Let's Just Say He Put His Best Foot Forward

When this little boy was growing up, I'd frequently have to call him back to the table or remind him to pick up a book. And I was always asking him not to kick around things that weren't really meant to be kicked. The refrain was, "Paddy, you can't kick your way into college." 

He'd smile and wink and his eyes would  twinkle, Oh yes I can.

And he did.

After carefully considering colleges from all over the country, after visiting nearly every school in the ACC, after thinking hard about the Ivy League possibilities, Patrick made a decision.

And since I'm his mom and I rarely get to write sports press releases, (and I actually get to scoop ESPN today), I'm going to offer you the press release, with some links they're not likely to include;-).

Patrick Foss, ranked #16 in the country on ESPN's list of Top 150 Recruits for 2013 has committed today to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.  Patrick is a homeschooled junior who plans to graduate high school in December of 2012 and begin his studies at UVa in January 2013. His soccer career thus far has been quite a journey.

He could kick a soccer ball before he was really walking. He'd hold onto the couch and give it a go. He begged his way onto Christian's team when he was really too young to play and he's made a mark ever since.

Patrick spent his sophomore year in Bradenton, Florida as a fulltime member of the US U-17 National Team Residency Program. He ranked top in his class academically.

He is currently a member of the DC United Youth Academy and has played exceptionally well on the Reserve Team. While at DC United, his side won the SUM Cup in 2010. When he traveled with the U-17 squad to to the 2011 AEGON/AJax Future Cup in Amsterdam, he was the Golden Boot Winner (the player who scored the most goals in the tournament).

He was a member of the Virginia Olympic Development Team from 2005-2009 and was selected captain of the side in 2009.

As a homeschooled freshman playing for Leesburg Christian Academy, he led the Lions to a Virginia State Championship and was named ODACS State MVP.

He played for the Herndon Real Juniors from 2003-2010, captaining the team to the Number 1 youth soccer ranking in the United States. The Juniors captured an unprecedented 5 National Capital Soccer league Division 1 titles and won the State Cup in 2009.

Don't ever tell Paddy he can't. 

Oh yes he can.

We're  ever so pleased to see him embrace the opportunity the next chapter presents. He's made a wise decision and we couldn't be happier for him.