The Zotheka Scholarship Award
Established in 2023, The Zotheka Scholarship Award, supports an ASA Boy’s Academy student-athlete who has demonstrated the resilience, determination and commitment needed to succeed in college, but may face financial barriers to pursuing those opportunities.
Each spring, the scholarship is awarded to a high school senior at the Boys Academy level who has been accepted to a two- or four-year college as either a student-athlete or student. Collegiate athletics participation is not required.
Award amounts are tailored to the student's financial need and family circumstances, with support ranging up to full tuition coverage. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to remain eligible throughout college.
While financial support is an important component, mentorship is at the heart of the program. Each recipient is paired with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance throughout the college journey and beyond – offering support through academic and personal challenges while helping open doors through meaningful connections and opportunities.
2026 Scholarship
Brayden Zavala is from Alexandria, VA and was recruited to play D1 Soccer at Canisius University in Buffalo, NY. In addition to his stellar grades and work ethic, Brayden is an example of maturity and character. He applied for the 2025 scholarship but his teammate Osman, was chosen as the awardee that year. award reception for Osman. The setback in 2025 did not deter him from applying again in 2026. With his 3.9 GPA and commitment to play soccer at Canisius, his application underscored his resilience, maturity and determination. Character is what you choose to do when no-one is watching, but we were watching, and we are so thrilled to award him the 2026 Zotheka Scholarship and welcome him to the family.
2025 Scholarship
2025 Zotheka Scholarship recipient, Osman Sow is a long time ASA participant, having played in almost every soccer and futsal program over the years, in addition to working tirelessly as a summer camp counselor and coach. The experience he gained on and off the field over the years has helped prepare him to take on the next adventure. He is a leader who embodies resilience, strong character and commitment even under challenging circumstances. He graduated from Hayfield High School with a 3.9 GPA and just completed his freshman year at Virginia Commonwealth University where he plays on the men's club soccer team. Osman is a truly humble young man who comes alive on the soccer field. His passion for the game, relentless work ethic, and selfless attitude made him not only an exceptional player, but also a valuable teammate and person. The Zotheka Foundation was very impressed with his goal to become an engineer and his passion to use his vocation to give back to his country of origin Sierra Leone.
2024 Scholarships
At halftime of the Alexandria Reds match on June 16, 2024, ASA honored the 2024 Zotheka Scholarship Award recipients, Elvert Nunez and Noel Mesfin. Elvert Nunez, the primary recipient, impressed the selection committee with his leadership and work ethic. He will attend James Madison University. Runner-up Noel Mesfin, praised for his drive and humility, is headed to Virginia Commonwealth University. Both were recognized in a ceremony by ASA staff and members of the scholarship selection committee. To read more about last year’s recipients, click the article below.
2023 Scholarship
2023 Zotheka Scholarship recipient, Jarbin Rodriguez, spent a year at Northern Virginia Community College, achieving good grades, while also coaching at ASA. The foundation is proud to announce that he will be attending Shenandoah University to play soccer this fall where they will continue to support his journey. Autumn VandeHei, Jarbin’s mentor, has been “inspired by his willingness to learn and grow as a young man, as a scholar, as a player, and as an example to those coming up behind him.”
Recipient Updates
Checking in with Noel:
“I’ve been really enjoying my time in the VCU Cybersecurity program, where I’m building a strong foundation in security principles and learning hands-on skills that will help me in my career. Outside of academics, I’ve been actively involved in clubs like Developing Men of Color (DMC), which has been incredibly helpful in my internship search by providing mentorship and networking opportunities. I’m also part of VCU club soccer, which has helped me build great friendships and connections on campus.
Last semester went really well—I feel like I’m growing both academically and personally, taking full advantage of the opportunities at VCU to further my education and career. The support from Zotheka has been instrumental in allowing me to focus on my studies, develop professionally, and make the most of my college experience, and for that, I am truly grateful. Looking ahead, I’m excited to secure a internship In tech where I can apply my skills to real-world challenges.”
Checking in with Elvert:
“The transition to college has been one of the hardest things that I’ve gone through in my life, but with the help of the people I have met here at JMU I have found it to be easy to get adjusted to adulthood and time has passed by in a blink of an eye. Although challenging at first, I learned that taking college day by day and being grateful for being in the position I am in would be very beneficial to my progress in maturing as a person. I found my people early on by joining the JMU Men’s Club team where I matured even more as a soccer player, playing with older guys. I challenged myself as a soccer player where I eventually gained my love and confidence for soccer again and even earned myself a consistent starting spot for the team. By taking on this challenge with the JMU club team I have found myself opening more opportunities for myself and have been given the chance to join a local Harrisonburg UPSL team: Blue Ridge FC.
As I continue to work hard in the classroom and on the field, I am excited to balance my life for the rest of the school year and take on the challenges of my day-to-day journey of becoming a better person, student, and soccer player.
I look forward to taking on the challenges this spring brings and hopefully taking on new opportunities in the near future. For now, I continue to be grateful for the opportunities I have been given by Zotheka and JMU and work to become a better person each day.”
Checking in with Jarbin:
“Everything is going well, and I’ve really enjoyed settling into my new environment at Shenandoah University. I’ve adjusted well to college life and have been embracing both the academic and athletic aspects of this new journey.
I am eager to challenge myself even more, seek out new opportunities, and continue to grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and am grateful for the guidance that Mrs. Vandehei has provided to help me get to where I am today.”
Checking in with Osman:
"My transition from high school to college was a big change for me. No more parents waking me up for school. But I’ve settled in now a bit. Overall, I’ve really been enjoying my experience here at VCU and the opportunities it has provided me so far. Outside of academics, I’ve been actively involved on campus, which has helped build connections. Being part of the VCU club soccer team helped me a lot where I’ve met a lot of new guys who enjoy the same sport as me.
I am also a part of NSBE which has been a valuable experience both professionally and personally. In addition my involvement in Developing Men of Color has helped me gain access to professional development which helped me feel more confident and prepared for the future. Also will forever be thankful for the opportunity given by Zotheka helping me progress through my college career .These experiences have helped me grow, as I continue working towards my goals."