Bridging Aussie and American Soccer: Coach Scott Murray’s Inspiring Visit
Upper 90 College Founder John Stevanja (Center) with Coach Scott Murray of West Texas FC (Left) & Head of Football for Westfield’s Sports High School Kory Babington on a recent school visit.
Australian coach Scott Murray recently paid a visit back home, and it was a special one! Scott has spent the last 10 years in the USA college soccer system as both a player and coach, carving out a successful career abroad. Now, he’s taken on a new role as Head Coach at West Texas FC (a top team in the NPSL, soon heading into USL League Two). During his visit, Scott connected with the next generation of Aussie talent and shared insights from his journey in U.S. soccer.
Upper 90 College Connects Worlds 🌏⚽️
Upper 90 College was thrilled to facilitate Scott’s visit and help bridge the gap between Aussie and American soccer. We kicked off the day at Macarthur FC’s NPL 1st Grade training, where Scott got to observe a high-intensity session with one of Sydney’s elite development squads. Post-training, he even caught up with Nicolai Müller (former Bundesliga star and current Macarthur Academy coach) for a chat about player development and the similarities between Australian and American pathways. Next, we headed over to Westfield Sports High School to meet with Kory Babington, the school’s Head of Football. Scott toured the campus, a school famous for producing world-class players, and then joined an observation session with the younger age groups. 🙌 It’s not every day that budding players get to have a U.S. college coach watching their training! The excitement and energy were palpable, and it highlighted how 15+ years of relationships built by Upper 90 College can create awesome opportunities. These long-term connections mean our Aussie student-athletes gain world-class academic and playing experiences – from training with A-League academy players at home to securing scholarships in the U.S. college system.
From Aussie Universities to West Texas FC 🏅✈️
GMAC Goalkeeper of the Year Keegan Grant in goal for Findlay University (NCAA D2)
One of the coolest parts of Scott’s visit was celebrating how our Aussie clients are making waves overseas. A few of Upper 90 College’s Australian student-athletes will be joining Scott in Texas this summer. For instance, Keegan Grant (University of Findlay, NCAA D2) and Ryan Mrvcic (Mercyhurst University, NCAA D1) are set to play for West Texas FC during the upcoming NPSL season. Both are fresh off fantastic college seasons – Keegan was a conference Goalkeeper of the Year, and Ryan helped Mercyhurst clinch a conference title in their first NCAA Division I season. 🎉 Now, they’ll spend their university offseason in a top-tier summer league, developing under an Aussie coach abroad. It’s a great example of the pathway for international players: study at a U.S. college, play high-level college soccer, then sharpen your skills in competitive summer leagues. Scott’s new role at West Texas FC (the club just won a conference championship and has big ambitions moving up to USL2) means our players will get exposure to an even higher level of the game. They’ll train and compete with elite college players and aspiring pros from around the world, all while representing an Aussie connection in Texas. How good is that?!
NEC Champion, Ryan Mrvcic on the ball against Pitt with his Mercyhurst team mates.
These summer semi-professional leagues are a game-changer for student-athletes. They allow college players to stay sharp and match-fit when the NCAA season is on break, and they attract scouts and coaches from higher levels. Competing in leagues such as USL League Two (USL2) and the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) on the men’s side, or the USL W League and WPSL on the women’s side, means playing against quality opposition all summer long. The benefits are huge: players improve by facing top competition, showcase their talent to pro clubs, and experience different playing styles and environments. For our Upper 90 College clients, being involved in these leagues is often the next step in their development – a stepping stone toward professional opportunities while maintaining their college eligibility. It’s all about year-round growth: college season in the fall, training in the spring, and high-level matches in the summer. 🔁⚽
Growing Opportunities Ahead of the 2026 World Cup 🚀🌟
Soccer in the USA is booming, and it’s an exciting time for international players to get involved. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), there’s a surge of energy and investment in the sport. 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 We’re seeing new clubs popping up, existing leagues expanding, and a greater focus on developing talent. For Australian players (and other internationals), this means more opportunities than ever – more scholarships, more teams to join, and larger audiences watching the game. Scott Murray’s journey is a perfect example of this growth: he went from being a college player, to coaching in the U.S., and now leading a team that’s on the rise. Upper 90 College has been ahead of the curve for years, building that bridge for Aussie talent to cross the Pacific and thrive. Our relationships with coaches, schools, and clubs across the US (and here at home) ensure that when a big opportunity comes knocking, our student-athletes are ready to seize it. 🌎✈️
Upper 90 College is proud to continue providing a pathway for student-athletes to pursue their dreams in the USA college soccer system. Whether it’s securing a spot at an NCAA Division I program, gaining a quality education, or playing in front of passionate crowds in a summer league, we’re here for it all. The journey of people like Scott Murray – and the success of players like Keegan and Ryan – show what’s possible when talent meets opportunity and the right support network.
Capturing the Best of Both Worlds: This recent visit was engaging, insightful, and truly showcased the power of international collaboration in soccer. From Sydney’s training pitches to Texas’s stadiums, the message is clear – the soccer world is more connected than ever. 🌐 If you’re a young Aussie (or any international) student-athlete considering your next steps, take heart in knowing there’s a vibrant road ahead in the USA college soccer scene. With major events like the World Cup on the horizon and leagues like USL2, NPSL, USL W, and WPSL offering competitive platforms, the sky’s the limit.
Engaging with coaches like Scott, learning from different cultures, and testing yourself at higher levels can be life-changing. Upper 90 College is excited to keep opening these doors for our players. Here’s to more success stories and unforgettable experiences on the horizon for our clients! 🎓⚽🔥
Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more about these pathways or have ambitions of playing college soccer in the USA. The opportunity is out there – and we’re here to help you grab it! 🙏👟📚
