FA Senior Xavier Smith Excels in Academics and Athletics

Xavier Smith started playing soccer for Foundation Academies in sixth grade. Today, Xavier is a senior who plays both soccer and basketball for the Knights. 

“Playing for both teams gives me an opportunity to learn beyond academics,” said Xavier, who is captain of the FA boys varsity soccer team. “It teaches me brotherhood, leadership, and grit.”

Xavier strives to be a role model on and off the field. 

“Being a scholar-athlete means I have to juggle both sports and academics,” he said. “But education always comes first. Making time to study is key to being successful.”
Playing sports for FA has helped prepare him for life after graduation, Xavier said, teaching him to manage his time and set priorities. A straight-A student, Xavier said he spends free-time studying or working out.

“Xavier brings the attitude of NO EXCUSES to the field and the classroom,” said FA Athletic Director Chris Torino. “He brings a work ethic second to none. His working out and training in the offseason has led him to being one of the best – if not the best – on our team this year.”

At FA, high school sports include soccer (men’s and women’s), women’s volleyball, men’s basketball and cheerleading. Middle School sports include coed soccer, boys basketball (girls may try out and play), wrestling, intramural volleyball and cheerleading. If our scholars play a sport not offered at FA, they have the opportunity to join a Trenton Central High School team. Xavier plans to continue excelling at both academics and athletics when he leaves FA, pursuing a teaching degree and playing soccer in college.

“Foundation Academies has a great athletics program and I am proud to call myself a scholar-athlete,” Xavier said. “GO KNIGHTS!”