DAPHNE, Alabama — When aeronautical engineer Phil Gurvitz touched down in Mobile for work related to AirBus America’s breaking ground at Brookley Field a few years ago, becoming an unofficial recruiter of international high-school athletic talent for Daphne High School was about as far off his primary objective as his native London.

But after settling in on the Eastern Shore with eldest child Adam, who was an incoming high-school sophomore in 2008, the newly-single dad was convinced the younger siblings would enjoy the experience as well.

It just happened that all three would import their high level of soccer and tennis playing skills as well.

“The first priority was checking out the schools, academically speaking,” Gurvitz said. “Looked around but was kind of pointed to Daphne by some people I knew and I must say was not, have not been, disappointed. Wasn’t concerned about sports really or soccer, specifically, but just wanted what would be best for my kids first. I heard good things about Fairhope and considered it, too, but heard good things about most of the schools in Baldwin County, really. But Daphne had a bit of an edge early on and it’s worked out great.”

Daughter Rianna and son Josh came over the following year from the United Kingdom. Josh perhaps more eagerly at first.

“I was a bit surprised Rianna gave it a go so soon, but what a most pleasant surprise it was, really,” their dad said.

Adam played soccer and tennis his sophomore year then focused on soccer as a junior, then tennis only last spring before graduating. He attends the University of Alabama-Birmingham majoring in graphic design and playing intramural tennis and soccer.

“I think what impressed me most after I moved here with my dad, was how much I enjoyed the people,” he said while home for spring break. “Everyone was just so welcoming. Much more than in England. At first I thought I would like a more urban environment, but now I really want to move back to the Daphne-Fairhope area and eventually become a citizen, definitely. This is where I want to stay and have a family. I’ll start the process of becoming a citizen when I turn 21 and get my student visa and then green card.”

In fact, the Gurvitz clan all intend to become U.S. Citizens in time.

Soccer siblings: Rianna had not played soccer for a few years, but became an instant starter and scoring leader for the Lady Trojans.

“I’m the only girl in a futbol family,” she said. But it wasn’t soccer at first so much that moved her to stay in the states. A senior, she has a career planned in physical training or physical therapy after college. “I felt like I just wanted or needed a change. And as for my studies, there were, there are just far more possibilities for university here. But then I got back into soccer and have just had so much fun with it. I’m so glad I did. Now I’m headed to University of West Alabama to play there next year. I love it, everyone is so nice, too.”

And then there is a serious relationship with an American footballer in the picture.

“His name is Torren McGaster and he is a football player going to Vanderbilt. And yes, it is serious,” she added with a smile. The senior forward received a combination of academic and athletic scholarships to play for the UWA Tigers next fall. McGaster signed Feb. 1 with the D-I Commodores as a defensive back and return specialist after his career at Daphne.

Josh, now a junior also plans to stay in the states through college and make his way as a university soccer player.

“I really like it in America. It’s a nice place. I had been to Boston, New Hamshire for vacation before. Thought the South would be mostly rural. But I like it here. I’ve met so many nice friends and playing soccer here for coach (Rick) Andrew has been a blast. I hope to keep playing soccer in college. I love it and I hope to take it as far as I can.”

Last spring Rianna and Josh helped the Trojans’ girls and boys to berths in the Alabama state 6A final four championship tournament in Huntsville with Andrew coaching both the boys and girls teams.

“That was really cool,” Josh said. “It was a bit of a shock but beating Auburn was good and getting to go was a great feeling and getting to go with my sister and all the guys and girls together was a great experience. It was special, both of us getting to go.”

“That was special,” Rianna said. “There’s nothing quite like that in England. School sports are not as big as club. Here it’s more spirited with all your classmates and friends rooting for you. Joshy getting to go too made it even more fun.”

Connection with Daphne coach Rick Andrew: Daphne boys and girls soccer coach Rick Andrew said as a coach he is always thrilled to get talented players transferring in, but would always hold this group dear in a special way.

“Just a super and tremendous family overall,” he said. “You know, Rianna, the knowledge of soccer she had from playing in England was a big help and she had not played for a while. But once she got back into it here, she took off and has been a big, important part of the girls team without a doubt. And Josh, too. Terrific player. He’s really stepped up into more of a leadership role just like we need him to. Just been a neat experience really to get to coach and watch them grow and fit in. Adam decided to go with tennis and I understood. But really, truly, just a great family to be involved with and just a joy to know.”

Andrew grew up in Germany and so learned the sport in international terms.

“My growing up in Germany and going to school for a while in England while playing the sport, too —also, no doubt — helped me to make their transition and my job a little easier. But basically it’s the same game and they are all very good players and excellent students and that as much as anything helped them fit in.”

Phil Gurvitz said the approach to education and sports at the high-school level differs in style and intensity from his native London experience.

“School sports there are nothing like they are here. The serious competition is at the club level. Academically, I think it’s more relaxed here, but in the end, I think the level of college readiness is about the same, really. So, if you are sports minded, it’s great. But the academic intensity definitely has more flexibilty that, for some children, I think is better.”

Gurvitz added that Andrew and others at Daphne were a big part of the children fitting in so well so quickly.

“Coach Andrew is a great coach and mentor, has achieved amazing things since taking charge of the soccer program at Daphne. All the players blossom under him and he helps them reach their full potential. The students respect and love him as his room is always full of students in their free time. He has helped all three of mine in their time at Daphne as Adam played soccer in his first year before following his passion of tennis. Even when Adam changed sports, (Andrew) followed and helped Adam whenever he could.”

Smooth transition at Daphne High: Gurvitz added that both Daphne principals (Don Blanchard and now Dr. Meredith Foster) as well as counselors Patricia Schlotterbeck and Connie Yelding helped him and his kids transition smoothly into the American academic system.

“Both principals have been really good since I arrived with my family. Every staff member has taken the children under their wing and if I was to mention two in particular then that would be Ms. Schlotterbeck and Ms. Yelding who have been exceptional. I have got involved in the Soccer Booster club every year, and also help the Football Booster Club in their season as being part of the Daphne High School family. As far as becoming a citizen myself, I’m still on a work visa now, but have started my green card process. It takes a while. Not a five-minute job. But when I get my green card, then I can become a citizen and the children should follow through. I’m proud of them, first for giving the adventure a try. It was an opportunity I hoped they would take, but it was always up to each of them. And also for getting involved and keeping their studies first.”

His fourth child Scott, 14, still lives with his mother in England.

“He’s happy there now. I think he likes having his mum all to himself. The ideal would be for them, all four, to be together. But it’s up to them. Their mum and I are together in that. He is another athlete playing soccer for school and club. He is in the semi-final of the county cup competition right now. Academically he is bright too and often gets top marks in tests for his class and year. All four children are close and love getting together.”

They all get together at least twice a year on one side of the pond or the other, he said. No doubt aeronautical engineering plays a role in that reunion as well.