On Thursday, May 23, 2019, Pennridge seniors Marco Grenda, Aidan Link, Matthew Sheldon & Matthew Stevenson were recognized for committing to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. Check back for photos of the event.
Marco Grenda – Ursinus College (Soccer)
Major: Chemistry
Reasons for choosing Ursinus: “Very good academics and good location.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I always enjoyed soccer and knew I wanted to play for a good academic school.”
Coach Pete Valimont says: “Marco was an absolute stud up top for us, scoring and being an athletic forward threat. He got everything in the air and on the ground. He’s going to be a great addition to Ursinus. They’ve got a natural goal scorer for the next four years coming to their program.”
About Marco:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movies: Comedy movies
Favorite music: Country
Aidan Link – Eastern University (Soccer)
Major: Youth Ministry
Reasons for choosing Eastern: “It’s where I felt the Lord leading me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “The love of the game, being surrounded by best friends, great coaches and an amazing supportive family.”
Coach Pete Valimont says: “Aidan was an all-league player and was our senior captain. Aidan has everything a college coach is looking for. He’s got the soccer ability, he’s got the academics, and he’s probably the best leader we’ve ever had come through the program since I’ve been coaching for the past 12 years. Aidan does everything off the field as well as on the field. He will truly be missed, and I wish him nothing but the absolute best moving forward.”
About Aidan:
Favorite food: German Potato Salad
Favorite movie: Mighty Ducks
Favorite music: Lecrae & for King and Country
Matthew Sheldon – Penn State Harrisburg (Soccer)
Major: Kinesiology
Reasons for choosing Penn State Harrisburg: “Penn State is a great college, and Penn State Harrisburg has a great team, and it’s closer to home.”
What was the progression that led you to playing soccer at the collegiate level? “I started at Upper Moreland and moved to FC Bucks, and my parents loved the area so we moved to Pennridge for my senior year.”
Coach Pete Valimont says: “Matt Sheldon was a goalkeeper for us who transferred in as a senior. Matt did a fantastic job, splitting every game with our other goalie, Ryan Mayhew. Matt was a great leader in the back and really helped lock down defensively. He’s going to have a great career at Penn State Harrisburg.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Bananas
Favorite movie: Tron: Legacy
Favorite music: Rap
Matthew Stevenson – West Chester University (Soccer)
Major: Criminal Justice
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “Beautiful campus and the atmosphere is awesome.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “Family and also how I play – I knew I could do it.”
Coach Pete Valimont says: “Matt is probably one of the most gifted players I have ever coached. He has all the athletic talent and ability in the world to be a four-year starter and contributor to a team that made it all the way to the national championship last year. Matt’s been a two-year captain and an all-league player all four years he has played in high school. He has been absolutely fantastic and done everything I could have asked for.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Kickin and Screaming
Favorite music: Rap
Jack Taplett – Cabrini University (Soccer)
Coach Pete Valimont says: “Cabrini is a great fit for Jack. Jack bleeds soccer. He was an absolute stud this year, scoring 10-plus goals. He’s a forward threat, and he’s going to be a great addition to their program. We’re going to miss him dearly, and I wish him the best.”
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