Founder & Director
Matthew’s motivation for starting a non-profit started from his own experience as a boarding school student at Choate Rosemary Hall in the late 90’s. With a growing circle of friends from different parts of the world, including two of his best friends from South Africa, he quickly began to realize just how different their worlds were from his own. Throughout high school and college, Matt and his family always had a full house because his parents were happy to welcome all of his friends into their home. Being around so many people from different places, would eventually spark his interest in teaching and coaching.
Matt Kokoszka’s soccer background includes boarding school and St. Lawrence University (part of an NCAA Championship run). Coaching at The Kiski School proved foundational where he pioneered international recruiting. Guiding initial talents like Tapshak Augustine (Trinity grad) and David Egbo (Akron grad, #9 MLS pick) helped form Thrive League’s core concepts. Later recruits like Joshua Bolma (Maryland grad, #4 MLS pick) validated the transformative power of connecting global youth with US opportunities.
Realizing the need to expand this impact beyond personal resources, Matt officially founded the Thrive League nonprofit in 2018. The organization boasts a 100% success rate placing boarding school grads into college programs. Central to Thrive’s launch and enduring spirit was the unwavering support of his wife, Darlenia, who opened their home as a haven for athletes. As a result, their sons, Ayden and Tristan, gained numerous ‘big brother’ figures and lifelong friends. Matt’s excitement for the mission endures as Thrive continues opening doors for deserving student-athletes worldwide.
VOLUNTEER Director
My name is Noah Giovannelli, and I am excited to continue in my role as Thrive League Director. I graduated from Hamilton college in 2021. My passion for helping others and learning about different cultures led me to becoming a double major in Public Policy and Hispanic Studies. At Hamilton, I was a member of the Varsity Men’s Soccer team for all four years. I also served as the secretary of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, was an intern for the Community Outreach and Opportunity Program, the head tutor for the “A Better Chance” (ABC) program, and was involved in a multitude of other outreach activities. My experiences as a student-athlete and dedication to outreach programs prepared me for my role with Thrive League.
I am originally from Leechburg, Pennsylvania, a small town located about forty minutes outside of Pittsburgh. I attended The Kiski School in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania beginning my sophomore year of high school and graduated in 2017. At Kiski, I played soccer and was a captain my junior and senior year. Off the field, I was very involved in the campus community as a prefect and member of multiple clubs. My boarding school experience led me to develop connections with people from all over the world.
Our team consisted of players from Nigeria, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Canada, and places all over the United States. We often spoke multiple languages on the field at once, and my passion for Spanish stemmed from the close relationships I developed with some of the boys from Mexico and Spain. On the weekends we did not travel for games, my parents were kind enough to host an international group of teenage boys. My friends from all parts of the world not only had an impact on me but became a part of my family over those three years. My parents joked that my two younger sisters did not have just one older brother, but rather ten or eleven. Some of the closest relationships I formed at my time at Kiski were with my teammates from Nigeria, Tapshak Augustine and David Egbo. The bond I formed with them is one that I cherish, as it opened my eyes to a word of cultural and societal diversity. The stories they shared with me about their experiences inspired me, and I appreciated their patience when teaching me Nigerian pigeon. On the field, they are two of the most incredible players I have ever played with or against, but the friendships we developed off the field had the biggest impact on my life. I refer to them as my brothers to this day, and my goal is to provide more opportunities to kids from similar backgrounds.
BOARD CHAIR
Matt is a committed educator and mentor whose work is rooted in personal experience, generosity, and a belief in the power of shared opportunity. His own time as a boarding school student shaped a lifelong connection to peers from around the world and sparked a career in teaching, coaching, and international recruitment. Years later, with the support of his wife Darlenia, he personally piloted the Thrive model by welcoming players into their home—offering stability, guidance, and community to student-athletes far from their own families. He now leads Global Education & Sports Partners, where he helps international students navigate school and college pathways in the U.S.
Vice Chair
Charlie Bour is a compassionate educator and respected mentor dedicated to helping student-athletes reach their fullest potential. A former NCAA Final Four captain at St. Lawrence University, Charlie went on to build nationally ranked prep programs at Loomis Chaffee and Berkshire School—earning a NEPSAC Championship, Prep Coach of the Year honors, and a reputation for developing both talent and character. He founded CAB Sports & SoccerJourney.org to guide families through the complex landscape of school and college recruitment. Charlie’s support has helped student-athletes from over 10 countries access opportunity through soccer, and his work continues to shape the pathway for the next generation.
Board Treasurer
Darlenia Kokoszka is an experienced educator and community-builder who brings compassion, structure, and cultural insight to Thrive’s leadership. A longtime Spanish teacher and Matt’s wife, she has supported the mission from the start—welcoming players into their home and lives with care and consistency.
Board Secretary
Volunteer Director
Noah Giovanelli is a thoughtful leader and cross-cultural connector who blends operational strategy with a heart for student development. As COO of Global Education and Sports Partners and Director at Thrive, he supports young athletes in building educational and athletic pathways with purpose and equity. His lived experience in international boarding school and collegiate soccer deeply informs his work.