Two Kinnelon Athletes Accept Scholarships to Top Schools

seniors are graduating Friday, getting set for the next phase of their lives. And for two Kinnelon athletes, that next step includes scholarships to continue their impressive athletic accomplishments at some of the nation's most elite schools.

Bryan Gallego- Gallego is planning to play soccer for defending Division 1 National Champion University of Akron in Ohio.

The Kinnelon senior made his presence known on the pitch for four consecutive seasons, and this year, the soccer star helped Kinnelon to its fifth consecutive conference title, while also leading his club to the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 finals, falling to Glen Rock, 2-0.

Gallego also held the honor of being named captain of the U.S. Under-18 National Team.

“What can you say other than what Bryan has already accomplished,” Kinnelon Athletic Director Scott Rosenberg said. “He has a scholarship to play at the current No. 1 collegiate team in the nation and he’s been a captain of the United States National Team U-18. Bryan's presence jumpstarted our team this year as they won their fifth consecutive conference title and played in the State Sectional Finals.”

Hannah Steadman- Steadman, the starting goalkeeper for the Kinnelon girls soccer team the past two years, accepted a full scholarship to study and play soccer at the University of Tennessee.

Not only was Steadman the stopping force in net for Kinnelon this season, but she was also a vocal leader on the field, helping her team to an 18-3-1 record, including their second consecutive conference title.

Last season, Steadman helped lead Kinnelon to a Morris County Tournament championship, where she was named Co-Most Valuable Player.

“Hannah is not only a tremendous goalkeeper, but also vocal leader on the field,” Rosenberg said. “She’s headed to a top SEC Division I team on a full scholarship. And during the two years that she played at Kinnelon, she helped lead Kinnelon to two conference titles and a Morris County Championship.”