CA’s Brown to play soccer for Anderson Univ.

By Maurice Patton

For Joshua Brown, the idea of playing men’s soccer at Anderson University wasn’t a hard sell.

The versatile Columbia Academy senior will be following in the footsteps of both his father, Jerome, and mother Janeth in attending the school just outside of Indianapolis.

Brown, who signed scholarship papers with the NCAA Division III program during an abbreviated on-campus ceremony Thursday, April 30, said he did manage an on-campus visit prior to the coronavirus pandemic that has created a global uproar.

“I went and saw it before everything shut down,” said Brown, who also considered Martin Methodist, Cumberland and Trevecca.

Flanked by parents Janeth (left) and Jerome Brown, Columbia Academy senior Joshua Brown signed a men’s soccer scholarship Thursday with Anderson (Ind.) University. (Photo by Maurice Patton)

The opportunity to get on the field at either goalkeeper – where he had played earlier in his prep career – or as a defender helped figure into Brown’s decision-making process.

“Whatever helps the team win,” he said. “I hurt my finger before our season ended and couldn’t play in goal, so I was playing defense. Whatever the team wants or needs.”

As the Bulldogs had gotten off to a 1-1-1 start before the COVID-19 virus disrupted high school sports statewide, veteran CA coach Doug Williams had taken advantage of Brown’s flexibility.

“He played in goal last year, he was going to play center (fullback) for us this year, and he had played some midfield,” Williams said.

“He has a real competitive spirit, and he’s versatile, so that makes him a great asset.”

Leave a Reply