Chargers Soccer Club Celebrates Freedom Student's College Acceptance

Freedom High School student Drew Corcoan intends to go to college in South Carolina at either Erskine or Wofford.

Wednesday evening, he was celebrated by the Chargers Soccer Club, of which he is a member, for being accepted to both schools.

Every year, the Clearwater-based club sends dozens of area high school students to collegiate programs all across the country.

This year, the ultra-competitive club had 20 players sign letters of intent at the Safety Harbor Spa and Resort.

The kids say the event is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

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The Chargers program has now sent more than 750 players to the college level since 1972, including more than 60 over the last three years.

For the coaches, those stats represent an affirmation they are doing something right.

The U-18 Boys U.S. Soccer Development Academy team is coached by Garth Pollonais, Roberto Lopez, Tim Mulqueen and Peter Goulish. The U18 Clearwater Elite Girls are coached by Siggi Nagele.

"I've been with the club for almost 25 years now and winning is a priority, but it's not the end all," Nagele said. "We try to teach them life skills that are going to help them in the next phase of their careers."

"The Chargers do things the right way," he added. "We're not the biggest, we don't have the most trophies in the trophy case. But we consistently put 20-25 kids in college every year. I think that says a lot."

Here is a list of the area players who signed, including their high school and college they will be attending:

U-18 BOYS:

U-18 GIRLS: