MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora Christian Academy standout Seth Roach is officially taking his talents to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina announcing his commitment to the Paladins football program.

Roach, a versatile athlete who shone on both sides of the ball, capped off his senior season with 10 touchdowns. Roach split the quarterback duties with Jayden Burgos this year, he was utilized in many different roles such as quarterback, wide receiver, running back. The ability to play all over the field is a reason he is a sought after player. He helped MDCA in a variety of game situations this year and he was also an SSAA Conference Champion in 2023.

Off the field, Roach has excelled academically with an impressive 4.3 GPA,. He embodies the student-athlete ideal in every way possible. Seth did not have an easy road to this point. “When Seth was 9 years old he had a bad injury that put him in a wheelchair for an entire year.” says his mother Tiffany Roach. But through hard work, determination and his faith in God, Seth made it through that tough time and here he was signing his college commitment today.

(Seth Roach points to the sky, a reminder of his faith in God. He’s been a fantastic player for MDCA and we wish him well with Furman University.)

For Roach, this moment is the fulfillment of a long-held dream. On June 31, 2021, he prayed for the opportunity to play college football. Seth’s prayers were answered and here he is on a grand stage, signing his college commitment to play NCAA FCS Football. God is so great. “God has blessed me in so many ways. I was not born a stud athlete, but through hard work and faith God has given me the support of my family, friends and twin brother who shares the same goal as I do and that is to play college football. I’ve wanted to attend Furman University since the 8th grade and to be able to sign this letter is a dream come true.” said Seth.

The senior’s journey to the next level reflects his faith, hard work, and determination, qualities that have earned him the admiration of his coaches and teammates. Furman University, plays in the FCS Southern Conference. They are gaining not only a talented athlete but also a leader with a deep commitment to excellence. Anytime I had the chance to see MDCA play, Seth was always leading his players and lifting them up.

(Seth poses with his twin brother Nathan and the MDCA Football team.)

“Congratulations to Seth on this incredible achievement,” MDCA Head Coach Kolby Tackett said. “He’s worked tirelessly both on the field and in the classroom. Furman is getting an exceptional young man.”

As Roach prepares to take the next step, we are so proud of him. He has put so much work in the past four years. He may not have been the biggest kid in his early days but had the biggest heart on the field. That heart shown led to great things and ultimately to this incredible day. Seth grew and matured and became one of the most versatile players in Lake County.

Congratulations to his family, friends, coaches and eveyone who has impacted his life. He is a truly special person and is a fine example of how to conduct one’s self on and off the field.

Congratulations, Seth!