- About
- Admissions
- Academics
- Athletics
- Student Life
Two SKSA Students Head to Youth Olympics (Part One)
January 10th, 2020
USA Hockey has named fourth formers Vinny Borgesi (defenseman), and Arthur Smith (goalie), of South Kent Selects Academy’s U15 hockey team, to the 2020 U.S.A. Youth Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.
"It is a great honor to represent your country in the Youth Olympics. Both Vinny and Arthur hold themselves to the highest standards as hockey players and as individuals, and we are proud to have them represent our program at the international level in Lausanne,” said Ryan Ward, U15 Head Coach. “Their steadfast leadership, along with their commitment to their teammates, to our program, and to the school has been exemplary. We wish Vinny and Arthur great luck as they look to have success on the world stage at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games."
SKSA U15 Hockey Team
Within the last ten years South Kent School is proud to have had 15 NHL draft picks, over 70 Division 1 college commitments, multiple students on the USA World Junior Championship team, four players in the Canada Winter Games, and now two young men playing in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Exceptional young men like Arthur and Vinny are great examples of the type of student athletes, and families, that South Kent School attracts with our traditional boarding school experience, combined with outstanding academics and high performance athletics.
Vinny Borgesi
Vinny, a Philadelphia native, was four years old when he started playing hockey for the Flyers Youth out of Voorhees, New Jersey. This Northeastern University commit comes to South Kent School for the opportunities for academic and athletic growth that our unique program provides, along with the community and lifelong friendships he is making.
Vinny's parents Maria and Vincent felt that SKS would be a great fit for their son. “After visiting other schools and speaking to parents who sent their children to South Kent, we believed it was the best fit for Vinny for the academic and hockey programs.” They shared that their experience with SKS has been excellent, and appreciate the success Vinny is finding in the classroom with our teachers, and his growth on the ice with our coaching staff, especially Coach Ward. “We cannot explain the absolute excitement and joy we felt when we found out Vinny was selected for the [Youth] Olympic team. There are no words that can express how extremely proud we are of Vinny. To be chosen to represent our country in such a significant event is such an accomplishment and honor. We are praying and hopeful that they will bring home the gold!”
Borgesi’s willingness to put in 100% as he works towards his goals, his teamwork, and his respect for others are just some of the traits that have earned Vinny his place on the Youth Olympic Team.
“Being chosen to participate in the Youth Olympic Games is such an honor and I feel as though it is such a huge accomplishment. Through the years I felt like I always had to do "extra" to compete due to my size. I had to work hard and set goals for myself. I believe it is important to continue to work hard when no none is watching and to always keep working to get better. I feel as though my hard work has paid off by being chosen to represent my country in the Youth Olympic Games. I am extremely thankful to be given this opportunity.” said Vinny. “My experience so far at SKS has been great. I love the prep school life and love every single kid on my team, it’s like my new family. The coaching staff is great and the classroom is a lot of fun too. I really enjoy waking up at 6:30 every morning, getting breakfast with all the boys, then walking down to the rink together. We hit the ice about 8:00 am every morning and I couldn’t ask for a better way to start my day. The rink is my second home. I feel as though when I walk into the rink I become laser focused at the task on hand and it really helps clear my mind because hockey is all I am thinking about.”
