Yesterday was a proud day at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground as we celebrated the class of 2025 from our incredible Atlanta United Academy. Eight talented young men signed their National Letters of Intent, ready to shine at top-tier DI universities. And adding to the excitement, four more Academy products are continuing their journey right here, turning pro with the club!
That’s right! Our Academy continues to be a powerhouse, now sending a grand total of 87 graduates to the highest level of NCAA soccer! Let’s give a massive shout-out to these collegiate-bound stars:
The Class of 2025 Collegiate Commits:
- Dillon Griner (Goalkeeper): From NASA to the University of Kentucky!
- Braden Dunham (Defender): From AFC Lightning to Furman University!
- Shawn Lanza (Defender): Joining the Gamecocks at the University of South Carolina!
- Seamus Streelman (Defender): Headed to Clemson University!
- Ayo Akintobi (Midfielder): Taking his talents to the University of Portland!
- Julian Bretous (Midfielder): Also joining the Pilots at the University of Portland!
- Matthew Dejianne (Forward): Another future Gamecock at the University of South Carolina!
- Stephen Hurlock (Forward): Off to the University of Virginia!
But the pipeline doesn’t stop there! We’re also thrilled to see four players continue their careers professionally right here in the Atlanta United family:
Turning Pro with the Club:
- Ashton Gordon (Forward): The Decatur-native, a Homegrown since January 1st, 2025, already making waves with Atlanta United 2!
- Kaiden Moore (Defender): Signed with ATL UTD 2 in July 2024 and will officially become a Homegrown on January 1st, 2026!
- Santiago Pita (Midfielder): Signed with Atlanta United 2 for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season!
- Arif Kovac (Forward): Also signed with Atlanta United 2 for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season!
Javier Pérez, our Director of Methodology, couldn’t have said it better: “Everyone at Atlanta United and the Academy is incredibly proud of these young men and we’re excited to watch their continued growth at the collegiate and professional levels. Each player has showcased the opportunities and pathways available through our Academy, and we look forward to following their journeys as they take the next steps in their careers.”
This is what it’s all about, Atlanta! Seeing these young talents rise through our ranks and chase their dreams. Let’s give a massive round of applause to the Atlanta United Academy Class of 2025! The future is looking bright in the 404!
Let’s go, Academy! The future is Five Stripes!
