Kimarly Scott Secures Four-Year VCU Football Scholarship

Jamaica Under-20 representative Kimarly Scott will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States after accepting a four-year football scholarship. The prolific Excelsior High School striker is scheduled to start his studies this fall.

Excelsior head coach Keon Broderick welcomed the development, describing it as a strong opportunity for the gifted attacker to pursue his education while advancing his football career.

Broderick said Excelsior prioritises academic achievement and encourages its players to place education ahead of football. He explained that the scholarship will allow Scott to earn qualifications and a degree while remaining active in the sport, making university the most suitable route for the youngster.

Scott, 19, produced 20 goals as Excelsior won the 2025 Manning Cup and Olivier Shield. He had scored 29 times during the preceding Manning Cup campaign.

His performances also carried over to senior competition with former Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier. Scott recorded eight goals during the season, with five of those coming in the play-offs.

According to Broderick, Excelsior's football programme gives academics and sport equal importance. He believes that approach makes the scholarship an appropriate option for Scott, who is regarded as one of Jamaica's leading young prospects.

Broderick said Scott's ability was among the reasons the Virginia coach wanted him. However, he identified finishing and the forward's rate of converting opportunities as areas requiring further improvement.

The Excelsior coach believes Scott can eventually become a professional player if he continues progressing throughout his university career. In his assessment, Scott might already have been heading to Europe instead of college if his conversion rate matched the standard of European professionals. He expects the forward to focus on that part of his game while in the United States.

Broderick also noted that American football offers routes into the professional ranks through Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League. Opportunities could also emerge at other levels elsewhere in the world.

Scott's decision, Broderick said, represents the central philosophy of Excelsior's programme. Players are encouraged to use football to secure higher education while continuing to pursue the possibility of a professional career.

Broderick expressed satisfaction with the move and said Excelsior fully supports the route Scott has chosen. He added that the school wants its other players to follow a similar path and considers Scott the right person to set that example.