Trio scores Northshore Youth Soccer Association scholarships

The Northshore Youth Soccer Association (NYSA) handed out $1,000 scholarships to recent Northshore School District graduates Marina Oldfin of Bothell High and Alison Leonard and Connor Cox of Inglemoor.

Applications were accepted from Northshore School District graduating seniors that planned to enter an accredited institution of higher learning during the 2011/2012 academic year. Individuals were reviewed and selected based on their positive involvement and commitment to the NYSA program and the community, but also in their participation in the NYSA referee program.

Oldfin will be attending the University of Washington in the fall studying business and finance. She plans to continue playing soccer, refereeing and wants to explore coaching. “NYSA introduced me to a sport that I can take with me, and be a part of, throughout my life,” she said.

Leonard will be studying biology as a freshman at the University of Washington. “Being a part of the Northshore Youth Soccer Association, both as a player and as a referee, has been a transformative experience for me as a person,” Leonard said. “I’ve learned not to be afraid to stick to my decisions in the face of opposition, and to have the confidence to walk into uncomfortable situations with my head held high.”

Cox will be attending Boise State University. Along with his team duties and assistant coaching, Cox was nominated as Washington State Youth Referee of the Year. “I’ve put in countless hours supporting the program,” Cox said, “through playing, refereeing, volunteering and coaching. I’ve had a great run with NYSA, with an almost storybook ending and have truly enjoyed every minute of it.”

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