SFCC Soccer Players Announce College Choices

Four key State Fair Community College Roadrunner soccer student-athletes have decided where they will continue their academic and athletic careers next fall.

Sophomore forward Mako Makoanyane and freshman forward Lesia Thetsane both earned scholarships to Columbia College. Sophomore defender Jacob Bolger will continue at Rockhurst University, and sophomore forward Aaron La Paz will attend William Jewell College. These students helped the program to an 8-10-1 record last season. The eight wins doubled the win total from the previous year.

Makoanyane earned first-team All-Region 16 as a freshman and is a two-time first-team Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) recipient. He scored a team-high 10 goals as a sophomore and led the team in points with 24 and shots on goal with 21. He played in 18 games as a sophomore, starting in 17. As a freshman he played in 10 games, starting in nine and scoring one goal on 10 shots.

“Mako was one of our most dangerous attackers,” said head coach Jaime Beltran. “He is quick and a goal-scoring threat anytime he gets the ball. I know he will be successful at Columbia College.”

Thetsane was named first-team All-Region 16 as a freshman and first-team all-conference. Thetsane started in 18 games for SFCC last season. He scored three goals, dished out a team-high eight assists and led the team in shots with 36.

“Lesia was a key player on our team last fall,” said Beltran. “He was one of our best forwards when he played up front, and our best midfielder. He was the key defender when we needed to shut down one side of field. He will do well at Columbia College.”

Bolger earned second-team MCCAC honors twice during his career at SFCC. He played in 18 games, starting in 17 as a sophomore. He recorded one shot while serving as a key defender. As a freshman, he played in 11 games, starting in 10 in the midfield.

“It took Jacob a little while to get going and earn a starting spot, but once he got it, he kept it,” said Beltran. “His dedication and attention to detail will take him far both on and off the field.”

La Paz started in 18 games last season. He scored six goals, dished out four assists and registered 28 shots, with 16 on goal. He contributed one game-winning goal.

“Aaron is an experienced leader and a versatile player who contributed to our team’s success as a defender, a midfielder and a forward at various times last season,” said Beltran.

David Rohrbach, SFCC Athletics

In the photos: SFCC’s sophomore forward Mako Makoanyane and freshman forward Lesia Thetsane have earned scholarships to play soccer at Columbia College next fall.

SFCC’s sophomore defender Jacob Bolger will play soccer at Rockhurst University next fall.

SFCC’s sophomore forward Aaron La Paz will play soccer at William Jewell College next fall.