The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) has six international student-athletes singing National Letters of Intent (NLI) to continue their soccer careers and compete at the collegiate level. Two boys are signing to Marshall University and one is signing to the University of Charleston, all in West Virginia along with commitments to Queens University of Charlotte, St. Francis University and King University.

Brazilian Joao Pedro Souza has been a member of the SIMA program and a student at Montverde Academy for three years and is also a member of the Orlando City Development Academy which trains at Montverde Academy. Souza was awarded Cum Laude his first semester and Summa Cum Laude for both the second and third quarters of this academic year. As a midfielder, Souza will be attending NCAA Division I Marshall University in the fall to join The Herd on the field.

Brazilian Bleno Cruz has been a member of the SIMA program and a student at Montverde Academy for two years. Cruz is not only dedicated on the pitch but also in the classroom as he has been awarded Summa Cum Laude for both the first, second and third quarters of this academic year. As a forward, Cruz will be joining teammate Souza at NCAA Division I Marshall University in the fall and looks to make an impact on The Herd during their season.

Brazilian Joao Gallo Lima has been a member of the SIMA program and a student at Montverde Academy for three years. Lima was on the Academic Honor Roll earning Summa Cum Laude for both his first, second and third quarters of this academic year. Lima will be joining NCAA Division II University of Charleston in West Virginia to join the Golden Eagles in the fall as a left back.

Brazilian Caio Brandao has been a member of the SIMA program and a student at Montverde Academy for two years. Brando received Academic Honor Roll recognition with Cum Laude qualifications for his first quarter and Magna Cum Laude qualifications for his second and third academic quarters. As a midfielder, Brando will join the NCAA DII Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina this fall.

Canadian Xavier Laneuville has been a member of the SIMA program and a student at Montverde Academy for one year. Throughout his time in the Academy he has maintained Academic Honor Roll achievements with Summa Cum Laude recognition for the past three quarters of the academic year. As a midfielder, Lanueville will attend the St. Francis College Bulldogs in Brooklyn, New York this fall.

Brazilian Douglas Oliviera has been a member of the SIMA program and a student at Montverde Academy for two years. Oliviera was recognized for his achievements in the classroom on the Academy Honor Roll with Magna Cum Laude for all three quarters of his senior year. As a defender, Oliviera will be heading to Tennessee to Join the NCAA DII Tornados of King University in the fall.

These student-athletes join three additional SIMA commits who signed their NLIs during National Singing Day in February. American goalkeeper Weston King committed to University of Louisville, Ecuadorian midfielder Bryan Moreira committed to University of Indianapolis, and Brazilian center back Bernardo Gracindo committed to Northeastern University.

With a couple dozen SIMA seniors who remain undecided, they have until May 1 to make a decision about the future of their collegiate soccer careers. SIMA and Montverde Academy strive to provide these student-athletes with all the resources they need to find their new home after their high school graduation.

“We are extremely proud of each of these young men as they embark on the next chapter in their academic and athletic endeavors,” said SIMA Staff Coach and Director of College Placement Kevin Varnado. “They have worked incredibly hard to reach this stage and we are excited for what the future holds. All the best!”