Nick Awada of the Boston Bolts defends a Seacoast United player. (Maddie Malhotra/New England Soccer Journal)
Nick Awada's path into the Development Academy wasn't straightforward.
Upon joining the Boston Bolts during his sophomore year, he first played for their NPL side. Then came a progression up to the ECNL group and ultimately a promotion to the DA team last spring.
This fall, that trajectory even meant the 18-year-old forward couldn't play for his local high school in Westford, Mass., a decision Awada said was "very difficult."
