Local student finds success in the virtual classroom and on the pitch

(COLUMBUS, OH) -- Since the age of three Phoenix Wooten has loved playing soccer. Growing up in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, he followed his passion for the game and was talented enough to earn spots on out-of-state club and academy teams for several years. In 2022, he tried out and was invited to join the Columbus Crew Academy where he currently plays on the United Premier Soccer League team.

To participate in the Crew Academy program, Phoenix had to relocate to central Ohio and live with a host family in Delaware County where he enrolled in the local high school. Unfortunately, Phoenix quickly realized the rigid schedule of a traditional brick and mortar high school did not fit his early morning practice schedule and the travel to weekend matches.

“Staying caught up in a traditional brick and mortar school was very difficult and I had to miss many of my classes,” he said. “It was a real struggle for me.”

According to Phoenix, the coaches and staff at the Crew Academy recommended the players consider attending an online school where they would have better schedule flexibility when they attend school or work on their assignments.

Phoenix, a junior, and several of his teammates enrolled in Ohio Connections Academy for the second semester of the 2022-23 academic year. He said he was a little hesitant at first even though he worked remotely when schools closed during the pandemic. He also knew the curriculum and learning environment would be significantly different.

“When I first started at OCA, things were a little tough and I had to get used to the platform,” he said. “It was helpful to have other kids to work with and the teachers were super helpful and responsive any time I needed help.”

Phoenix added that attending Ohio Connections Academy and working through a curriculum that was designed for an online platform is a lot different than the remote learning he experienced in 2020. He said Connections Academy is built specifically for the online student and all the learning materials and resources are readily available and the teachers are easy to reach.

Because of his unique schedule needs, he appreciates the flexibility that Ohio Connections Academy provides and the support he receives from his school counselor, Jessica Eitner, and his teachers. And while they might be understanding of his schedule challenges with his training and travel, he knows he needs to be accountable for his schoolwork.

“My biggest recommendation for anyone considering attending Ohio Connections Academy is don’t get behind. The curriculum is as challenging as a regular school and it’s very hard to catch up,” he said.

Looking beyond his high school graduation in June, it’s clear Phoenix’s hard work in the classroom and on the soccer pitch has paid off. He was recently accepted to attend Harvard University in the fall and to play soccer for the Crimson. And when asked about his plans after college . . . “hopefully play professional soccer,” he said. “I would love to come back and play for the Crew.”

Phoenix said he plans to study economics at Harvard, so when the time comes to hang up the soccer shoes, he may pursue a career in banking or investing, or perhaps an agent representing professional soccer players.

Ohio Connections Academy is celebrating 20 years of engaging students and helping them to find a path to academic and personal growth.