The Ben Carpenter Academic Achievement Award

Recognizing excellence on and off the court by honoring student-athletes who lead with dedication, discipline, and heart. Celebrating those who show up, put in the work, and raise the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete.

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A legacy worth carrying forward

Recognizing student-athletes who put in the work at school and in sport.

What is the Ben Carpenter Academic Achievement Award?

The Ben Carpenter Academic Achievement Award recognizes student-athletes who are committed to excellence both in the classroom and in power soccer.

This award honors athletes who demonstrate academic dedication, leadership, and a genuine passion for the sport—carrying forward the standard Ben set on and off the court.

All eligible applicants will be recognized at the USPSA Conference Cup Tournament, celebrating their hard work alongside the broader power soccer community.

Award Amount: $50

Appplication Deadline: April 30th, 2026

Who can apply?

  • High school students
  • College students
  • Trade school students
  • Vocational training students
  • Full-time students actively participating in power soccer

What applicants are recognized for

  • Academic effort and achievement
  • Commitment to power soccer
  • Leadership and character
  • Vocational training students
  • Full-time students actively participating in power soccer

How to apply

Download and complete the application, then submit it by April 30th, 2026.

Download Application

“Growing up I was lucky enough to have attended U.S. Power Soccer training camps when I had just started playing. Seeing soccer played at that level made me fall in love with the sport. Those athletes were my heroes and I’m lucky enough to get to play with some of them today.”

– Zach Dickey, USPNT

Who IS Ben Carpenter?

Ben Carpenter was a cornerstone of U.S. power soccer.

Beginning his career in 2004, Ben quickly became one of the most respected athletes in the sport. He represented Team USA on the international stage, helping secure gold medals at the 2014 COPA America in Rio de Janeiro and again in 2019. He also competed in the 2017 World Cup and was selected for the 2022 World Cup team.

But Ben’s impact went far beyond competition.

He was known for his leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to growing the game. Through clinics and mentorship, he helped develop the next generation of athletes and coaches, always giving back to the community that shaped him.

Off the court, Ben pursued his passion as an Imagineer Associate Show Mechanical Designer for Disney, helping design immersive experiences for people around the world.

Ben passed away in December 2019, but his legacy continues through the athletes he inspired—and through this award.

What is the Ben Carpenter Academic Achievement Award?

Program Information
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FAQ

THE RECOGNITION

The Ben Carpenter Academic Achievement Award celebrates student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics while actively participating in power soccer.

All eligible applicants will be recognized at the USPSA Conference Cup Tournament, highlighting their achievements among peers, coaches, and the broader power soccer community.

This award reflects Ben’s belief that success isn’t just about performance on the court—it’s about commitment, growth, and character in all areas of life.

Award

$50 Academic Achievement Award

ELIGIBILITY

To apply, athletes must:

  • Be an active power soccer player
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student (high school, college, trade school, or vocational program)
  • Be participating during the current academic year
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

  • Academic performance
  • Dedication to the sport
  • Leadership and character

YOUR COMMITMENT

This award recognizes the work you’re already doing. Balancing school and athletics takes discipline, time management, and resilience. This is an opportunity to have that effort seen and celebrated.

Applications are NOW BEING ACCEPTED.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Download the application
  • Complete all required materials
  • Submit via email by the listed deadline

What you’ll need to apply

  • Completed application form
  • Letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
  • Current report card (including most recent grades available)
Download Application

Contact

For any questions, please reach out to bcaaa@powersoccerusa.org

Who is eligible to apply?

Any power soccer athlete who is a full-time student—including high school, college, trade school, or vocational programs—during the current academic year.

More FAQs coming soon.

Questions? Contact bcaaa@powersoccerusa.org

Previous Award Recipients

Celebrating the student-athletes who have set the standard in academics and power soccer.

2025

  • Akshay Renjith
  • Krishna Khushalani
  • Cameron Broyles
  • Jayden Albaugh
  • Andrew Vehige
  • Wren Grabham

2024

  • Akshay Renjith
  • Andrew Vehige
  • Zander Helfrich
  • Seth Boulanger
  • Natalie Bracket
  • Jada Cano
  • Lily Desgroseilliers
  • Rian Dindzans
  • Michael Rayton

2023

  • Akshay Renjith
  • Andrew Vehige
  • Natalie Bracket
  • Zander Helfrich
  • James Albaugh
  • Kyle Eggleston
  • Shelley Fecteau
  • Chelsea Knutson
  • Charles Lettenberger
  • Alexander Llauro
  • Amin Mohammedshahi
  • Dana Parrott
  • Kirsten Passmore
  • Andrew Sellers
  • Brendan White

Interested in joining this list? Apply today.