Falcons on The Move
When asked what the most exciting part about working at Daytona State College was, Head Men's Soccer Coach Bart Sasnett stated, "Getting a player to commit to play for Daytona State College is one thing, but the real excitement comes when you help them grow and watch them accept offers to continue their education and soccer career at a four-year institution." Year after year the Men's Soccer Team at Daytona State College continues to move on their sophomores to four-year colleges and universities and this year is nothing short of that. So far, four sophomores have committed to four-year schools and other sophomores are still making their final decisions.
Jamaican Duo Signs Division 1
Shandel Senior and Fabian Grant, also known as the Jamaican Duo, are two sophomores who have signed their way into Division 1 programs. "These two have been an instrumental part of our success here at Daytona State for the past two seasons," says Sasnett.
Shandel Senior has chosen to continue his next two years at Florida Gulf Coast University, a top Division 1 program in Florida. The native of Kingston, Jamaica, was first noticed in his schoolboy days while attending Excelsior College in Jamaica while also captaining the U17 Jamaican National Team. Senior, who played in the U20 CONCACAF, has spent time with the Jamaican National First Team and is also a part of the U23 Jamaican National Team.
"Shandel is the real deal when it comes to the meaning of a student-athlete," says Sasnett. "He will be missed greatly by this program."
Senior has held a GPA of 3.75 throughout his two years at Daytona State. He has played and started in 33 games at DSC while recording 4 goals and 7 assists. He has been awarded All-Region 8 First Team in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 he was awarded United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-South and in 2019 he was awarded United Soccer Coaches First Team All-East.
Words from Jesse Cormier (Head Coach at Florida Gulf Coast University): "Shandel has the completeness we like and look for in our recruitment. He has keen vision, is a sound decision maker, understands the rhythm of the game, is a dynamic athlete, and has the character and work ethic to improve each day. We see him as having the qualities to influence us centrally in the midfield or in the back line."
When speaking with Shandel about his experience at Daytona State College and what he liked most about his time here, he stated "My experience at DSC was great. Sad that it has come to an end already. Daytona State College has helped me to become a student-athlete and not an athlete-student. I really enjoyed the level of discipline and how the coaches do whatever they can to make us comfortable and successful, not just on the field but also in the classroom."
When asked, "Why did you choose to go to FGCU?" Senior answered, "I chose FGCU because I really wanted to stay in Florida and go to a top program. It was recommended as the best and my coaches supported that decision and I trust them very much."
Fabian Grant has chosen to continue his next two years at Temple University, a well-known Division 1 program in the country. The native of Kingston, Jamaica, was on everyone's radar during his schoolboy days at Kingston College in Jamaica. He was noticed by the DSC staff during the CASA tournament and lived up to his reputation.
"Fabian is the type of player that you notice right away," said Sasnett. "As soon as I saw him, I knew he had to come to Daytona State. His name was floating around the country."
During his playing days, Fabian spent time training with the Jamaican National Team.
Grant has held a GPA of 3.71 during his time at Daytona State College. In two seasons, Grant has played in 33 games with 28 starts. He has recorded 5 goals and 4 assists in his career at DSC. In 2019, he was awarded the All-Region 8 Second Team.
Words from Armante Marshall (Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Temple University): "I am very excited about Fabian Grant joining our family at Temple University. I have been following Fabian since his schoolboy days in Jamaica, so I'm excited about what the future holds for him. We as a staff truly believe that as Fabian continues to develop, Fabian can become one of the top players in the country. Being such a versatile player will benefit Fabian in our system moving forward. We anticipate him being an impact player right away."
When speaking with Fabian about his experience at Daytona State College and what he liked most about his time here, he stated "If I had to sum it up my experience in one word, extraordinary. This experience has taught me a lot. It has taught me how to balance both my studies and soccer. I have made a new family here. The coaches have been like fathers to me and I gained a team full of brothers that I went to battle on the field with. It has been an honor playing for the great institution of Daytona State College.
