Caldwell Commits to Georgetown University for Soccer
St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) student-athlete Will Caldwell, Grade 12, has committed to Georgetown University, where he will join the Hoyas men’s soccer programme and study international history this fall.
“Georgetown’s academic standards and the high demands they put on their students stood out to me the most,” says Caldwell. “When I first visited, my dad and I were amazed. Everyone is very friendly, and the campus is not large, so being close to everything and everyone is a bonus. Also, the high-level athletic facilities are amazing and definitely a place where you can prosper physically.”
Caldwell, who expects to play as a defender or midfielder, has been part of the Toronto FC Academy since the age of 12, after starting his youth soccer journey with East York SC. At SMCS, Caldwell recently completed his final season playing for the Senior Soccer Team and remained active, participating in other co-curricular activities, including the school’s City Sandwich Patrol initiative.
“Playing SMCS soccer in Grade 12 was one of my most enjoyable experiences at SMCS—to have those experiences with your best friends and classmates is something I will never forget,” explains Caldwell. “To not have to worry about performance or tactics and just enjoy playing is very refreshing. Not to mention, the coaches and staff members who helped were very accommodating. Without them, I would not have been able to do it.”
“Will was an incredibly gifted and skilled player who was also a leader on and off the pitch,” says Noel DiTosto, math teacher and varsity soccer coach. “He motivated his peers and elevated those around him.”
Caldwell is looking ahead to the summer as he prepares for a move to Georgetown, ready to embark on the next chapter of his academic and athletic journey.
“When I came in as a Grade 9 student, it was a step up academically. I wasn’t used to that kind of workload,” he recalls. “At first, I struggled to manage everything, but I have developed many positive habits academically, which will stand me in good stead going into the future. The standards that teachers set for us have helped me push myself to reach my potential and really prepare me for university.”
Caldwell acknowledges that the transition to Georgetown will come with its own challenges, especially balancing a packed soccer schedule with academics.
“There’s a culture of high standards and accountability there,” he explains. “Similar to my St. Mike’s experience, the environment at Georgetown pushes you to be your best every day.”
“The soccer season in the fall is really intense. But if you have a good attitude toward school and surround yourself with the right people, you can make it work,” he says. “You just have to roll up your sleeves and get it done. You also need to take advantage of your environment by connecting and collaborating with new people.”
As he wraps up his time at SMCS and prepares to graduate, Caldwell is grateful for his experience at SMCS and is eager to embark on the next chapter.
“St. Mike’s has played a big role in getting me to this point. It’s helped me develop as a student-athlete and as a person,” he says. “Now I’m just excited to get started.”
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