Simon Kalinauskas
D1 → D3 – West Virginia University → Amherst College
Massachusetts
From: Sydney City Hakoah / Apia Leichhardt Tigers
NCAA Division III – Merit-Based Financial Aid
The Journey
Simon Kalinauskas's journey to a 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship is one of the most remarkable transformation stories in Upper 90 College history — a tale of perseverance, reinvention, and ultimately glory at the highest level of D3 soccer in America. Growing up in Sydney, Simon developed across multiple elite clubs including Sydney City Hakoah, St. George Saints, Blacktown Spartans, and Apia Leichhardt Tigers, building a profile as a commanding, technically sound defender. In 2019 he was part of the NSW Combined High Schools U19 State Championship-winning side — an outstanding individual achievement. It was Upper 90 College founder John Stevanja who first placed Simon into the US college system at West Virginia University (NCAA Division I) in 2021, where he enrolled as a Mountaineer. Though he did not break into the first team in Morgantown, that D1 placement was the springboard for everything that followed. Rather than accept a passive role, Simon made the bold decision to transfer to Amherst College in Massachusetts — one of the nation's most prestigious liberal arts institutions — where he could compete, grow, and contribute at the highest level his talent allowed. The move proved transformational. In his first full season at Amherst (2022), Simon started 19 games, scored one goal and added four assists. In 2023 he elevated further — starting all 22 games, scoring five goals including three game-winners, and earning CSC Academic All-District and NESCAC All-Academic honours, confirming his status as both elite athlete and scholar. Then came 2024. Simon delivered one of the signature moments of the entire NCAA Division III tournament, scoring the overtime winner in the Elite Eight to send Amherst College through to the national final stages — a goal that will be replayed in Division III soccer highlight reels for years to come. Amherst went on to clinch the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer National Championship, capping Simon's college career with the ultimate team prize and completing a journey from a D1 bench in West Virginia to the summit of D3 soccer. His story is proof that the right division matters more than the biggest division — and that the right guidance at the start can carry a player all the way to a national championship.
Challenges Overcome
Simon's path required extraordinary resilience. Beginning at West Virginia (NCAA Division I) without breaking into the first team could have derailed many players. Instead, he identified Amherst College as the perfect environment, navigated the transfer process, and rebuilt himself as a key player and team leader. Competing at an elite liberal arts institution meant balancing the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum with the physical demands of national-level college soccer – a challenge Simon met with distinction, earning Academic All-District recognition.
Achievements
2024 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer National Champion with Amherst College – scored the decisive penalty in the championship shootout. CSC Academic All-District (2023). NESCAC All-Academic (2023). 5 goals and 4 assists in the 2023 regular season, including 3 game-winning goals. NSW Combined High Schools U19 State Champion (2019). Part of Upper 90's remarkable run of three consecutive Australian National Champions from 2023–2025.
"John was pivotal in helping me get to Division 1 Soccer in America. I could not have done this without his significant guidance and expertise."
— Simon Kalinauskas, Amherst College
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