Philadelphia Union Academy defender commits to Providence

Philadelphia Union Academy defender Ramzi Qawasmy will be heading to Rhode Island next fall to begin his college soccer career in the Big East with Providence College.

The 17-year-old from Lansdale, who joined the Philadelphia Union U19s from Continental FC over the summer, chose Providence over Drexel, Bucknell and Saint Francis.

“It was a really tough choice,” Qawasmy said. “I started my search on day one of my junior year and I’m happy that I’ve finally found the best place for me.”

He said academics and the level of play both impressed him but that the team itself was what ultimately sold him.

“While the level of play was important to me, it was the fact the soccer team just seemed as if they were one big family that stood out the most,” he said. “Coming from an environment like YSC where I go to school with all of my teammates, I was really drawn to that.”

One of those classmates at YSC Academy will be joining him at Providence in Continental FC defender Raimondo Partito, who committed to the program in September.

Qawasmy has the distinction of being the first player already enrolled at YSC Academy to join the Philadelphia Union Academy. He’s made five starts on the back line this season, combining with center back Ben Ofeimu in the U19 defense.

The Friars had a disappointing 5-8-5 season after making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament last season and going all the way to the College Cup in 2014.