Rhode Island Surf Monthly January 2026
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
All-American
Three Rhode Island Surf standouts were named United Soccer Coaches' All-Americans in December, the most prestigious honor on offer for the best high school players in the country. Alexa Barajas, Jack Mefford, and Sal Alessio were all rewarded with nods following their brilliant Fall campaigns with their respective schools, following in the footsteps of club alumni Emma Kucal and Brent Karpowich.
The achievement marks the second year running in which Rhode Island Surf has been represented on both the girls' and boys' teams, further cementing the club's proven track record of developing New England's top talent. This trio is destined for big things.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Festive Season
Rhode Island Surf headed out West in early December to take part in MLS NEXT Fest, the largest youth soccer scouting and talent identification event in the United States. The club was represented by our BU19, B2009, B2010, and B2011 Academy Division groups in the Arizona, finishing with an overall record of 7-3-2.
Our B2010 MLS NEXT group excelled in the Grand Canyon State, winning all three of their fixtures and securing a second place finish out of 134 total teams in their age-group. After trailing 2-0 at half time in their opening fixture, the group didn't concede again over their remaining four-and-a-half hours of play, outscoring opponents 13-0.
A solid collective showing by the club was capped off with BU19 MLS NEXT's Colin Blanchette being chosen to play in the Academy Division Uncommitted All-Star Game, featuring the best players at the event who have not yet decided on where they will be playing at the next level. Blanchette started at left-back and clocked significant minutes in the contest.
Coaches and players returned home with plenty to be proud of and valuable lessons learned as the club looks ahead to an important Spring.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Onwards and Upwards
A successful business trip on the Gold Coast saw our G2012 GA team secure their place in the next round of the Girls Academy Champions Cup. The multi-stage event represents the very highest level of competition within the Girls Academy. Only 16 of the top clubs nationwide qualify automatically, with four additional wildcard spots awarded based on individual team performances at the GA Nationals. Our G2012 GA team earned their place by winning the Northeast Conference and following that up with two wins at Nationals, narrowly missing out on a semifinal berth by just one goal against the eventual national champions. Over the past 12 months, the group has worked relentlessly to earn opportunities like this, and Rhode Island Surf is incredibly proud to be the first team from the Ocean State to compete at the Girls Academy Champions Cup.
Regarding the team's performance in California, G2012 GA Coach and Rhode Island Surf General Manager Aleksej Skundric had this to say, "This team is made up of highly ambitious players who understand that growth comes from competing at the highest level. From day one, our goal has been to test ourselves against the very best. I could not be prouder of the girls’ performance at the Champions Cup. We faced three top-level opponents, put absolutely everything we had into all the games, stayed true to our style of play, and pushed through several challenging moments across the three matches. More than the results, the weekend reminded us what we are capable of and, most importantly, who we are as a team. Finishing the group with two ties and advancing to the next stage was the perfect way to cap off a great event. Now, with a trip to IMG in March ahead of us, we head into the winter with even greater motivation to keep working and improving. We’re excited for the next opportunity to test ourselves against the best teams in the country."
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Surf Select Northeast I.D. Camp
Surf players from the Northeast region of the country flocked to Massachusetts in mid-December aiming to impress. The annual Surf Select Northeast Regional I.D. Camp brings together the top regional players from different Surf Nation clubs in an attempt to identify talented individuals to represent the program at various top-level events across the United States, Europe, South America, and Africa.
Rhode Island Surf was well-represented by a total of 38 players of whom were chosen by their coaches to attend the event. Well done to Angelee Rico, Avianna Tondreau, Julianna Palazzo, Lily Santos, Zoey Tanguay, Ara Berrios, Kensington Hannouch, Madilyn Clift, Ava Pantaleo, Bentley Young, Charlotte Herbert, Eden Dagan, Evie Godbout, Everly O'Connor, Natalie Bonvehi, Samara Filippo, Delaney Longval, Hollyn Got, Olivia Sauco, Sierra Rico, Raegan Hannouch, Taylor Mason, Abby Bennett, Annabelle Abbott, Ava Dimbleby, Evan Czynski, Libby Ledoux, Olivia Lanigan, Reese Doda, Reese Taji, Colton DiLucchio, Danny Gutierrez, Jack Keeley, Devin Cidade, Preston Cabral, Simon Gaeta, Greyson McCrory, and Jacoby Kane on earning their chance to impress!
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Girls Academy Winter Showcase
December saw Rhode Island Surf's senior GA groups hit the West Coast and compete at the Girls Academy Winter Showcase in Norco, California. The club was represented by our GU19, G2009, G2010, and G2011 GA players at one of the top events in the country in terms of scout exposure.
An astounding 243 college and national team coaches could be found on the sidelines of Rhode Island Surf games to scout the talent on offer, once again showing the value of the club's player pathway for those that want to play beyond youth soccer.
Up against some of the top talent the country has to offer, Rhode Island Surf teams finished with an impressive record of 7-4-1. With valuable minutes under their belt, there is plenty of optimism as we look ahead to our sophomore year in the Girls Academy.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
A Worthy Nominee
Rhode Island Surf standout Olivia Sauco was named on the three-player shortlist for Surf Select Player of the Year, becoming the fourth Rhode Island Surf player to achieve such recognition.
With the Surf Select program, Sauco most notably captained the G2013 group to a 2-1 win over FC Barcelona at Surf Cup International in 2024, scoring both goals. With this nomination, Rhode Island Surf players have now been featured on the ballot four years in a row, highlighting our players' success on the regional, national, and international stages.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
College Commitment
There will be no shortage Rhode Island Surf alumni representing the club in collegiate soccer this Fall. The month of December saw a four club standouts commit their futures to programs in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
Isabella DiGioia is keeping her talents in-state, committing to Rhode Island College in early December. Her teammate Calla Bruno will head to the East Coast of Massachusetts and play at Endicott College. Another GU19 GA standout, Elaine Joy, will represent Rider University of New Jersey in the Fall. Lastly, BU19 MLS NEXT captain Kieran McGlynn will head to Upstate New York and play for Clarkson University.
