Congratulations to the Croatia Juniors Class of 2024
The Croatia Juniors Class of 2024 (left to right): Melissa Begovic (Lake Erie College), Anya Stupica (University of Mount Union), Eliza Wills (Malone University), Mia Muraco (Capital University), Avri Whited (Capital University)
Not pictured: Makenzie Stuckert (Ursuline College), Ishmael Agyire (Xavier University), Samuel Heramb (University of Mount Union), Martin Medancic (West Liberty University), Manu Nieto (Walsh University), Byron Perez (Lake Erie College), Inaki Pinto (Walsh University), Dani Villa (John Carroll University)
Croatia Juniors Soccer Club has announced its 2024 college commitments, with 13 student-athletes set to continue their careers at the NCAA level.
“It is with great excitement and pride that we share our Croatia Juniors class of 2024,” said Club Director Mario Grgic. “This group of players’ many years of experience with Croatia Juniors are a testament to their commitment to excellence. Player development is a long-term game, and we are proud of these players for their growth over the years and the dedication they have shown to our club’s philosophy.”
Mile Sesar, coach of the U18/19 boys team, attributes the team’s success to its players’ willingness to meet the high standard set forth by its coaches. “We had a tremendous group this year, and we are very happy for Ishmael Agyire (Xavier University), Samuel Heramb (University of Mount Union), Martin Medancic (West Liberty University), Manu Nieto (Walsh University), Byron Perez (Lake Erie College), Inaki Pinto (Walsh University), and Dani Villa (John Carroll University) to continue their soccer careers at the next level,” said Sesar. “Not only do the boys possess a very high level of individual quality, but they consistently raised the bar and pushed each other in training and games all year long. The cost of success is very high, and we could not be more proud of the character they have demonstrated to be where they are today.”
U18/19 girls coach Ivica Miljak believes the strength of this year’s class highlights the recent growth of Croatia Juniors’ girls program. “I am incredibly pleased to celebrate the commitments of Melissa Begovic (Lake Erie College), Mia Muraco (Capital University), Makenzie Stuckert (Ursuline College), Anya Stupica (University of Mount Union), Avri Whited (Capital University), and Eliza Wills (Malone University) to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level,” said Miljak. “Their signings are a culmination of years and years of hard work, as well as a shining example of the strides made in our girls program in recent years. Competing in the State Cup finals in Columbus was a fitting end to their club soccer careers. It has been a tremendous honor to play a small role in their soccer journeys, and we wish them all the best as they take on their next chapter.”
Croatia Juniors Soccer Club celebrated its class of 2024 during its annual signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 15th at its facility on the campus of Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby.
