James Blais
Class of 2026
Saint John's High School, Shrewsbury, MA
New England Futbol Club (NEFC)
Teams: MLS NEXT U17/19 & U20 USL Academy
About James Blais
My name is James Blais and I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I am Colombian American and am very proud of my heritage. Soccer has been a part of my life since before I could walk. I am excited to continue my journey as a student-athlete at the collegiate level, combining my passion for academics and athletics. Through hard work, discipline, and teamwork, I have developed the skills and determination that I’m eager to bring to a college program. I’m looking forward to pushing my limits, growing as both a competitor and an individual, and contributing to a team that values excellence on and off the field.
Spending summers playing soccer in Colombia and Spain has been an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in diverse playing styles and cultures, enhancing my skills and game awareness. This past summer in Washington, DC, I trained with The George Washington University men's soccer team, sharpening my abilities alongside high-level collegiate players. Additionally, I competed with a men’s team composed of former professional and Division 1 athletes, which pushed me to elevate my game and develop as a player in a highly competitive environment.
Academics & Extracurriculars
I am currently a Senior at Saint John’s High School, a private catholic high school in Shrewsbury, MA, where I am a recipient of the Salem Scholars Scholarship. I maintain an increasingly rigorous course load including AP and honors classes. At school, I have served as Captain of the Woodworking Club, Team Manager of the Black Affinity Soccer Team, member of the Investment Club and Spanish Club, and proudly served as the Assistant Coach for the SJ Middle School Soccer Team this Fall season. I have also participated in several community service projects throughout Worcester County including SJ Service Days, volunteering at Community Harvest Project and Millbury St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
Outside of school, my favorite hobby is fresh water fishing. I have also been a summer volunteer with the Blackstone Valley Soccer Program and work as a referee for local youth soccer leagues. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling internationally. In college, I plan to pursue a degree in business and technology.
Work Experience
360 Hosted, LLC (IT Consulting company based in Washington, DC) I started off as a summer intern and am currently a contractor where I assist clients via phone calls and onsite support. Collaborate with senior consultants on client projects by conducting system evaluation, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of technology consulting while learning industry best practices and client interaction skills. Utilized basic IT tools and technologies relevant to the company’s focus areas including hosted solutions and outsourced IT. Pursuing Certified in Cybersecurity from ISC2.
I am also a US Official Youth Soccer Referee where I manage games, enforced rules, and ensured player safety in MA youth soccer.
Club Soccer Experience
I have been playing organized soccer for the majority of my life as its is my greatest passion. I have spent the last two summers playing against collegiate players and have served as Captain of my soccer clubs U20 USL Academy team. This year I play with the U17 NEFC MLS Next team where I continue as our leading goal scorer and assist maker. In early 2025, we placed 1st in the Northeast Region and qualified for the MLS Next Playoffs, where we were semifinalists. I am a creative and technical player, where the majority of my recent club experience has me playing as an attacking player as a winger, striker, or attacking midfielder.
At NEFC, I am currently coached by Juan Gonzales. Last year I was coached by a former Trinidad & Tobago National Player, Anthony Rougier. I am also mentored by my NEFC U15 coach, John Hablitz and my uncle who played D1 College and semi-professional soccer, Fabio Andrade.
The Pioneer
I transitioned from elementary to middle school around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. My mom’s side of the family has always believed that a great education is important, and she planned on sending me to a private school for high school when the opportunity arose to attend the same school that had started a middle school division. Through the application process, I learned that I was the 1st student to be interviewed. The school’s mascot is the Pioneer, and I was honored when they welcomed me as the 1st student to be accepted into their inaugural middle school division class. The admissions committee was impressed and understood my family situation. On the same day of acceptance, they announced that I would be the 1st student to be awarded a scholarship, which would help fund my education for six years!
Senior Year
I'm challenging myself more in my final year at Saint John's by taking more rigorous courses, including AP Environmental Science, Spanish IV Honors, Economics Honors, English IV, and Pre-Calculus. In addition, making time to progress in the men's soccer college recruiting process. While I now realize my GPA has played a factor in opportunities at some programs, I have made great connections with coaches who have taken the time to get to know me as a whole person. I have overcome numerous challenges, and my mindset and goal are to continually improve and develop as a student-athlete in college.