Pathway
GCU ACADEMY
The philosophy of Gulf Coast United Academy is one player, one ball. Our goal is to teach proper
technique for: dribbling, passing, defending, and shooting. Our staff of licensed coaches is highly trained
and we are committed to:
— Teaching your future star the proper skills and technique
— Developing a love/passion for the game
— All in a positive, disciplined, supportive, and safe environment
Academy East
Spring Season start date: February 24th.
Junior Academy starts March 3rd.
Academy (Players born in 2012-2020) $160 — includes gameday shirt
Junior Academy (Players born in 2021) $100
Mike Martin
Academy East DOC
Phone: (228) 326-2038
4-6 year olds
This age group will be engaged in fun, skill building activities.
The practices will be on Monday and Wednesday's from 5:45-6:30.
They will participate in games on Friday nights.
All at the Jackson County Soccer Complex located at 4400 Audubon Lane in Gautier located off of Highway 90 by the animal shelter.
7-12 year olds
This age group will continue to be engaged in fun activities to build on the skills learned at the younger age group. Topics of the activities
will include: proper technique in striking the ball, passing, defending and properly receiving the ball. The practices will be on Monday and Wednesday's from 6:30-7:30. They will participate in games on Friday nights. All at the Jackson County Soccer Complex located at 4400 Audubon Lane in Gautier located off of Highway 90 by the animal shelter.
Academy West
Playing College Soccer
At Gulf Coast United we have a proven track record of developing college soccer players. Our former players have gone on to play at the Junior College, NCAA Division III, NCAA Division II, NAIA, and NCAA Division I level. Our success runs equally across the boys and girls programs. There are certain things that you should know about the college recruiting process.
College Soccer Recruiting Basics
With over 1,200+ men’s college soccer programs across the country and over 1,400 women’s programs finding a scholarship is harder then you might think. Coaches divide their money up and very rarely give full ride scholarships.
Women's Soccer - There are a maximum of 14 scholarships for a DI team, 9.9 for DII teams, 12 for NAIA programs and a fully funded NJCAA program has up to 18 scholarships per team.
Men’s Soccer - There are a maximum of 9.9 scholarships per team DI team, 9 per DII team, 12 at the NAIA level, and 18 scholarships per team for NJCAA programs.
Steps For High School Players
- Take the ACT and keep your grades up. Remember that the primary purpose of going to college is to get an education. As a high school student you need to prepare yourself academically to be able to handle the course work load once in college. The ACT is required to attend college - ACT Test Dates. See your High School guidance counselor about ACT prep courses and take the test several times if needed.
- Decide what level of college soccer you can play. Be realistic about your ability to play at the next level. Technical skill, athleticism, vision, and experience are just some of the things that will determine what level of soccer you can play. Talk with your select coach, director of coaching, and high school coach for recommendations.
- Research schools that have the degree programs that you want. Think long term. What do you want to do for the rest of your life? If you want to be an engineer you do not need to go to a school that focuses on education and business. Do some research on what you might want to do when you leave college. Find out if there is a demand for this profession and how much this job will pay. Will you need to attend graduate school? School counselors, high school coaches, select coaches, parents, and family members are all good people to speak with when trying to plan a path for your education and future.
- Complete clearing house registrations. NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and NAIA schools all require prospective student athletes to complete the respective clearing house registration process. See below for information regarding the requirements and links for each level of college soccer.
- Create Soccer resume.
- Contact college coaches. Once you have figured out what level(s) of soccer you can play, taken the ACT, decided the type of degree that you want to pursue, completed the clearing house process, and chosen a few schools that match all of your criteria then you are ready to contact the college coaches.
- Have a back-up plan.
