Dynamo Academy defender Alex Ochoa was awarded the Statoil Heroes of Tomorrow Award at halftime of Sunday’s home game at BBVA Compass Stadium. The award includes a $10,000 college scholarship.
Ochoa, a senior at Pasadena Memorial High School, will attend West Virginia University this fall and play soccer for the Mountaineers, who finished with a 9-6-2 record in 2012. Ochoa joined the Dynamo Academy, presented by Statoil, in 2010 and has progressed through the system to the U-18 team, which is 14-5-7 this season.
“Through our partnership with Statoil, the Heroes of Tomorrow scholarship is just another continuous opportunity that we can provide to our Academy Players to help change their lives,” said Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson. “In his three full seasons with the Dynamo Academy, Alex has started all but three games. We are so proud of his dedication and hard work. It has paid off for him in many ways in his success as a player and as a student.”
Ochoa was selected among 13 applicants for the award from the Dynamo U-18 team. His winning essay detailed the importance of teamwork and how the Dynamo Academy has helped him accomplish goals on and off the field.
Statoil and the Dynamo began a partnership in 2008 that supports the Dynamo Academy and promotes the future generation of soccer players.
“We are so pleased for the second year in a row the opportunity to provide a Youth Academy player with a college scholarship,” said Statoil Head of Brand and Internal Communication for Development and Production North America Michele Wood. “Statoil believes in the importance of giving youth the opportunity to develop their talent, be it in the lab, at the stadium or on stage. These Dynamo Academy athletes truly exemplify the characteristics of a hero of tomorrow.”
As part of Sunday’s pregame activities, Statoil employee Tangy Reed performed the national anthem and Statoil employee Paul Owen participated in the ceremonial first kick.
