The University of North Carolina men's soccer program have announced the signing of Jace Donawa.
Donawa is a dynamic attacker who comes to Carolina from Bermuda via the Northwood School in Lake Placid.
Donawa has officially embarked on the next chapter of his football career, joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) for the 2026 spring semester. The 18-year-old standout recently completed a highly successful youth stint at Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York, where he solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic young attackers in the North American prep circuit.
During his time at Northwood, Donawa was a focal point of the school's elite football program. Known primarily as a creative winger, he also demonstrated versatility by playing centrally when required.
Key Highlights: He consistently appeared in regional and national recruiting rankings throughout 2024 and 2025, often cited as a top-tier Division I prospect.
Clutch Performances: One of his defining moments at Northwood came in May 2025 against the IMG Academy top international team. With the score tied late in the match, Donawa netted a crucial goal to secure a 2-1 victory, providing his team with vital momentum for the remainder of their showcase tournament.
Cultural Growth: Donawa credited his time at Northwood with helping him adapt to new environments, noting that the cultural difference between Bermuda and upstate New York was significant but ultimately rewarding for his personal development.
Donawa's performances in the U.S. did not go unnoticed by the Bermuda National Team.
Island Games Success: In July 2025, he played a pivotal role in helping the Bermuda Under-23 side win gold at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland. At just 17, he was the youngest member of the squad and scored a dramatic 120th-minute winner in the semi-final against Jersey, followed by a goal in the 3-1 final victory over Ynys Môn.
Senior Call-Up: His rapid development earned him his first senior call-up in November 2025 for Bermuda's Concacaf World Cup qualifying matches against Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago.
Donawa officially joined the UNC Tar Heels on January 1st, 2026. He is currently listed as a freshman forward on the 2026 Men's Soccer roster, wearing the number 7 jersey.
Prior to arriving in Chapel Hill, Donawa spent several months training with English fifth-tier club Altrincham to maintain his fitness. Under the guidance of professional coaches—and alongside his brother, fellow Bermuda international Justin Donawa—he gained valuable experience in a professional European environment before making the jump to high-level collegiate soccer in the ACC.
|
