BASA Scholarship Program
The BASA Academic Scholarship is a $500 award presented annually to graduating BASA seniors who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and dedication to the game of soccer. We are proud to invest in our players as they take the next step in their educational journey.
Eligibility Requirements
- GPA: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Higher Education: Must be accepted at an accredited university, college, community or junior college, or other institute of higher learning.
- BASA Participation: Must have participated in BASA as a player, referee, coach, or volunteer for a minimum of eight seasons.
Application Process
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the Bay Area Soccer Association Scholarship Program Application.
- Essay: Submit a typewritten essay on the topic "How Soccer Has Helped Me as an Individual" (see application for more details).
- Transcript: Include a copy of your most recent official high school transcript.
- Personal Application: Applicants must apply for this scholarship personally.
- Interview: Finalists may be asked to participate in an interview with the BASA Board of Directors
Submission Details
Applications must be received no later than May 1 of the current academic year. BASA is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail.
Mailing Address:
Bay Area Soccer Association
Attn: Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 1397
Bay City, MI 48706-0397
Past Recipients
2025 BASA Academic Scholarship Recipients
The Bay Area Soccer Association is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 BASA Scholarships, from left: Ian Weldon, Aushlund Roznowski, Natalie Fodrey, and Ema Shotwell. Each one has received $500 to put toward their continuing education.
Ian, 18, of Bay City, graduated this year from Reese High School. He plans to attend University of Michigan to major in history. He has been involved at BASA since 2012 as a rec player, travel player, and referee. He is the son of Suzy Lijewski and Barry Weldon.
Aushlund, 18, of Essexville, is graduating this year from Essexville-Hampton Garber High School. She plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to major in occupational therapy. She has been involved at BASA since 2013 as a rec player, travel player, and referee. She is the daughter of Mike and Donna Roznowski.
Natalie, 18, of Essexville, is graduating this year from Essexville-Hampton Garber High School. She plans to attend Michigan State University to major in elementary education with a minor in business. She has been part of BASA since 2011 as a rec player, travel player, referee, and volunteer. She is the daughter of Eric and Ann Fodrey.
Ema, 18, of Bay City, is graduating this year from Bay City Western High School. She plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to major in nursing. She has been involved at BASA since 2016 as a rec player, referee, and volunteer. She is the daughter of Tim and Angela Shotwell.
2024 BASA Academic Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the 2024 BASA Scholarship recipients, from left, Maddy Uhelski, Kelcie Corrion, Brooke Swartz, and Ella Betzold. They each received a $500 academic scholarship from the club.
Maddy, 18, is a 2024 graduate of Bay City Western High School. She plans to attend Delta College in the fall. She played at BASA for 13 years.
Kelcie, 17, is a 2024 graduate of Bay City Central High School. She plans to attend Delta College in the fall. She played at BASA for 12 years.
Brooke, 18, is a 2024 graduate of Bay City Western High School. She plans to attend Delta College in the fall. She played at BASA for 13 years.
Ella, 18, is a 2024 graduate of Essexville-Hampton Garber High School. She plans to attend Central Michigan University in the fall. She played at BASA for 14 years.
Thank you all for everything you have contributed to BASA over the years. We wish you success and happiness in your future endeavors.
2022 BASA Academic Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to Jenna Ciesla, Lauren Walker, Teagan Betzold, and Tyler Christie, recipients of $500 BASA Scholarships for 2022.
Jenna, 18, is a graduate of Bay City Central High School. She plans to attend Central Michigan University in the fall to study logistics. Jenna played for 13 years at BASA. She is the daughter of Al and Janet Ciesla of Bay City.
Lauren, 18, is a graduate of Essexville-Hampton Garber High School. She plans to attend Central Michigan University in the fall to study exercise science and play soccer. Lauren played for 14 years at BASA. She is the daughter of Charlie and Debbie Walker of Essexville.
Teagan, 18, is a graduate of Essexville-Hampton Garber High School. She plans to attend Rochester University in the fall to study health science and play soccer. Teagan played for 14 years at BASA. She is the daughter of Brent and Heather Betzold of Essexville.
Tyler, 17, is a graduate of Bay City Western High School. He plans to attend Ferris State University, in the fall to study marketing. He played 13 years at BASA and also was a referee and volunteer coach. He is the son of Kay Palmer of Auburn and Pete Christie of Bay City.