FRISCO, Texas (June 2, 2023) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is delighted to announce its four recipients of the 2023 Andy Stone Scholarship: Alabama’s Audrey Edwards and Juan Gazga, and South Texas’ Jenna Fernandez and Pascal Bonyoma.
Since 1999, US Youth Soccer has awarded the scholarship annually in remembrance of former South Region Director Andy Stone. Edwards, Gazga, Fernandez, and Bonyoma have all mirrored Stone by displaying a similar dedication and commitment in their daily endeavors, making them fitting recipients of this year’s award.
Edwards will leave behind Sparkman High School and Harvest, Alabama, as she embarks on the next step of her journey, but will do so after having cemented her legacy in the community. Edwards graduated recently with a 3.60 GPA, volunteered with Big Sister Little Sister and Good Shepherd, and was a member of Sparkman’s Student Government Association.
She first became involved with soccer 13 years ago and has been glued to the sport ever since. Throughout the years, Edwards played for River City United, North Alabama Soccer Coalition, and Alabama’s Olympic Development Program. Edwards also captained Sparkman and led the Senators to their first AHSAA 7A State Championship in school history this year — a storybook ending to a decorated high school career.
Gazga, Edwards’ classmate at Sparkman, graduated with a 3.40 GPA and was a frequent donor at local charities and churches to give back to the less fortunate.
Gazga has played for Alabama’s United Soccer Club for the last eight years and has been a member of each varsity soccer team at the three high schools he’s attended — Jemison, Columbia, and Sparkman.
Fernandez, a native of South Texas, graduated from Holy Cross School of San Antonio with a 4.13 GPA, ranking first in her class.
During her last year of high school, Fernandez was named President of the National Honor Society and received the Harvard Book Award and National Hispanic Recognition. She was actively involved with all that Holy Cross had to offer as a school ambassador and student council member, while being a four-year member of the varsity soccer team. Fernandez held the captaincy role for the last three years at Holy Cross, a position she was familiar with from her club soccer career with Urban Champions Academy.
Fernandez is also a volunteer at local churches and food banks — in addition to being a certified referee.
Bonyoma finished his secondary school career at Texas’ Manor High School, where he played two years of varsity soccer. Bonyoma was also a member of the National Honor Society after graduating with a 3.59 GPA.
Bonyoma’s love for soccer saw him play for many club teams, such as North Austin Soccer Alliance, Sting Soccer Club, and Capital City Soccer Club, and volunteer at numerous events, including the Special Olympics.
All begin their college careers in the fall.
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About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.
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