Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to officially recognize Natalie Feniger (Princeton Soccer Academy) and Brian Harasek (Sportfriends Soccer Club) as recipients of this year’s Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship. Each year, this scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have a love for soccer, arts and humanities.
The Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Brett Fenster, who played soccer from the age of five until he graduated from high school. He began participating in the recreation program in West Windsor before advancing to play travel and high school soccer. His love for the sport soon flourished, along with his interest in the arts and humanity. He tragically passed away in 2010 at the age of 23, at which time the scholarship was enacted.
Natalie Feniger is an accomplished soccer player for Princeton Soccer Academy and Ocean Township High School. She realized early in her life that her brain learned differently, which led to lower self-confidence. However, she aways felt at home on the soccer field and quickly became a natural leader for her team. Feniger credits soccer as helping her learn the significance of teamwork, cooperation, communication, discipline and goal setting. She has also acquired skills that help her tackle the many obstacles and challenges that life can throw her way. This fall, she looks to continue her success as a student-athlete at Salisbury University.
“Thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for honoring me with the Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship,” said Feniger. “I want to thank my family, teachers, friends and both Ocean and PSA soccer clubs for giving me the confidence to succeed both in the classroom and on the pitch.”
Brian Harasek has a strong love for soccer that began at a very young age. He was inspired by global soccer standouts like Lionel Messi as young as the age of four. As he grew, his coaches guided him into becoming a standout soccer player himself, as well as a respectful young man. He credits his coach at Wood-Ridge Junior/Senior High School in helping him reach the top of his game. Through his coach’s encouragement and faith in him, Harasek has been able to enjoy a very successful high school career that he hopes to continue in the future. Further, he is now sharing his love of soccer and inspiring the next generation by being an assistant coach and referee for younger players in his town.
“I am very proud and thankful to have received this scholarship recognizing my hard work in academics, as well as my passion for soccer,” said Harasek.
NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer