%402x.svg){kind=icon}
.svg)
The Story of Select Generation
.webp)
.webp)
Sam and Victor
Sam and Victor first met during the summer of 2021 while living with the same host family in Greensboro, NC, as they played for NC Fusion U23 in the USL2. That summer, their team reached the national final against Des Moines Menace, competing in front of over 8,500 fans. While living together, they discovered they had unknowingly faced each other in the SAC NCAA Division II conference over the past three seasons, with Victor’s team taking all 9 points from their matchups.
After the summer season, Sam returned to the University of New Hampshire, and Victor went back to Lenoir-Rhyne University. Both graduated with MBA's from their respective schools that December. Following Christmas, they relocated to Charlotte, NC, for their new corporate careers while continuing to compete for NC Fusion. During the U.S. Open Cup, they helped the team pull off an impressive upset against professional USL1 side Charlotte Independence on their way to the third round.
A few months after settling into their Charlotte apartment, Sam and Victor hosted Select Generation’s first-ever college showcase, marking the start of what would become a thriving partnership. What began as a budding friendship, quickly evolved into a successful and impactful working relationship.
.avif)
.webp)
.webp)
.JPG)
.webp)
Meet Sam Henneberg
Sam grew up in Guildford, England, and moved to the United States at 18 to play NCAA Division II soccer at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. Despite not being part of an established professional academy in England, Sam achieved significant success, consistently winning leagues and cups with his clubs, school teams, and county (state) squads. At 16, he began working with a college soccer agency to create a highlight reel and connect with NCAA programs, ultimately securing a competitive scholarship to study and play soccer in the U.S.
At Catawba College, Sam was named team captain as a freshman and completed his studies in just three years, earning a double major in economics and accounting. While the team struggled on the field, winning only 3 out of over 30 conference matches during his tenure, Sam used his time to build valuable connections in the South Atlantic Conference. This led to an opportunity to play for NC Fusion’s USL2 team in the summer of 2019. The team won the regular season conference title, providing Sam with crucial experience, connections, and high-level competition.
Following his graduation from Catawba, Sam transferred to NCAA Division I University of New Hampshire (UNH), where he played two successful seasons. During his time at UNH, the team won back-to-back conference championships, reached a #5 national ranking, and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16, where they faced top-ranked Oregon State. Sam started every game that UNH played during his 2 seasons with the team. Sam graduated from UNH with an MBA specializing in data analytics, further enhancing his academic and athletic journey.
Meet Victor Cascon
Victor Cascon grew up in Salamanca, Spain, where his passion for soccer was ingrained in him since he can remember. Playing for various professional academies, Victor consistently excelled with his local clubs and regional teams, winning numerous leagues and cups along the way. His determination and talent earned him the opportunity to pursue collegiate soccer in the United States as he wanted to learn English, and travel abroad for a new experience.
Victor attended Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he made an immediate impact on the field. During his five years with the Bears, he achieved remarkable milestones, including being named Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. Earlier in his collegiate career, he helped lead the team to a conference championship as an underclassman, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and dependable forward.Off the field, Victor excelled academically, completing his undergraduate studies in marketing and business before earning an MBA. Victor now plays for UD Santa Marta in the Spanish third division, where he continues to pursue his passion for the game at a competitive level.
.avif)
The Story of Select Generation
Select Generation began in August 2022 from Sam and Victor’s apartment in Charlotte, NC, with a mission to help local friends on their UPSL team gain exposure and find pathways to college soccer. Using the abundance of collegiate head and assistant coaches in the area Sam and Victor were friends with from their playing days, they organized Select Generation’s first showcase in Matthews, NC, featuring 26 players.
Following the success of the initial event, they expanded their efforts, hosting showcases again in Charlotte, South Carolina, Boston, California, and New York. While mentoring standout players from these events, Sam and Victor identified a need for a clearer, more accessible pathway to connect players with college coaches, particularly for domestic players with limited opportunities.
When Victor returned to Spain, Select Generation expanded its reach internationally, organizing camps and trials with clubs in Salamanca through Victor’s network. To meet the growing demand for high-level talent, Sam began attending more showcases and events to scout players in person with the potential to succeed in the NCAA or abroad.
After facilitating numerous trials and camps, Select Generation launched its own academy, competing in the eighth tier of the Spanish football pyramid beginning August 2024.
Today, Select Generation focuses on identifying overlooked elite level players, who possess a relentless drive to succeed. The agency provides opportunities that many players might not otherwise encounter, assisting to help them reach their full potential.
Select Generation’s mission remains clear: Taking Players to the Next Level.
