American Hebrew Academy Student Matt Richman of Charlotte Named to All-Conference Soccer Team

GREENSBORO, NC (01/27/2011)(readMedia)-- The American Hebrew Academy is proud to announce that sophomore Matt Richman of Charlotte, North Carolina was recently named to the Triad Athletic Conference's All-Conference Soccer Team. This honor ranks Matt among the area's elite soccer players for the 2010-2011 school year.

Matt was recognized along with the rest of the All-Conference Team in front of a crowd of 800+ following the Triad Athletic Conference Championship Game played between Caldwell and Westchester High Schools. The game was hosted by the Academy, America's only Jewish pluralistic college-prep boarding school.

Academy Soccer Coach Mike Johnston raved about Matt's contributions to the squad this year. "Matt is a tenacious on-the-ball defender, is capable of lifting all those around him and has a very keen tactical knowledge," Johnston remarked. "He kept us in many games and provided the offensive spark we needed when we moved him to the central midfield position. He is deadly accurate on free kicks and is an emotional leader for us."

Matt represented the Academy well, amassing 6 goals and 3 assists in the 8 regular season games for which he was healthy, manning the Center Back position. While Matt enjoyed offensive success this season, he also knows that there is more to the game. "For me, the game of soccer is more of a defensive game. It's about how difficult you can make it for the opposing team to score," Matt explained. "Stopping numerous goal-scoring opportunities was my life this year in soccer."

But like many young players, Matt mostly enjoys the camaraderie that he shares with his teammates. "My favorite thing about this year's soccer season was probably practicing and playing with all the soccer guys. They're the best and I hope they feel that I supported them as much as they supported me during this season." Matt will be sorely missed by his coach and teammates next season, as Academy juniors spend their fall trimester on a high school study abroad program in Israel.

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About the American Hebrew Academy

The American Hebrew Academy, America's premier Jewish pluralistic college prep boarding school serves students from 28 states and 13 countries. The state-of-the-art environment fosters academic achievement and strengthens Jewish identity in a residential setting for motivated and high achieving students in grades nine through twelve. The dual curriculum, along with the aquatics center and sports complex, provides a holistic educational experience-nurturing mind, body, and soul. An internationally acclaimed faculty challenges students to excel in a rigorous program that includes Advanced Placement and Jewish studies courses. At the Academy, values and leadership skills are enriched by the culture, customs, and history of the Jewish people. Students graduate thoroughly prepared for college and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.americanhebrewacademy.org.