The Team
The People Behind Upper 90
We're a small, dedicated team with first-hand experience in the US college soccer world. Our mission is simple — to give Australian athletes the best possible chance of earning a scholarship.
John Stevanja
Founder & Director
John founded Upper 90 College after more than 20 years in elite football, including playing in the National Soccer League (NSL) and trialling in Europe. A goalkeeper coach who has worked across the NPL and A-League environments — including Macarthur FC — John built Upper 90 to ensure Australian players don't miss the life-changing opportunities he almost passed up himself. Since 2010, he has placed hundreds of athletes into US college programs and built one of Australia's most trusted college soccer pathways.
Hans Belle
Managing Director
Hans brings a distinguished executive career spanning aviation, travel technology, and sport. As Managing Director of AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys, he led operations across the APAC region with extensive board and joint venture experience. In football, Hans was instrumental in securing the Central Coast Mariners' strategic partnership with Upper 90 College, and now drives the company's commercial growth and institutional relationships.
Andy Costin
Head of Performance
Andy is an elite sport scientist with experience at the highest levels of professional football. He served as Head of Sport Science & Insights at Ipswich Town FC — contributing to their EFL Championship promotion — and held performance roles at Bristol City FC and Stevenage FC. In the US, Andy was Director of Performance at FC Tulsa in the USL, and is currently Head of Sports Science at Chicago Fire FC. His evidence-based, data-driven approach to athletic development is world-class.
Shauni Cunningham
Sports Psychologist
Shauni is a mental performance consultant specialising in applied sport psychology across elite youth and development environments. She has delivered individual and team-based mental skills coaching at Ipswich Town FC Academy, Bristol City WFC, and the Genesis Tennis Academy in the US. Her practical, athlete-centred approach helps players build confidence, manage pressure, and develop the psychological tools needed to thrive in competition, recruitment, and transition to higher-level programs.
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