Collegiate Senior Plays Professionally With Richmond Kickers

The goalkeeper, 18, also participates on the Richmond United Academy team. Sawyer’s Academy affiliation allows him to play for the professional club until he plays collegiately for Davidson College this fall.

Sawyer was named All-Prep three times, and All-State twice while playing varsity for the Cougars, and he will also play for the Kickers this spring and through the summer, before heading to Davidson.

“This is a byproduct of my larger dream of playing professionally,” Sawyer said. “It is a wonderful opportunity that thankfully has been presented to me. To be able to do this, and step outside of my comfort zone, has really forced me to grow exponentially and it’s a great stepping stone.”

Sawyer has played on Kickers’ youth teams since he was 12, and for the Richmond United Academy team for two years, in addition to playing for the Cougars.

Charlie Blair, Head Coach of Collegiate Boys Varsity Soccer and Head of Middle School, said the fact that Sawyer has received this opportunity does not surprise him.

“Sawyer came to us as one of the most driven, dedicated players I have ever coached,” Mr. Blair said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for [him]. He is training daily with the best group of players in Central Virginia, which will stretch him in every aspect of the game. The physical challenge is obvious, but perhaps even more important is the potential growth on the mental side, which is such an important part of the goalkeeper position.”

Sawyer said he has to be organized and manage his time wisely in order to maintain his busy schedule, and his teachers have offered great support.

“My teachers have been absolutely phenomenal….” said Sawyer, who recently was named a Lexus of Richmond Scholar-Athlete, making him eligible for a $10,000 scholarship. “They have done everything and more to make sure I am on the same page as all the other students.”

He also credits Mr. Blair and his other Collegiate soccer coaches - Rob Ukrop and Shepherd Lewis - with guiding him throughout his soccer career.

“Obviously they have done more than I could ever ask to develop me as a soccer player, but they really hold me to high standards and also raise the bar, and I love that challenge and appreciate them,” he said. “It’s not just the soccer, but they really see what I am capable of and help me in any way possible.”

Mr. Blair said Collegiate has been grateful to be part of Sawyer’s journey.

“We have tried to create an environment that challenges him on the physical and mental facets of soccer as well as help him to grow as a leader and as a good citizen.”

While Sawyer has already accomplished many feats, he is still waiting to get a call from the youth national team. He plans to play professionally after college, and would ultimately like to play in the English Premier League, which he calls “the best soccer in the world.”