Global Academy @ ASU Prep and International Soccer Academy are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of Matthew Tweedy, a recipient of this year’s Best Student Athlete Award.

Matthew Tweedy: A Rising Star in Soccer and Academics

Seventeen-year-old Matthew Tweedy, a standout American youth soccer player from Wisconsin, has earned International Soccer Academy’s prestigious Best Student Athlete Award for his achievements with Global Academy @ ASU Prep. Known for his tactical intelligence, physical strength and disciplined mindset, Matthew excels on and off the field.

While training with Hertha BSC, one of Germany’s top Bundesliga academies, Matthew has seamlessly balanced his academic and athletic commitments. This year, he completed challenging courses like Chemistry, English, Probability & Statistics and U.S. History, all while maintaining a rigorous training schedule and competing in elite European matches.

Matthew credits ASU Prep Global’s innovative online platform for helping him achieve his academic goals.

“My teachers and Learning Success Coach have made it possible to stay on top of my studies no matter where I am. They care about my success and are always available to help—whether I’m in the classroom or traveling for games.”

— Matthew Tweedy

Off the field, Matthew finds inspiration in sports icons like Lionel Messi and Tom Brady, as well as in music by Eminem. Grounded and goal-driven, his pre-game ritual includes prayer to help him stay focused during high-pressure matches.

When asked what his essentials on a desert island would be, Matthew’s response was both practical and fun: “A yacht, food, water, a soccer ball and my Xbox.”

Matthew embodies the spirit of determination and passion that ASU Prep fosters in its students.

Empowering students to dream big

Matthew Tweedy epitomizes the values of commitment, passion and resilience that ASU Prep strives to nurture in its students. Through its partnership with International Soccer Academy, Global Academy @ ASU Prep empowers young athletes like Matthew to achieve excellence in all facets of their lives.

Global Academy @ ASU Prep and International Soccer Academy are pleased to recognize the achievements of Jacob Mudry as one of this year’s Best Student Athlete Award recipients.

Jacob Mudry: two-time Best Student Athlete excelling in academics and athletics

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Jacob Mudry is a shining example of what it means to be a top-performing student-athlete. For the second consecutive year, he has earned the prestigious Best Student Athlete Award, presented by the International Soccer Academy. A talented goalkeeper known for his sharp reflexes and strategic thinking, Jacob has been successfully balancing his rigorous academic and athletic pursuits for the past two years while studying with Global Academy @ ASU Prep.

While living in southern Spain and training at La Liga’s Cádiz CF Integrated Academy, Jacob honed his skills on the international soccer stage. His schedule includes traveling across Europe for competitive matches, playing against elite teams like Atlético de Madrid and facing some of the most accomplished academies in Germany and Spain. Despite this demanding athletic schedule, Jacob has excelled academically, maintaining a high GPA at Global Academy @ ASU Prep.

Jacob attributes his success to the supportive and flexible curriculum, as well as the encouragement he receives from his Learning Success Coach and teachers at Global Academy @ ASU Prep. His passion for math aligns perfectly with the precision required of a top-level goalkeeper.

“I enjoy analyzing problems and finding solutions—on the field and in the classroom. ASU gives me the tools and support I need to succeed in both.”

— Jacob Mudry

Being named Best Student Athlete for two consecutive years reflects Jacob’s unparalleled discipline and time management skills. “ASU teachers really care about my progress and help me achieve my goals, even when we’re in different time zones,” he added.

Jacob is an incredible example of how ASU Prep empowers motivated students to pursue their passions without compromising on education.

Paving the way for future leaders

Jacob Mudry represents the next generation of leaders who excel in both athletics and academics. His story reflects how Global Academy @ ASU Prep enables students to pursue their passions without compromising on education or career aspirations. Through a rigorous yet flexible college-preparatory curriculum, students like Jacob are empowered to achieve beyond limits.

Global Academy at ASU Prep equips students with the tools and support they need to grow academically and chase their dreams.

One standout example is Julien Garrigus, a remarkable student whose aspirations and achievements embody the school’s innovative, student-focused approach to education.

Aiming high with the Civil Air Patrol

Julien isn’t your average high school student. He’s an active participant in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a program that nurtures young leaders and helps them soar—literally! Through CAP, Julien gains hands-on experience in flying, develops leadership skills and stays active through activities like camping and hiking. These experiences are all part of his ultimate dream of becoming a pilot.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of becoming an aviator. I’ve been working hard toward this goal, and so far, I have 12 hours of logged flight time and over 300 hours of ground school,” Julien shares.

The lessons Julien is learning aren’t limited to the cockpit. CAP is about more than earning accolades—it’s about building character, discipline and leadership skills. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots and engineers began their journeys with CAP, and Julien is well on his way to joining their ranks. Whether immersing himself in ground school or preparing for his next rank of Staff Sergeant, Julien’s commitment to his dream is unwavering.

“ASUPG has been a huge help in pursuing my goals because it gives me the time and flexibility to balance both school and my professional training,” he explains.

Principal Rachel Maleski reflects on how the program has played a role in Julien’s success. “I met with Julien and his mom to discuss his graduation plan, and it was one of those meetings that wholly filled my cup as an educator,” she says proudly. Seeing Julien thrive both academically and personally, she adds, is a reminder of how the school’s adaptable approach is empowering students to achieve their unique dreams.

