Andrew Monroe's Bio

In Loving Memory September 16, 1991 - March 13, 2011 (Download a copy of Andrew's Bio Here) (Learn about the Andrew Monroe Scholarships Here)

Everybody’s Friend Andrew Monroe was born in Sarasota, Florida on September 16, 1991. His mother, Stacey, and father, Sam, brought him home to grow up with his two older brothers. Stacey was by Andrew’s side throughout his entire soccer journey. He began his soccer career at the age of seven in the SUSL recreation league. Andrew was scouted by Coach Derek Meyler to play competitive soccer for the Sarasota Storm U11 boy’s competitive team. He was selected to play a defensive position until his goalkeeping skills were discovered. From that day forward, Andrew seldom left the goal box to play on the field. Over the years, Andrew had many excellent goalkeeper trainers—Pepe Moreno for two years; Pete King from Birmingham, England for three years; and Tim Mulqueen, USA Under 20 National team goalkeeper trainer for two years. Andrew and his team continually improved over the years. His U16 Boys team was the Premier league champion, while other teams he played on over the years won several tournaments. Adding to his personal accomplishments, Andrew was selected for the Super Y league Olympic Development Player List. Andrew’s soccer skills gave him opportunities to travel outside of the USA on two occasions. Andrew first traveled to Manchester, England in 2004 to play in the Umbro International Cup for the team “Wizards Extreme”. The U12 team took home the Plate Division Trophy. He played goalkeeper and sweeper at the tournament. Then in 2007, Andrew travelled to Gothenburg, Sweden with his U16 Storm team to play in the Gothia Cup. Andrew’s commitment to soccer extended beyond his involvement with club teams. He attended Riverview High School, for whose team he played an attacking center midfield position and goalkeeper. Andrew was Captain of the team during his Junior and Senior years, and named the MVP two of his four Varsity seasons. He made the All County Honorable Mention list for Sarasota County. During Andrew’s senior year of high school, he received offers to play soccer for five private colleges: New York University, St. Leo, University of Tampa, Bethany, and Averitt University. He ultimately chose to attend Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers on a Bright Futures scholarship, where he majored in Athletic Training and Physical Therapy. Andrew knew that FGCU was selecting players for their soccer program, which was to begin with the 2011-2012 season. To maintain the skill level and athleticism necessary to play for his college team, Andrew played on the 2010-2011 Suncoast U19 boys team, coached by Ralph Baranski. This is the team whose success in the 2011 Region Cup and President’s Cup Championships is talked about on the Andrew Monroe Scholarship page. Andrew accomplished an amazing amount during his 19+ years. In addition to all of the above, he was NSCAA State and Regionally certified to train goalkeepers and was working toward his National training certification. He trained the younger goalkeepers at the Suncoast Soccer Club. He was also a soccer referee, officiating both high school and youth soccer games almost every week. Of all the people that knew Andrew, no one has ever had a negative thing to say about him. That is his ultimate tribute and why he is referred to here as “Everybody’s Friend.”