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John DeBrito Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Men's Soccer

SCSU Men's Soccer To Celebrate John DeBrito Memorial Endowed Scholarship Before Season Opener on Thursday, Aug. 31

Men's Soccer

SCSU Men's Soccer To Celebrate John DeBrito Memorial Endowed Scholarship Before Season Opener on Thursday, Aug. 31

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State University Men's Soccer has announced the creation of the John DeBrito Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is made possible by the Pedro and John DeBrito Foundation (PDJF), which is coordinated by the DeBrito family. The first recipient of the scholarship will be Owls' sophomore Karim Said from Erlangen, Germany.

Prior to the start of the Owls' home opener on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at Jess Dow Field, former Owls' men' soccer head coaches Tom Lang, Ray Reid and Bob Dikrainian, in addition to current head coach Kevin Anderson, will be on-hand to recognize the DeBrito family in a pregame ceremony. Anderson will be coaching in his first game as the Owls' head coach.

"I'm extremely humbled that in my first season as the Owls' head coach, we will honor the inaugural recipient of the John DeBrito Memorial Endowed Scholarship," Anderson said. "This scholarship recognizes the impact others can have on an individual life celebrating character, discipline, family, and teamwork. From the time of my arrival at the end of March [2023], Karim Said has shown that he reflects the characteristics that John embodied - a team player and a community-oriented individual with an excellent work ethic that people love. It will be an honor to see Karim wear the number 14 jersey in memory of John during the Fall 2023 season."

PDJF has committed $98,000 to launch the endowed scholarship, with part of the donation to be committed to the upcoming 2023 season. The recipient of the scholarship may be an undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing and will wear the number 14 in honor of DeBrito. Additional contributions can be made to the fund by other donors.

"Receiving the John DeBrito Memorial Scholarship is a great honor, and I am very grateful to the family and friends of John for this opportunity," Karim Said said. "John's legacy as a remarkable individual both on and off the field is truly inspiring. I will carry his values of character, discipline, family, and teamwork with me throughout my journey here at SCSU."

The scholarship was conceptualized in 2020 when Southern Connecticut Men's Soccer alumni and the PDJF organized a Celebration of Life Dinner following John's passing. That event helped build the current scholarship to benefit a SCSU Men's Soccer student-athlete for years to come.

DeBrito was a four-year member of the Southern Connecticut men's soccer team from 1987 through 1990. During his time, DeBrito led the Owls to the program's first NCAA National Championship in 1987 and in 1990.

"Having been teammates with John at the professional level, and a SCSU Alum, I can personally share how wonderful, loving and kind John was, both on and off the field," Anderson said. "People were attracted to John because he made you feel something special when you were with him. He had a special way with people and found ways to bring out the very best in all of us."

DeBrito was the first SCSU men's soccer student-athlete to record 30 assists in his career, finishing with 32, the fourth-most in program history. DeBrito also scored 20 goals and ranks 16th all-time with 72 points. He was a two-time NSCAA/United Soccer Coaches Association All-American, earning Second Team honors in 1988 and First Team honors in 1989. Upon his graduation, DeBrito made six appearances with the United States National Team in 1991-92 and with the US team at the 1993 World University Games. 

DeBrito played professionally after his collegiate career and was taken in the Inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) Draft in 1996 by the New England Revolution. He also played for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards, Columbus Crew and the Dallas Burn. 

"John DeBrito was an incredible student-athlete, a SCSU Hall of Famer and such an important part of Southern Connecticut men's soccer," SCSU Director of Athletics Chris Barker said. "Meeting with members of his family has made me appreciate what he meant to SCSU men's soccer. We're honored to partner with the Pedro and John DeBrito Foundation and are grateful for the John DeBrito Memorial Endowed Scholarship."
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Karim Said

#14 Karim Said

M
6' 0"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Karim Said

#14 Karim Said

6' 0"
Sophomore
M