SMCS Soccer Standout Commits to Stanford University
A star on the field and in the classroom, St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Grade 12 student Tim Fortier will be trading in his blue Azzurri jersey for the Cardinal red of Stanford University this fall.
Fortier has officially committed to the prestigious California-based Division I school and will join a Cardinal soccer programme that routinely contends for NCAA championships, while studying in Stanford’s interdisciplinary human biology programme.
“I chose Stanford because I was looking for a university with world-class academics combined with an excellent soccer programme,” says Fortier. “Since Stanford is a top academic university globally, and their programme is always competing for the national title, I was instantly drawn to it.”
For Fortier, the appeal of Stanford extends far beyond the pitch. The university’s approach to the sciences aligns perfectly with his ambitions.
“From an academic perspective, not only is Stanford’s science programme highly rated globally, it finds creative and fun ways to push their students academically,” he says.
Maintaining excellence in the classroom is nothing new for the future Cardinal. He has been a consistent fixture on the SMCS Honour Roll, maintaining an average of over 90 per cent throughout his high school career.
In addition to his academic and soccer pursuits, Fortier found time to compete in cross country and track and field, following in the footsteps of his father, Michael ’93.
“Every once in a while, a player comes along that is just a ‘stand-out’— Tim’s the type of player you trust anywhere on the field,” says Marco Frattarelli, teacher and Sr. Soccer coach. “You give him free reign because he knows what to do with it. Better than that, he’s a true team player. Always supportive. Always humble. We’ll miss him on the SMCS field.”
Fortier was recognized for his contributions as a student-athlete at SMCS and internationally with the Athlete of the Year award at the school’s year-end banquet in May 2026.
“SMCS has provided me with a strong foundation, demonstrating the importance of discipline and time management, both in school and when I am on the road,” says Fortier. “This has been incredibly important during my training camps away from school and has helped me maintain a strong academic average.
“The support of the teachers, administrators, and staff, and of my classmates, was important in achieving whatever success I’ve had and may have in the future. My busy schedule meant I was out of the country frequently, competing for TFC II or the Canadian National Team, and the teachers were always interested in what I was doing while still holding me to the St. Mike’s academic standards. That truly meant a lot to me.”
Soccer has been a defining feature of the centre midfielder’s life for as long as he can remember, sparked by a competitive backyard rivalry with his brother, Kristjan ’24. That passion instilled in him early on drove him to excel at the highest levels of competitive youth soccer. His international resume is extensive: he represented Canada at the CONCACAF tournament with the U15 National Team and competed at the U17 World Cup, making history as part of the furthest-advancing Canadian youth squad ever while earning Man of the Match honours against France.
Currently, Fortier plays for the U20 national team as they look to qualify for the Olympic Games and the upcoming U20 World Cup. He was recently called up to a Senior Men’s National Team training camp in Charlotte, North Carolina, to help the squad prepare for World Cup action.
In addition to his elite international competition schedule, Fortier found a true home playing three seasons with the SMCS senior soccer team, leading them to their first-ever senior CISAA championships in 2023.
“My experience playing for St. Mike’s was incredible,” notes Fortier. “With great coaches and teammates, there was a fantastic team culture that you just don’t see in many other places. Playing the game I love with my friends was awesome, and it allowed me to connect with different grades across our school community.”
Related links: