STM Girls'
SOCCER
Girls' Soccer at St. Thomas More School
Supported by the Student Athlete Prep Program (SAPP) ABOUT THE SAPP (STUDENT ATHLETE PREP PROGRAM)
With decades of athletic success and over 400 scholarships awarded to graduates and post-graduates across our programs, SAPP caters to the unique needs of the aspiring collegiate student-athlete. Whether you join us for four years or just for one, you will find a school that will nurture your talent, maximize your academic success, and prepare you for life as a college athlete.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE SAPP
- Multi-season focus on Soccer (Fall and spring competitive seasons)
- A custom single or multi-year plan to include NCAA eligibility and compliance
- Year-round individualized strength and conditioning regimen
- Standardized test prep, including ESL and Toefl prep for international students
- A recruiting plan focused on exposure to college coaches, both visiting our campus and at regional and national events
- Seminars on the psychological, nutritional, social, and physical themes critical to success as a college athlete

The Program
Soccer at STM is a year-round endeavor that challenges the athletes physically and mentally, and ensures that they are ready to compete at the collegiate level upon completion of their high school career.
Mission: To provide the highest level of training and competition for student athletes from around the world seeking to play competitive soccer in college and university.
Vision: Developing student athletes with skills, discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship who are prepared for the next level and for life.
- For a 10th grader looking for a better fit academically or more opportunity athletically
- For an 11th grader considering a reclassification
- Or a senior needing a post-graduate year
This dynamic program is dedicated to your success and will make all the difference.
THE STUDENT ATHLETE PREP PROGRAM MISSION
The Girls' Soccer program at STM develops student athletes with skills, discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship who are ready for the next level of soccer and for life. The program accommodates younger high school students seeking a developmental program and older students seeking exposure and a competitive program. The Chancellors play a regional Schedule against SENE, NEASC - the highest level of competition.

SAMPLE SEASON ITINERARY
Fall – August - November
- Competitive regional/local high school competition – with 18-20 matches
- Daily practice/training with 1-2 games per week - 6 days on/one day off
- College showcase attendance
Winter – December - March
- Practice/training twice per week at indoor facility
- Indoor club league matches once per week - January/February/March
- College showcase attendance
- Mandatory strength and conditioning program
- Futsal on campus twice per week
Spring – April - May
- Daily on-campus practice/training – 5 days on/2 days off
- Weekly competitive matches
- Attendance at local and regional showcases
Summer
- Custom program per each player’s needs – to include summer training plan, college visits as allowed, club play, camp selection and attendance, etc.
Girls’ Soccer Coach
Joseph Mendonça Jr.
Joseph Mendonça Jr. joins the Chancellors as the Head Coach of the girls’ soccer team for the program’s inaugural season. Mendonça brings a wealth of experience to St. Thomas More in playing, recruiting, training, coaching, and consulting at a diversity of levels throughout multiple decades. Mendonça played his collegiate soccer over the span of five seasons and split time
between The University of New Haven and Quinnipiac University, members of the NE-10 and NEC, respectively. After college, Mendonça transitioned to playing semiprofessional, where he competed as a member of the Las Vegas Strikers (MPSL) and Connecticut Academica (PASL/AISL).
Although coaching throughout his playing career, Mendonça pivoted towards teaching the game full-time after retiring from competing professionally. He served as the Head Assistant for The University of Bridgeport Women’s Soccer and then as the Head Assistant for Trinity College Men’s. Following the 2007 season, Mendonça accepted a position as Head Coach of Mercy College Women’s Soccer.
In 2011, Mendonça founded Mendonça Soccer School in New London, CT, which still operates today. The Academy works with a large
variety of individuals and teams, creating and carrying out seasonal training programs focused on both individual and team development. The soccer school also works in collaboration with DOCA Futbol Academy, which aligns with yearlong premier teams that compete in state and regional leagues and tournaments.
From 2011-2018, Mendonça took on the role of Head Boys’ Varsity Coach at Waterford High School. In his 7 years with the program, he
posted an 81-38-9 record and won 3 Division Championships as well as 3 Division Coach of the Year Selections. During this span, Mendonça also coached an Academic All-American, 4 All-New England Selections, 11 All-State players, 30 All-Conference players, 10 Senior Bowl Selections, a Senior Bowl MVP, 2 Area POY, and 15 All-Area players.
1997-2009 – Head Coaching Staff & Striker Director – No. 1 Soccer Camps
2001-2007 – Head Coaching Staff – Connecticut Olympic Development Program
2003 – Head Coaching Staff – Nevada Olympic Development Program
2005-2009 – Head Coaching Staff & Striker Director – FSA Soccerplus FC
2009-2010 – Head Coaching Staff – Rhode Island Olympic Development
Mendonça currently resides in Stonington, CT, where he lives with his wife, Erin, and his three children, Joseph, Stella, and Ezra.