Junior College
Mississippi Junior College Soccer Programs
- Pearl River Community College - men's and women's programs
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - men's and women's programs
- Jones Community College - men's and women's programs
- Meridian Community College - men's and women's programs
- Southwest Community College- men's and women's programs
- East Central Community College - men's and women's programs
- Northwest Community College- men's and women's programs
- Itawamba Community College- men's and women's programs
- Holmes Community College- men's and women's programs
- Hinds Community College- men's and women's programs
Division I & Division II
- NCAA Eligibility Center Web Site - You must complete the NCAA clearing house registration process for Division I and Division II college and university coaches to contact you.
- Division I and Division II eligibility sheet
Division I College Soccer Programs (examples)
- University of Southern Mississippi - women's only
- Mississippi State University - women's only
- University of Mississippi - women's only
- Jackson State University - women's only
- Louisiana State University - women's only
- University of Alabama - women's only
- University Alabama Birmingham - men's and women's programs
- University of South Alabama - women's only
- University of Memphis - men's and women's programs
- Troy University - women's only
- Southeastern Louisiana University- women's only
- University of Louisiana Lafayette- women's only
Division II College Soccer Programs (examples)
- Mississippi College - men's and women's programs
- Delta State - men's and women's programs
- Spring Hill College Mobile - - men's and women's programs
- University of West Florida Pensacola - men's and women's programs
- Christian Brother's University Memphis - men's and women's programs
- University of Alabama Huntsville - men's and women's programs
- University of West Alabama - men's and women's programs
- University of Montevallo - men's and women's programs
- University of Alabama in Huntsville - men's and women's programs
Division III
- NSCAA Division III
- NCAA Eligibility Center Web Site - You must complete the NCAA clearing house registration process for Division I and Division II college and university coaches to contact you.
Division III College Soccer Programs (examples)
- Millsaps College - men's and women's programs
- Bellhaven University - men's and women's programs
- The W- men's and women's programs
- Huntingdon College- men's and women's programs
- Birmingham Southern College - men's and women's programs
- Rhodes College - men's and women's programs
NAIA
- NAIA Eligibility Center Web Site - You must now complete the NAIA clearing house registration process for NAIA coaches to contact you.
NAIA College Soccer Programs (examples)
- William Carey University - men's and women's programs
- University of Mobile - men's and women's programs
- Auburn University Montgomery - men's and women's programs
ACT Information
College Bound Players
Class of 2024 College Commits
|
Player
|
College
|
|---|---|
| Zach Howard | Pearl River CC |
| Drew Rumery | Pearl River CC |
| Bryton Dupuy | Pearl River CC |
| Iain Cumbest | Meridian CC |
| Landon Vancourt | Pearl River CC |
| Jason Marshall | Pearl River CC |
| Patton Francis | Pearl River CC |
| Cameron Badurak | Jones College |
| Jonathan Workman | Pearl River CC |
| Neko Worthy | MS Gulf Coast CC |
| Hung Nguyen | MS Gulf Coast CC |
| Alexander Mink | MS Gulf Coast CC |
| Additional signings TBA |
Class of 2023 College Commits
|
Player: |
College: |
|---|---|
| Stevie Kerns | Holmes Community College |
| Kadie Craft | MS Gulf Coast Community College |
| Chloe Ezell | Pearl River Community College |
| Kennedy Harris | Pearl River Community College |
| Ali Shemper | Pearl River Community College |
| Haylie Alvarez | Pearl River Community College |
| Andrew Kravette | Jones College |
| Zach Edwards | Pearl River Community College |
| Anna Grace Deakle | Pearl River Community College |
