Saint Mary's School & NC Courage Academy Partnership

The NC Courage Academy – the premier girls soccer Academy in the Greater Triangle area – offers a fully integrated player development pathway from the U11-Pre-Academy teams to the U23 team and culminating with the first team in the NWSL. For years, the program has produced individual top tier players that have played on their respective youth national teams, committed to play at top tier colleges and universities, and been drafted into the professional ranks. Additionally, teams have earned success on the pitch in ECNL league play, showcase events, and post-season play, earning a top 25 ECNL (#19 in the country; #1 in NC) club ranking for the 2023-2024 season. The program’s U23 USL W-League team, made up of some current NC Courage Academy players, alum, as well as other college student-athletes, were the 2024 USL W-League National Champions. 

Up until now, local players or those willing to make the drive for a 10-month season that requires 4 training sessions per week, plus games, and events throughout the region or country had access to tryout or be invited into the Academy. Now, with a new partnership with Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC, high performing soccer players (grades 9-12) from across the country can apply for a unique opportunity to be part of the boarding school program at Saint Mary’s, receive their schooling there, and then also be part of the NC Courage Academy. 

Saint Mary’s School is an independent, Episcopal, college preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for girls in grades 9-12. The boarding school option provides players from any part of the country the opportunity to come to Raleigh and develop alongside other highly competitive and likeminded players, benefit from the best coaching in the country, and receive one of the finest educations you can receive in the country. Saint Mary’s has a 100% acceptance of its students into higher education institutions, and this is cultivated through a rigorous curriculum, AP and Dual Enrollment Course offerings, Honors and College Preparatory Courses, Leadership training, and a dedicated team of college counselors who work closely with all students. They also offer a Residential Life Program that creates a well-rounded experience for boarding students – including access to 24/7 security, healthcare, mental health support, clubs, college visits, and more. 

While this collaboration is opening the opportunity for Academy level players, this does not exclude any other female competitive player the opportunity to play for NCFC Youth through another competitive program (Girls ECNL – National League, Girls ECNL – Regional League, Girls Classic) while also attending Saint Mary’s School. 

Players interested in this joint opportunity with NC Courage Academy and Saint Mary’s School should reach out to NC Courage Academy Director  David Maddren at David.Maddren@NCFCYouth.com or fill out the form below.

While Saint Mary’s School has a posted application deadline of December 6th for the next Fall 2025 academic year, they can accept players/students on a rolling basis through the late spring if the person/player is a good fit for both NC Courage and Saint Mary’s School. Any player would also be required to submit the full school application. Students can qualify for Financial Aid and/or specific scholarships throughout the application process with the admission team.  For more information about the admissions process at Saint Mary's School, please contact Thomas McGlinn at tmcglinn@sms.edu