A Champion's New Chapter: Jhonny's Path to Success at Bryant & Stratton College

How one international student-athlete turned a chance encounter on the soccer field into a life-changing educational experience 

Sometimes the most transformative opportunities come from the most unexpected places. For Jhonny, a talented soccer player from the Caribbean, that moment came during a competitive match between his community college team and Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse. What began as just another game would ultimately reshape his entire future. 

A Coach’s Vision Becomes Reality 

After watching Jhonny play for Massasoit Community College, then B&SC Head Coach Nick Dimitrievski saw something special. The scholarship offer that followed was compelling enough, but it was the coach’s words that truly resonated: “Jhonny, coming to Bryant & Stratton College would be a life-changing opportunity.” Those words would prove prophetic in ways neither could have imagined at the time. 

For many student-athletes, the decision to transfer schools involves weighing athletic programs, academic offerings, and campus culture. For Jhonny, an international student far from home, the choice also meant finding a community that would support his unique journey and ambitious goals. 

Building on a Foundation of Entrepreneurship 

Jhonny’s path to business studies wasn’t influenced just by textbooks or classroom theories though, it was shaped by real-world experience in his family’s entrepreneurial ventures. Growing up in the Caribbean, he watched his parents demonstrate remarkable business acumen as they traveled between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, purchasing merchandise to resell back home. This cross-border trade wasn’t just about profit; it was about supporting their children’s education and creating opportunities for the next generation. 

“I often helped them sort and organize the merchandise,” Jhonny recalls. “Through that experience, I developed a natural interest in business.” This hands-on exposure to entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and international trade gave him a practical understanding that would later complement his formal education in both the Business and General Management programs at B&SC. 

Mastering the Student-Athlete Balance 

The dual demands of competitive athletics and rigorous coursework challenge even the most organized students. For Jhonny, the pressure was intensified by the transition from community college to a new campus environment, all while maintaining the high standards expected of a scholarship athlete. 

“There were times when I had to go from a tough practice or a long road trip straight into focusing on assignments and exams,” he explains. The key to his success lay in developing healthy organizational systems, maintaining open communication with professors, and maximizing every available resource. 

His advice to future student-athletes reflects this comprehensive approach: “Take advantage of every resource available whether that’s your coaches, professors, or academic support services. Stay disciplined with your schedule, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember that both academics and athletics can open doors for your future if you commit fully to both.” 

The Power of Mentorship 

Academic success rarely happens in isolation, and Jhonny’s experience highlights the critical role of dedicated educators and coaches in student achievement. While his athletic coaches pushed him to excel on the field and in life, it was instructor Palma Savinelli who made a lasting impact on his academic journey. 

“She made business classes easy to understand and always encouraged me to think and believe in myself,” Jhonny reflects. Jhonny’s experience illustrates how Bryant & Stratton College is a champion of students. By providing guidance and personal encouragement that students need to not just succeed but thrive. 

Life After Graduation: Pursuing Dreams While Building Skills 

Since graduation, Jhonny’s journey exemplifies a more modern approach to career development, pursuing passion while building diverse professional experience. Rather than immediately settling into a traditional full-time role, he’s strategically focused on training for professional soccer while gaining valuable experience with professional teams and non-profit organizations. 

This balanced approach reflects both his determination to achieve his athletic dreams and his practical understanding of the importance of building a diverse skill set and professional network. His business education provides a foundation that will serve him well whether his future lies in professional sports, sports management, or entrepreneurship. 

One of the most exciting milestones in this current journey came when he had the opportunity to play professionally for Indy Eleven FC against Chicago Fire 2 under the mentorship of Coach Steward Flaherty. This professional experience not only elevated his soccer resume but also provided invaluable exposure to the highest levels of competitive play. 

A Testament to Opportunity and Support 

Jhonny’s story is an example of how the right educational environment can amplify natural talent and family-instilled values. From his parents’ entrepreneurial example in the Caribbean to his professional soccer opportunity in the United States, his journey demonstrates that with proper support, dedication, natural talent, and strategic thinking, students can transform their backgrounds into launching pads for achievement. 

Bryant & Stratton College provided not just education but a life-changing opportunity that continues to open doors and create possibilities that extend far beyond the soccer field and classroom.