| Jessica Lawrence | Pearl River Community College |
| Ryan Hendren | Spring Hill College |
| Abby Davis | South West Community College |
| Andrew Kravette | Jones College |
Class of 2022 College Commits
|
Player |
College |
|---|---|
| Maddie Cuevas | Pearl River CC |
| Morgan Westling | Pearl River CC |
| Tiffany Beasley | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Iben Madsen | Pearl River CC |
| Ella Setnikar | East Central CC |
| Kylah Cuevas | Hinds CC |
| Bailey Craft | Pearl River CC |
| Alyssa Fleming | Pearl River CC |
| Denim Lombard | Jones College |
| Karlie Denius | East Central CC |
| Aden Smith | Pearl River CC |
| Brooks Richardson | Juniata College |
Class of 2021
|
PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
|---|---|
| Lauren Bennett | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Ryan Smith | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Lexi Green | East Central Community College |
| Emma Godfrey | Pearl River Community College |
| Lola Taylor | Pearl River Community College |
| Jessica Harrison | Pearl River Community College |
| Alexis Cochran | Pearl River Community College |
| Jack Bonck | Pearl River Community College |
| Ivo Jimenez | Pearl River Community College |
| Peyton Ladner | Pearl River Community College |
| Jason Irias | Pearl River Community College |
| Carter Wilson | Pearl River Community College |
| Austin Schruff | Pearl River Community College |
| Aubrey Wawrek | Pearl River Community College |
| Kayle Vincent | Pearl River Community College |
| Mackenzie McKinney | Pearl River Community College |
| Jeremy McDaniel | Belhaven University |
| Delaney Owen | Pearl River Community College |
| Harper Baggett | Pearl River Community College |
| Kaleigh Warburton | Southwest MS Community College |
| Braley McKissack | Southwest MS Community College |
| Daniel Moore | Holmes Community College |
| Sophia Fimiano | Southwest MS Community College |
| Ethan Hunt - Football | MS Gulf Coast Community College |
| Charla Jennings | Huntingdon College |
| Xavier Wright | MS Gulf Coast Community College |
| Hailey Sundeen | Hinds Community College |
Class of 2020 College Signings
|
PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
|---|---|
| Sydney Salter | University of South Alabama |
| Paige Palazzo | University of West Florida |
| Edie Gage | University of West Florida |
| Loren Winters | East Central Community College |
| Seline Decoteau | East Central Community College |
| Erin Clifford | Pearl River Community College |
| Bailey Smith | Pearl River Community College |
| Aubrie Edwards | Pearl River Community College |
| Katie Havard | Pearl River Community College |
| Sydney Spataro | Pearl River Community College |
| Caragan Childs | Jones College |
| Rafal Jakubowicz | Pearl River Community College |
| Kaylee Holloway | Holmes Community College |
| Adam Holland | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
| Gabe Evans | Meridian Community College |
| Caleb Self | Holmes Community College |
| Marcel Hopson | Holmes Community College |
| Joey Green | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
| KJ Mack | Jones College |
| Evann Buck | Southwest Mississippi Community College |
Class of 2019
|
Player |
College |
|---|---|
| Max Matsenbaugh | Pearl River CC |
| Madison Diers | East Central CC/University of Mobile |
| Kaylee Foster | Mississippi College |
| Olivia Gelpi | University of Louisiana Lafayette |
| Kinsley Harmon | Southeastern Louisiana University |
| Jessica Hyde | Southeastern Louisiana University |
| Susie Stevison | East Central CC |
| Ameris Taylor | East Central CC/LSU Shreveport |
| Makenzie Ezell | Pearl River CC |
| Daelyn Kell | East Central CC |
| Stephen Bonck | Spring Hill College |
| Cole Woods | Meridian CC |
| Jaylon Crosby | Southwest CC |
| Tristan White | Belhaven College |
| Diego Rangel | Southwest CC |
| Kevin Madrid | Meridian CC |
| Alexa Beets | Pearl River CC |
| Nicky Palisi | East Central CC |
| Marion Pohl | Mississippi College |
| Kaitlyn Snyder | Pearl River CC |
