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Eagles' standout year paying off for seniors

Several Springstead players will continue their careers in college.

Springstead completed a terrific 20-2-2 season based largely on the strength of a deep and talented senior class.

Not surprisingly, several of those players will continue their careers in college.

George Kirshy, Devin Shaw and Ryan Davis have all signed scholarships, and Kyle Munson is weighing options from numerous schools.

Shaw and Kirshy, first- and second-team honorees on the Florida Sports Writers Association Class 4A all-state squad, will remain teammates at the University of Tampa.

"At least I know I'll be able to drive and watch them play," Springstead coach Sal Calabrese said. "I'm glad they both settled down to go to college."

Shaw had looked into playing at schools as far away as New York, and Kirshy explored Central Florida before settling on Tampa. Their chemistry on the field was remarkable last season, with a combined 40 goals and many of Kirshy's coming via some of Shaw's 20 assists.

Kyle Davis, the last line of defense on the Eagles as the goalkeeper, will play for Northwood University, an NAIA school in West Palm Beach. He recorded 12 shutouts and posted a 0.79 goals-against average in his senior season. "That level of college could fit Ryan very nicely," Calabrese said. "He might be able to step in and challenge right away. He's got the technical ability to do it."

Munson, an honorable-mention all-state pick who returned from an early-season broken collarbone to dominate in the back, said he is choosing between Andrews (Ga.) College and South Georgia.

"I can't wait, I just want to play so bad," Munson said.

If Munson chooses Andrews, he will play with Hernando Heat teammate Jeremy Cox, a member of Lecanto's state-champion squad. Several other Heat players have signed, including former Central player Mike Baumann (Oklahoma Community College).

Regardless, the way Munson sees it, he will be extending Springstead's legacy. "We set a tone at Springstead. It's one of the strongest groups I've seen in a long time," Munson said. "It feels good to be a part of something."