On Thursday, January 9th, Beachside Soccer Club’s Alumni Henry Kessler was selected with the 6th overall pick, in the 2020 MLS Super Draft by New England Revolution. We are thrilled to congratulate Henry on beginning his professional career.
Beachside is a club built on a community of individuals who exhibit key Core Values establishing a culture, catered to a player’s personal and athletic development. Values such as commitment, respect, discipline, and integrity are instrumental in molding our environment. When Henry Kessler joined Beachside in the fall of 2015, he was no exception.
“ Henry is a person who thrives on challenges and understands the sacrifice needed to achieve his goals. Henry was a pleasure to coach, and I hope Henry inspires all of our current Beachside players to set high goals, standards, and work toward their goals every day. ”
–Mickey Kydes, Beachside Technical Director & Founder
Academically, Henry completed all of his high school requirements in two years. In his junior and senior years, Henry enrolled in college equivalent courses, earning his high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Bard College.
Athletically during that time, Henry joined an exceptional Beachside team that had just come off one of the best seasons in club history. Their roster was filled with current NCAA Division I players and former US National team representatives. Henry quickly adapted to the environment and established himself as a vital member of the team. His character and commitment were always on display, and his professional attitude fit perfectly with our Beachside Core Values.
Regarding his commitment level, Henry would commute by train, from New York to Bridgeport, CT, four days a week for practices each week. Henry not only attended every practice but would show up ready to train, never making excuses. His presence was infectious and raised an already competitive group to new levels. Their team would go on to qualify for the USSDA Academy Playoffs for the second year in a row.
Henry has since moved on to the University of Virginia where he has continued excelling athletically and academically. Henry has started every game at center back for the number one ranked defense in the country in 2019-20.
Henry’s Impressive Accolades Include:
- ACC’s Tournament Most Valuable Player.
- ACC Tournament Champion (1st Championship in a decade).
- NCAA College Cup Finals Participant: falling to Georgetown in penalties.
- All-ACC honors for the second straight year.
- MAC Hermann Award Semi-Finalist.
- Generation Adidas Contract.
- 6th Overall Pick in MLS Super Draft, 2020, to New England Revolution.
Henry will forgo his senior year at Virginia and embark on a professional career. We asked Henry to speak to our Beachside players about the keys to his success.
Please listen to what he said:
Henry, we are extremely proud of your achievements and greatly look forward to continuing watching you in the years to come. May our Beachside players follow in the attitude and commitment you have lived by. From all of us at Beachside, we wish you all the best and continued success.