| Ryan Adderholdt | Southwest CC |
| Jeremiah Trest | Meridian CC |
| Jacob Barlow | Meridian CC |
| Kevin Matute | Meridian CC |
| Connor Clarke | Holmes CC |
| Emily Callender | Jones College |
Previous year college commits under College Commits section of website
Class of 2018 College Signings
|
Player |
College |
|---|---|
| Alexis Arnoult | University of Louisiana Lafayette |
| Kealan Baggett | Pearl River CC |
| Maddie Beets | Pearl River CC |
| Caleb Burke | Wiliam Carey |
| Darby Gillette | Southeastern Louisiana University |
| Max Higginbotham | Southwest CC |
| Kelsay Himel | William Carey |
| Andrew Holland | Pearl River CC |
| Mike Jimenez | Pearl River CC |
| Madison Lafontaine | Jones County CC |
| Scott Lundy | The W |
| Brandon Pasquini | Pearl River CC |
| Dylan Picchi | Pearl River CC |
| Peyton Pound | Southwest CC |
| Cody Russell | The W |
Class of 2017
|
Player |
College |
|---|---|
| Ethan Loftin | William Carey |
| Nate Bond | Southwest CC |
| Patrick Larsen | Southwest CC |
| Jarrett Green | Southwest CC |
| Nick Dickinson | Southwest CC |
| Conner Smothers | Southwest CC |
| Alex Strong | Meridian CC |
| Michael Martin | Southwest CC |
| Cayden Perez | Meridian CC |
| Makaio Johnson | Meridian CC, The W |
| Erica Gaddie | Jones County CC |
| Claire Campbell | Meridian CC |
| Gabbie Vincent | William Carey |
| Meredith Follis | Mississippi College |
| Mary Margaret Parker | Jones County CC |
| Gracie East | Mississippi State |
| Anna Brice Taylor | Jones County CC |
| Anna Kate Howard | Jones County CC |
Class of 2016
|
Player |
College |
|---|---|
| Sarah Walden | Pearl River CC, The W |
| Mia Richardson | Pearl River CC |
| Carmen Childs | Jones CC, The W |
| Caroline Grafe | Pearl River CC, The W |
| Courtney Missouri | Hinds County CC, The W |
| Kayla Nobles | Pearl River CC |
| Shannon Swilley | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Melanie Snyder | Pearl River CC |
| Steven Gallagher | William Carey University |
| PJ Irwin | William Carey University |
| Bradford Clarke | Pearl River CC, The W |
| Karsen Gildea | Pearl River CC, University of Southern Mississippi |
| Casey Lafontaine | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Delta State |
| Olivia Moger | Pearl River CC |
| Mary Rieger | Pearl River CC |
| Caityln White | Pearl River CC |
| Rylee Foster | Pearl River CC |
| Kyle Hillyard | Pearl River CC |
| Travis Harper | Pearl River CC |
| Bailey Clemmens | William Carey University |
| Eren Welford | Pearl River CC |
Class of 2015
|
Player |
College |
|---|---|
| Carly Mauldin | Mississippi State University |
| Kate Smith | University of Southern Missisisppi |
| Ashton Stennis | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Brittany Snyder | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Morgan Mansell | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Nikki Brown | University of Southern Mississippi |
| April Stewart | William Carey University |
| Savannah Carter | William Carey University |
| Alex Musial | William Carey University |
| Abby Baravik | William Carey University |
| Emma Holland | Birmingham Southern University |
| Payton Colson | Southeastern Louisiana University |
| Courtney Carraway | University of Alabama Birmingham |
| Jordan Ahigren | Pearl River CC |
| Sarah Rimmer | Millsaps |
| Michael Graham | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Jordan Guillet | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Bryce Yelverton | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Anthony Cafalone | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Anthony Heryzke | Pearl River CC |
| Tyler Polderman | Pearl River CC |
| Kenneth Dickinson | Pearl River CC |
| Brandon Butler | Co-Lin Community College |
| Chaun Davidson II | Co-Lin Community College |
| Jacob Necaise | Co-Lin Community College |
| Christian Longnecker | Pearl River CC |
| Parker Rose | Pearl River CC |
| JT McCarthy | Pearl River CC |
| Sam Lawson | Pearl River CC |
| Ben Troutman | Pearl River CC |
