Assad Commits to McMaster Soccer
Jonathan Assad, a Grade 12 student-athlete at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS), has committed to attend McMaster University to continue his studies and soccer career.
“It was a very easy decision for me as McMaster has always been my number one choice,” says Assad. “I did consider the option to play in the U.S. and was fortunate to receive a few full scholarship offers from NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) schools, but decided that staying in Canada and attending McMaster was a better fit for me.”
Assad has been playing competitive soccer for the last 14 years, since the age of three. He started his soccer career on right-wing, but as a teenager evolved his skillset to excel as both a striker and a central-midfielder.
“Aside from very solid soccer skills, Jonathan brought a very positive attitude to practices and matches, always encouraging his peers and leading them with a solid example of sportsmanship,” says Gus Escobedo, SMCS faculty, who coached Assad during his time on the school’s junior and senior teams.
Assad arrived at SMCS in Grade 9 and played on the junior team for two years, capping off his experience with a CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association) championship in 2019, before joining the senior team for Grade 11. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s soccer season was cancelled.
“Jonathan is a very versatile player who was dedicated and committed to our team’s success,” says Miko Romano, SMCS faculty and coach of the senior team. “His passion for the game is unquestionable.”
Grade 12 student-athlete, Jonathan Assad played on the St. Michael’s College School Senior Soccer Team during his Grade 11 year.
Even more impressive than Assad’s soccer prowess has been his ability to maintain an Honour Roll academic standing every year at SMCS.
“St. Mike’s prepared me to be a better student by pushing me to achieve more than I expected from myself,” says Assad, who is considering pursuing health sciences, life sciences, or kinesiology at McMaster. “The teachers instilled a sense of never settling for less than excellent throughout my whole time here.”
“As a player, the coaches really believed in my ability to make an impact on our team, and to help find and expose the other team’s weaknesses. I am grateful for my St. Mike’s experience and look forward to playing university soccer next year and winning an OUA (Ontario Universities Athletics) title.”
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