South Brunswick School Alum Makes History With Soccer League Pick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A graduate from South Brunswick High School (SBHS) made history after becoming the first person from the school district to be drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League on Wednesday night.

Sydney Schneider, a 2017 graduate of SBHS was picked by the Washington Spirit, in the league’s annual event held virtually.

Schneider, currently at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW), also created history by becoming the first player from the university to be selected in the draft.

School Superintendent Scott Feder congratulated Schneider on her accomplishment.

“The district is of course so proud of her accomplishment along with her coaches who I know take pride when they see their athletes have success at the next levels,” Feder told Patch.

Schneider’s coach at SBHS, Beth Barrio said she was “excited” for “Sydney and her family.” Barrio, who coached Schneider for four years said she had no doubt about her talent.

“She started on varsity as a freshman and there was no doubt that she was special. Her talent, hard work and passion were well above that of a freshman, and anyone and everyone who watched her play, both throughout Middlesex County and the state of NJ, would agree that she was special,” Barrio told Patch.

Apart from representing UNCW Seahawks, the goalkeeper also plays for the Jamaican women’s national football team. She led Jamaica to a third-place win at the CONCACAF Women's Championship, securing the country's first-ever berth in the FIFA Women's World Cup, said UNCWsports.com, the official website of the Seahawks.

Schneider has a number of awards to her name, including CAA Goalkeeper of the Year 2019.

"She is a tremendous young woman who is a role model for all athletes and particularly female athletes in South Brunswick,” said coach of the SBHS boy’s soccer team, Christopher Hayston.

“She is deserving of this opportunity that I know she has worked very hard for. I wish her the best of luck and the Washington Spirit are lucky to have someone with such outstanding character and ability," he said.

A resident of Dayton, South Brunswick, Schneider was selected 29th overall by the Washington Spirit.

Barrio said Schneider was a “tremendous athlete” and a great team player.

“She always had her teammates best interest at heart and always put the team's success above her own. She had a stellar collegiate career when she left us, and we are looking forward to her continued success on the professional level,” Barrio said.

“We are so proud of her.”

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