A perfect fit at Global Academy at ASU Prep

For Julien, school wasn’t always an inspiring experience. That changed when he joined Global Academy at ASU Prep. The school’s flexible, personalized learning model proved to be exactly what Julien needed to thrive. 

Maleski highlights how Julien has found value in the unique approach, saying, “He told me our coursework and teachers inspire him to not just learn information to check a box but to explore topics that he finds interesting in more depth on his own.”

Julien echoes this sentiment and shares his appreciation for the program. “I absolutely love this school—it’s a breath of fresh air,” he says. “I really appreciate the flexibility it offers, allowing me to work at my own pace and manage my schedule in a way that best supports my goals.”

This flexibility has allowed Julien to develop a structured daily routine that supports both his academic and professional endeavors. “My daily routine is pretty structured. I wake up around 7 a.m., take care of my chores and have breakfast. I follow a daily checklist and typically complete an entire week’s worth of work for one subject in a single day. I usually finish school around 2 p.m., though it depends on the subject. After that, I either study at ground school or visit the Civil Air Patrol website to take my tests and work toward ranking up.”

Beyond the academics, Julien has also found inspiration in his teachers. “I really appreciate how engaging and enjoyable the lessons are, and the teachers are fantastic! My favorite class right now is Honors English with Mrs. O’Brien. She’s such a cool teacher, and I always look forward to our conversations.”

A model that empowers students

What makes Global Academy at ASU Prep stand out is its ability to meet the needs of each student, empowering them to pursue their academic and personal goals at the same time.

Julien’s story proves how this model can transform a student’s trajectory. By combining a supportive environment with engaging coursework, the program has given him the space to thrive—both in school and in the skies above.

If you’re curious about how this innovative model can help your student reach their educational and personal goals, we’d love to connect. Schedule a call today and learn how we’re redefining education and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Global Academy at ASU Prep is thrilled to announce that senior Eli Osuna has committed to the University of Michigan on a full athletic scholarship. This milestone reflects Eli’s dedication to both his academic and athletic pursuits, and the supportive role ASU Prep has played in his journey.

Athletic excellence

Eli’s gymnastics journey began at age three in North Carolina with recreational “mommy & me” classes. His passion for gymnastics grew, eventually leading to more intensive and competitive training when the family settled in New York due to his father’s military career. 

Now a senior elite gymnast living in Virginia, Eli’s path is marked by relentless commitment and impressive achievements. His favorite events are floor and pommel, where he showcases his exceptional skills and artistry. His rigorous schedule includes nearly 30 hours of practice each week and extensive travel for competitions across the United States. These experiences have not only honed his skills but also his adaptability and resilience.  

“I think it’s helped me be able to adjust to new places more quickly and not feel like I’m super out of place in every new place I go,” shares Eli. Looking ahead, Eli aspires to earn NCAA individual and team titles at the University of Michigan. Beyond college, he dreams of joining the U.S. national team, competing on a world team and perhaps even securing a spot on an Olympic team.

Academic excellence

Eli has thrived amidst a rigorous schedule, thanks to ASU Prep’s varied offerings. Transitioning from ASU Prep Digital to Global Academy—ASU Prep’s online school offering virtual learning to students everywhere—Eli found an ideal fit for balancing his demanding gymnastics commitments with his academic pursuits. 

The flexible model not only accommodated his schedule but also provided the opportunity to take Universal Learner Courses, enabling him to earn significant college credits while still in high school.

Through ASU’s Universal Learner Courses (ULCs), Eli is set to graduate with an estimated 28.50 college credits, gaining valuable college experience at a fraction of the typical cost. 

“The flexibility of Global Academy at ASU Prep and my US Government course allows Eli to focus on both his personal and academic goals,” shares Christina Moreno, Eli’s US Government teacher. 

Melissa Woodward, ASU Prep Learning Specialist, notes, “Eli has utilized Universal Learner courses that will allow him to be successfully prepared for college level curriculum at The University of Michigan.”

Reflecting on his academic interests, Eli has declared a major in Computer Science, inspired by a ULC programming course that resonated with his love for math. 

His teachers have been impressed. Lela Chavers, Eli’s Economics teacher, commends his discipline and time-management skills, saying, “Eli demonstrates an impressive commitment to both his academic and athletic pursuits. He consistently produces high-quality work and stays on pace with his assignments. It’s inspiring to see how he balances his rigorous gymnastics training with his studies, all while preparing for college. I am so proud of his accomplishments and future plans.”

Amanda Miller, Eli’s Calculus teacher, adds, “Eli is excelling, consistently demonstrating a quick understanding of complex topics and a meticulous attention to detail. He has remarkable work ethic and dedication. It’s no surprise that his drive and commitment also led to a gymnastics scholarship offer.”

Eli’s journey underscores the impact of a personalized education, where students can pursue their passions without compromising academic excellence. 

He reflects on the benefits of ASU Prep’s flexible schedule: “I can work ahead if I have a big competition where I couldn’t do school, or I could catch up a week later and not have any downsides or consequences.”

Embarking on a new chapter

As Eli prepares to join the University of Michigan’s gymnastics team, he looks forward to new challenges and opportunities, confident in the foundation built at ASU Prep. 

We congratulate Eli on his achievements and wish him continued success as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at the University of Michigan.