From Playing Soccer in Venezuela to All-American and Beyond, St. Bonaventure-Bound Student Scores Soccer Scholarship
Javitt emerged as the top goal scorer and an All-American in NJCAA Division I in both 2021 and 2022. His remarkable track record alone caught the attention of St. Bonaventure University, leading to a scholarship offer that did not tap into his outstanding academic achievements.
Andres Javitt ’23, a recent Montgomery College graduate, has embarked on a new chapter in his soccer career by officially signing to transfer and play with St. Bonaventure University on a full athletic scholarship, starting this fall. Javitt's journey has not been without challenges, especially during the pandemic, but his unwavering determination and resilience propelled him toward his dream of becoming a professional player.
Javitt started playing at age 6 in his hometown of Barquisimeto, Venezuela. At 14, he received an offer from Deportivo Lara, the professional team in town, but he followed his parents' advice to prioritize education and finish high school before pursuing his soccer ambitions. After high school, he followed opportunities to play soccer professionally.
"After a year of trying out with teams, things were going really well; then the pandemic hit every part of the world," Javitt said. "It became difficult for me and my family to make ends meet. For about a year, I faced the challenges of unemployment and a lack of soccer opportunities. I was reaching out to everyone I could in search of a way forward."
Based on his positive MC experience, Javitt is encouraging his younger brother, currently residing in Barquisimeto, to attend MC when he is old enough. "I want him to come here primarily because it's an extraordinary place to begin one's journey."
A mutual friend and former Montgomery College student connected Javitt with Pedro Braz Montgomery College’s head soccer coach, who offered him a scholarship. "That opened a door for me. I didn't think twice about it," Javitt said.
Securing his student visa took nearly seven months, and he officially enrolled at MC in summer 2021.
"MC welcomed me with open arms, instilling in me the confidence and trust to be my authentic self,” Javitt said. “It presented me with a tremendous opportunity to discover and express who I am. Everything I have achieved is a direct result of the trust MC placed in me."
Javitt not only graduated this spring with a 4.0 grade point average, he emerged as the top goal scorer and an NJCAA Division I All-American in both 2021 and 2022.
"Andres is an exceptional player with an unwavering work ethic. His dedication and consistency are truly commendable,” said Coach Braz. “I am proud to have had the opportunity to coach him and witness his remarkable progress. He is a true inspiration to his teammates and a testament to the power of perseverance."
While a full-time student, Javitt kept pace with a demanding schedule of frequent team travel, athletic conditioning, and practices while working a part-time job. He received rent assistance from the Montgomery College Foundation, and took advantage of on-campus resources such as the food bank.
"Every day, I would visit the SHaW Center to grab snacks, or I would go once a week to stock up on pantry essentials. It made a significant difference for me. As an international student, having access to rice, pasta, and nutritious food instead of having to spend money at the grocery store on these items truly helped," he said.
In addition to material support, Javitt says Coach Braz played a key role in his success: "He has had an immense influence on me. When I arrived here, I was a completely different player, but over the past two years, I have grown not only as an athlete, but also as a person. He has taught me valuable lessons both on and off the field—and he genuinely cares," Javitt said.
Javitt encourages others—including his 14 year-old-brother back in Venezuela—to realize the opportunities at Montgomery College "[MC is] an extraordinary place to begin one's journey.”