SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake announced Tuesday that academy alumnus Phanuel Kavita has agreed to a contract with the club, becoming the 8th player in Grande Sports Academy history to sign a contract with Real Salt Lake.
Part of the first graduating class in the history of Grande Sports Academy, Kavita committed to Clemson University where he played and started in all 81 games for the Tigers in his four years, serving as the team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
Kavita played and started in 19 games during the 2010-11 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season, helping lead the Claret-and-Cobalt to a playoff appearance in Grande Sports Academy’s inaugural year.
Now Kavita may go on to play for another team in its inaugural season, as Real Monarchs enter their first year of play in USL PRO, coached by longtime Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy Assistant Coach Freddy Juarez.
Kavita’s signing with Real Salt Lake marks the eighth Grande Sports Academy player to join the Claret-and-Cobalt and the 16th player to sign a professional contract. Every Grande Sports Academy graduate has received a college scholarship or signed a professional contract after graduating high school.