3 Mason Kickers Look Forward to Next Level

By Mike Hume

Three George Mason High School soccer players will have the opportunity to continue their athletic careers at the next level in 2005, accepting scholarships to collegiate institutions across the Eastern seaboard.

Boys team junior goalie Alex Fatovic, will take his goaltending act to Long Island University in New York. Fatovic, was named to the Bull Run All-District Team after leading the Mustangs to the VHSL ‘A’ State Championship. His contributions extended beyond his school team, as his Under-16 club team, Gunston Team America, captured the 2002 Snickers Virginia Youth Soccer Association (U-16) State title. Fatovic will join an LIU Blackbirds team that finished 9-6-3 in 2003, making the Northeast Conference Tournament for the third straight season.

“In my opinion, Alex is far and away the best goalie in the district, and is probably one of the top two goalies in the state,” GMHS Assistant Boys Soccer Coach Frank Spinello said. “I would suspect he will be considered for a number of preseason awards as he begins his senior season next fall.”

Becky Roa, a junior striker on the GMHS girls team, has also accepted a scholarship and will enroll at Mars Hill College in North Carolina after graduation. Holder of the single season scoring record (with 27 goals last season), and poised to become the all-time leading scorer in school history, male or female, Roa will look to help resurrect a Mars Hill program that struggled to a 6-14 finish in 2003.

Spinello, who coached Roa on his Washington Area Girls Soccer travel team, sees the scholarship as a well-earned reward for her dedication to the sport.

“Becky is probably the hardest working player, male or female, I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching.”

The University of Tampa has also announced the signing of junior mid-fielder Alison Penland.

“She’s been looking at Tampa since her sophomore year,” Spinello said. “She really wanted to go somewhere warm. When the offer came, she jumped all over it.” Tampa lost in the SSC Championship, before bowing out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round to conclude a 16-6 season.

“I think this news is phenomenal,” Spinello said. “All three of these players are hard working, outside of practice as well, and it’s good to see that rewarded.”