STORM FC AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO TWO LHS GRADS

The local youth soccer club announced Leah Smith and Kees Ciric as winners of Senior Graduating Scholarship for 2021

FROM STORM FC: (Edited for publication by Chuck Gibson) 

LOVELAND, OH (August 3, 2021) – The STORM FC organization announced in July the awarding of the Senior Graduating Scholarships for 2021 went to Leah Smith and Kees Ciric. 

The STORM FC Senior Graduating Scholarships for 2021 were awarded to Loveland High School Class of 2021 graduates Leah Smith and Kees Ciric. Each received a $500 scholarship after being chosen as winners from many applicants for the annual scholarship award.

Each spring, the Loveland Youth Soccer Association/Storm FC awards $500 scholarships to a graduating female and male student who either played soccer or served as a soccer referee in one of LYSAs programs. All applicants  submit an essay about how being involved with youth soccer influenced their lives.

Leah played soccer with LYSA as young girl and again when she was in Middle School. She also had the opportunity play on the LHS JV team. More recently, Leah turned in her soccer shoes for a referee’s whistle.  Early mornings last fall found her on the field helping younger players find the same enjoyment in soccer she had. Most Saturday mornings found her on the field refereeing the young teams. Leah will be attending The Ohio State University this fall.  She hopes to work with children and use soccer as a means to connect. Leah noted in her essay:   “…. soccer is the language we all understand and the beautiful game provides us with a way to form connections and community.”

Kees began playing soccer with LYSA when he was four years old. He recalls scoring the winning goal in a regional game leading to his team’s participation in the state tournament when he was eight. Kees moved on to club soccer to develop the skills we witnessed as he helped lead LHS to an ECC championships in 2019 and 2020. Kees was chosen as captain of the 2020 LHS team and earned ECC Player of the Year and a 1^st Team All-Conference Player in 2020. Kees will  continue playing soccer at Wittenberg University this fall. Kees noted: “the fundamentals and passion for soccer that I learned as a LYSA player have helped me through my many years of club soccer and in recent years as a referee for many Loveland Storm games.”

STORM FC and the Loveland Youth Soccer Association (LYSA)  congratulation Leah and Kees and with them the best as they move on to college this fall. We are proud to have them as alumni of the Loveland Youth Soccer Association!