When asked, "Why did you choose to go to Temple?", Grant answered, "When I went on my visit there, it really sealed the deal. The way that the coaches and players welcomed me was like family. I immediately could see myself playing there. I also like their style of play and the fact that they are close to professional clubs. My goal after I graduate is to become a professional soccer player and I believe that Temple is a great gateway for that."
John Nalus has chosen to continue his next two years at Auburn University at Montgomery, a fast-paced Division 2 program in Alabama. Nalus, originally from Haiti, spent his high school days at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, Florida. It was there that he was named Palm Beach 5A-4A boys soccer player of the year his senior year. He was the lifeblood of his team. Nalus' name also floated around every tournament that he played in. Every coach that saw him had the same thing to say, "Wow that kid is an athlete. He is so fast."
"That is exactly what drew us to him," said Sasnett. "You can't coach athleticism and speed, and John has them both naturally. Not only is he fast, but you can't beat his personality and work ethic. He is a great teammate and an even better person."
Nalus had to decide between two great programs when he graduated high school – Daytona State College and Eastern Florida State College.
"We grinded hard to get him and were thrilled when he chose us over them," said Sasnett. "We always want the best of the best Florida guys here at Daytona State."
John has held a consecutive GPA of 3.1 throughout his time at Daytona State College. On the field, he was unstoppable. "I don't believe anyone in our Region could catch John when he took off," said Sasnett. Nalus tallied 8 goals and 8 assists during his two seasons at DSC.
When speaking with John about his experience at Daytona State College, he stated "My experience has been very welcoming and exciting. My coaches were always very supportive and did everything to ensure that I grew to be the best I could be."
When asked, "Why did you choose to go to AUM?", Nalus answered, "I chose AUM because I know it will be a very exciting experience and I am looking forward to playing a new style of futbol."
Collin Parsons graduated in the fall from Daytona State College and took his talents to King University, a Division 2 program in Tennessee. Parsons, a local talent from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was a standout goalkeeper at New Smyrna Beach High School. Straight out of high school, Parsons first went to Pfeiffer University, a top-rated Division 3 program. Being so far away, he decided to come to closer to home and play for Daytona State.
"We were thrilled when he decided to leave to join us," said Sasnett. "There is so much talent here locally and we never want that to leave. Parsons is a great goalkeeper and one of the hardest workers I've seen between the posts. He is going to do great things at King."
Parsons was also the backup goalkeeper for the Daytona Rush SC, a USL2 team here in Daytona Beach.
Collin carried a GPA of 3.3 while at Daytona State College. Due to NCAA rules, Parsons was only allowed to play one season at Daytona State. "It was a shame that we only got him for one season," said Sasnett. "It is a real testament to who Collin is as a person. Though he couldn't play his sophomore season, he helped Coach Travis with game day activities and traveled to games to take stats. You normally can't find a kid who is willing to do all of that after being told they can't play. This whole team is going to miss him."
Words from Richie Rose (Head Coach at King University): "King University is very pleased to have Collin Parsons join our men's soccer program. Collin is an outstanding young man and we are excited to assist him in achieving his academic, athletic, personal, and professional goals. Since joining the program, Collin has proved himself as an outstanding goalkeeper. I have been impressed by his technical proficiency and his communication skills to organize the defense. I believe many of Collin's attributes, as a person and student-athlete, have been developed by the exceptional coaching and guidance within the Daytona State men's soccer program. I commend Coach Sasnett and his staff for their leadership and commitment towards their student-athletes."
"I had an excellent experience at Daytona State College," said Parsons. "What I valued most was the coaching staff and players who created a high level, competitive environment that pushed me to be a better player."
The remaining sophomores are still making their final decision on where they will spend their next two years. More commitments coming soon!
"Our main priority here at Daytona State College is to help these guys grow not only as players, but as students and people," says Sasnett. "We want them to succeed at everything they do. We are here to make sure they graduate and move on to continue their academic and athletic careers. It is always exciting to see what they do at the next level."