Jacob Sayle
NCAA Division II – St. Mary’s University
Texas
From: Newington College Stanmore / Sydney NSW
Athletic Scholarship – NCAA Division II (Lone Star Conference)
The Journey
Jacob Sayle is one of Upper 90 College’s standout goalkeeper placements – a Sydney-born shot-stopper from Newington College Stanmore who earned a full scholarship to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and became a celebrated performer in the Lone Star Conference of NCAA Division II. Growing up in Sydney, NSW, Jacob was identified by Upper 90 College as a technically gifted goalkeeper with the potential to thrive in the competitive LSC environment. His placement at St. Mary’s University, one of San Antonio’s most respected academic and athletic institutions, launched a decorated college career. Jacob quickly became a fan favourite at St. Mary’s, earning the @pizzapatron Player of the Game award on multiple occasions for his clean sheet performances. In the 2019 season, he was named LSC Goalkeeper of the Week (twice) after keeping clean sheets in crucial conference victories, including a pivotal 2-0 win over No. 8 MSU Texas. His economics major and consistent academic performance also reflected the full student-athlete experience that Upper 90 champions. The Newington College Old Boys network celebrated Jacob’s achievements, and his success at St. Mary’s became an inspiration for future generations of Australian footballers looking to combine elite academics with US college soccer.
Challenges Overcome
Transitioning from Sydney’s school football to the physical demands of the LSC in Division II Texas required rapid development. Keeping clean sheets against ranked opponents in his sophomore season confirmed Jacob had the mentality and technique to compete at the highest junior level.
Achievements
2x LSC Goalkeeper of the Week (2019). Clean sheet vs. No. 8 MSU Texas (2-0 win). Pizza Patron Player of the Game (multiple). Economist major at St. Mary’s. Celebrated by Newington College Old Boys. Upper 90 College alumni.
"San Antonio and St. Mary’s were everything I hoped for. Being recognised by the LSC confirmed that the Upper 90 pathway works."
— Jacob Sayle
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