Isaac Nehme, University of Denver
Goalkeeper
Colorado Springs, Colorado
What drew you to the University of Denver?
I chose Denver because I see it as my home and as a new challenge, not only from a soccer standpoint but from the academic side as well. DU’s soccer program continues to rise year in and year out and I think with the culture at DU it will help me to become not only a better soccer player but a better person as well. Along with the soccer side, the academics at DU are top notch and will push me day in and day out.
How has your time in the Rapids Academy shaped the way you view going to play at the next level?
Being with the Rapids Academy for the last 4-5 years, it has taught me how to take advantage of every situation you have and when you have opportunities you take them. Rapids has pushed me everyday and I feel like my time in the Academy has done nothing but prepare me for the next level.
What are you most excited about as you enter this next stage in your soccer career?
As I enter this next stage of my soccer career I’m mostly excited about the new challenges that the college level will bring me. I want to compete at the highest level day in and day out and I think that DU as well as the college level will help me do that.
How long have you been playing soccer and how long with the Academy?
I have been playing soccer for the last 12 years and 5 of those have been with the Rapids Academy.
What's your favorite Academy memory?
My favorite Rapids Academy memory was my first game back from my knee surgery against Houston Dynamo in Texas where we won 1-0 and earned ourselves a spot in the MLS Next Playoffs.
Jackson Travis, University of Virginia
Midfielder
Jackson, Mississippi
What drew you to UVA?
UVA is just a great school all the way around. They have a great soccer program and are well-known for their high academic standards.
How has the Rapids Academy prepared you for college soccer?
My time at the Rapids Academy has taught me competition and competing at the highest level is very important. In order to compete at the highest level you have to perform at 100% each time. I hope to compete at the highest level in the future wherever that takes me.
What are you most excited about?
The opportunity to obtain my soccer goals and dreams of pursuing a professional soccer career.
How long have you been playing soccer? With the Academy?
I have been playing soccer since I was three years old and with the Academy for about a year and a half.
Favorite Academy memory?
I have a lot of great memories since arriving at the Academy. One of my favorites is our first game of the season in August 2020. I had the privilege of playing for the first time in the Colorado Rapids' stadium and must say it was exciting!
Samuel Ovesen, Penn State University
Defender
Fort Collins, Colorado
What drew you to Penn State?
Penn State was somewhere I felt I could develop best as a person and a player under a great coaching staff with a team that will push me to my limits. The community and school spirit was amazing and I strongly think I will fit in and eventually finish with a great future ahead.
How has the Rapids Academy prepared you for college soccer?
Playing and training at such a high level in the Academy has shaped the way I can adapt and learn to make the most out of each day to maximize my development. It has prepared me to continue to the next level with a drive and confidence in the work I put in.
What are you most excited about?
I am most excited to play at the next level and to test the limits of my game on the daily. I’m also pumped to be part of a large program and family, playing in front of lots of fans.
How long have you been playing soccer? With the Academy?
13 years of playing soccer, 5 years in the Rapids Academy.
Favorite Academy memory?
U17 2021 year playoffs, the run we made was full of exciting moments such as beating Dynamo in a tough game to get into the playoffs bracket. Then beating the #1 seed and San Jose making it to the quarterfinals. I felt we fell short of something we could’ve achieved as a group but the run was one to remember for sure.
Vladimir Walent, Wake Forest University
Defender
Lafayette, Colorado
What drew you to Wake Forest?
The strength of the soccer program was a big part of my decision. Also I visited the campus and loved the culture. I felt like I connected with the coaches.
How has the Rapids Academy prepared you for college soccer?
Being part of the Rapids organization has helped me become a better player and taught me what it's like to be in a competitive environment. I know college soccer is another level but I feel well prepared.
What are you most excited about?
I am excited to meet new people, have new experiences, and take my game to the next level.
How long have you been playing soccer? With the Academy?
I've been playing soccer for as long as I can remember and I started with the academy when I was 14.
Favorite Academy memory?
One of my favorite memories was beating Toronto FC and I scored the second goal and the 19s and 17s celebrated in the corner.
Collin Keller, University of Denver
Defender
Denver, Colorado
What drew you to DU?
I was drawn to the University of Denver because they have great opportunities for both academics and athletics. The team is a hardworking and supportive group that will push me both on the field and in the classroom. It is overall a great campus and a great environment that will help me to be my best self each day. It is also a great opportunity to represent the city of Denver, where I have lived all my life.
How has the Rapids Academy prepared you for college soccer?
My time at the Rapids Academy has allowed me to develop as a player and person. It has pushed me to develop in all areas of the game including technically, physically, and mentally. I have really grown as a player here and have developed a strong soccer brain and knowledge for the game. It has greatly prepared me for the next level and I am looking forward to show all that I’ve learned from the Academy in college.
What are you most excited about?
I would say I’m most excited for the opportunity to represent my city and to play in front of family and friends that have helped me to get to where I am today. I can’t wait to represent them and go make a name for myself at the collegiate level.
How long have you been playing soccer? With the Academy?
I have been playing soccer ever since I was little, and I have been with the Rapids Academy since u-11. It has been a long journey and I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given here with the Rapids.
Favorite Academy memory?
I have been playing for the Academy ever since I can remember, so it’s hard to pick just one. I would say some of the best memories include winning the Galway Cup in Ireland during u-15s year, having an undefeated season and making it to the final eight in national playoffs a couple years back, and playing in the Rapids stadium last year against Real Salt Lake. I would even just say all the years of practice and games with my teammates bring back a lot of great memories that I know will stay with me forever.
Nicholas Legendre, University of Notre Dame
Forward
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
What drew you to Notre Dame?
I was driven through the beautiful culture, soccer environment and how prestigious it is academically.
How has the Rapids Academy prepared you for college soccer?The Rapids have shown me how to be professional with my work on as well as off the field.
What are you most excited about?I am most excited to see how far I can go with this game. I am also excited to embrace the next challenges in my career and become the best version of myself.
How long have you been playing soccer? With the Academy?
I started playing soccer when I was four, I have been playing with the Academy a little over a year.
Favorite Academy memory?
My favorite Academy memory would be the very first time I played in a game and got to represent the badge.
