Student Spotlight: Soloman Younger '26

The hard work paid off. Shortly after returning home, Solomon received an offer to join Select Generation’s team in Bournemouth, England after graduation this May. The opportunity includes both high-level training and enrollment at Bournemouth University, blending academics with his passion for the sport. While the idea of moving so far from family felt daunting at first, Solomon now looks ahead with excitement. “It’s a completely new start,” he reflected, “but the chance to be pushed every day and to grow is what excites me most.”

Soccer has been a defining thread in Solomon’s life. After trying nearly every sport as a child, the game stuck - thanks in part to encouragement from Maryland United and ICS coaches. He credits mentors like Coach Noreiga, who helped him believe in his abilities, and teammates such as Sebastian, whose success inspired him to push further.

Even setbacks have fueled his growth. “Losing games has shaped me more than winning,” Solomon explained. “It motivates me to work on weaknesses until I get it right.”

Now in his fourth year at ICS, Solomon sees the school as more than a campus. The soccer field feels like a second home - rain, sun, or even snow. As he prepares to step onto an international stage, he carries with him both the skills and the resilience shaped here.