Thomas Allen
NJCAA – USC Sumter
South Carolina
From: Australia (via SEDA Group partners)
Athletic Scholarship – NJCAA Division I
The Journey
Thomas Allen is one of Upper 90 College's most versatile and consistently performing NJCAA alumni – an Australian left back/left wing who completed two outstanding seasons at USC Sumter (the Fireants) in South Carolina, becoming one of the program's most important attacking contributors in NJCAA Region 10. Thomas originally studied through Upper 90 College's academic partner SEDA Group before being placed at USC Sumter – a competitive NJCAA D1 program in the NJCAA Region 10. Standing at 5'11" and weighing 175 pounds, Thomas brought the technical quality, athleticism and attacking instinct of an Australian-developed footballer to the South Carolina programme. In his standout season (2023/24), Thomas appeared in 16 matches, starting 14, and recorded 3 goals and 3 assists for 9 points – including a penalty goal – across the season. Key victories included a 4-0 win over USC Salkehatchie and a 1-0 result over Spartanburg Methodist, with Thomas as a key contributor in USC Sumter's NJCAA Region 10 campaign. He maintained a 3.5 GPA across his USC Sumter career, earning recognition for academic excellence alongside his on-field contributions. Thomas's two-season journey at USC Sumter is one of Upper 90 College's most celebrated NJCAA outcomes – an athlete who arrived, delivered from game one, and left having made a lasting impression on the Fireants program.
Challenges Overcome
Competing as an Australian in the physical NJCAA Region 10 South Carolina environment required immediate adaptation. Delivering 3 goals and 3 assists across 16 appearances in his final season confirmed Thomas as one of the Fireants' most impactful attacking players.
Achievements
3 goals and 3 assists (9 points) in 16 appearances for USC Sumter (2023/24). Penalty goal vs Southwest Virginia (August 17, 2023). Key contributor to 4-0 win over USC Salkehatchie and 1-0 wins over Spartanburg Methodist. 3.5 GPA. NJCAA Region 10 regular starter across 2 seasons.
"Upper 90 placed me at USC Sumter and gave me two seasons that changed my life. From Australia to South Carolina was a leap of faith that paid off completely."
— Thomas Allen
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