TJC men soccer players honored by NJCAA
Both men's and women's soccer teams advanced to the National Tournament this fall and both teams had players honored recently by the NJCAA with All-American awards.
The men's team, that finished #2 in the nation had freshman forward from Denmark, Ato Smith Jr. earn first team All-American while teammate Jake Shaked, a sophomore defender from Australia earned 2nd team All-American honors.
Men's NJCAA All-Americans: https://njcaa.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/div1/all-americans/index
Ato Smith Jr
#9-Freshman-Forward-Hoje Taastrup, Denmark-Oerestad Gymnasium
Out of Hoje Taastrup, Denmark. Ato led the team in goals scored with a total of 18 goals in 22 games, landing him 6th in the nation for goals scored and the top goalscoring freshman in the country. The Men's soccer program scored 89 goals on the season, and the teams 4 leading goal scorers were all freshman, which bodes well for TJC net year.
Head Men's coach Steve Clements on Ato Smith Jr.:
"Ato has really gotten better and better with each game. To come in and lead the team in scoring as a freshman is very impressive and exciting to know we'll get to see him back next season. Really proud of how far he's come."
Ato Smith Jr: " I am very appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program. It has been a good season with a lot of memorable moments. I've enjoyed playing and repping the TJC logo. This is not just a regular program, it's a family. "
Jake Shaked
#2-Sophomore-Defender–Mandurah, Australia – Frederick Irwin Anglican School
Out of Mandurah, Australia. Jake has been exceptional on and off the field throughout his two years here, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA, whilst also captaining the team to a National Final. Jake played CB for the Men's soccer program, so was a pivotal part of our excellent defensive record. TJC finished 2nd in the nation for shutouts and only conceded 15 goals on the season. A big part of our success defensively, was down to Jake. Jake also went on to earn the national tournament defensive MVP.
Head Men's coach Steve Clements on Jake Shaked:
"Jake Shaked has been an outstanding defender here for 2 years. He was moved to centerback this season and was just a natural there and played the position so well we couldn't move him back to the outside."
"Jake has been one of the best leaders I've been around in many years. His personality has earned him a ton of respect from players and coaches alike. We'll miss Jake!"
Jake Shaked: "I'm truly grateful for my time here at TJC. It's been a pleasure to put on the shirt every time I've played here and I'm looking forward to seeing the program continue to succeed in the near future."