
Division III
Bates College
Simon Clarke (Palo Alto, CA)
Harvey Mudd College
Nico Monsalve (Los Altos, CA)
Juniata College
Amo Mashigo (Pretoria, South Africa)
Middlebury College
Eujin Chae (Ilsan, Korea)
Virginia Wesleyan University
Nathan Mitchell (South Riding, VA)
Williams College
Caleb Ockman (Nairobi, Kenya)
Want to learn more about South Kent soccer? Follow @southkentsoccer on Instagram and check out the #SeniorSalute series!
About South Kent School
Established in 1923, South Kent School (SKS) is a college preparatory school for boys in grades 9 through 12 and prepares young men to succeed in college and thrive as thoughtful and engaged citizens in a rapidly changing and intensely competitive world.
South Kent School prep soccer has won four National Championships and nine New England Championships. To learn more, visit: www.southkentschool.org/athletics.