On Thursday, May 16, SIMA hosted its second annual banquet to honor the student-athletes and all their efforts throughout the 2018-2019 season. Each coach presented awards to their teams for the athlete that best deserved the Eagle MVP, Most Improved, and Coaches Awards. Over 200 parents, student-athletes and coaches were in attendance to support the program and those being recognized.
Mr. Warren Delmolino, Dean of the Middle School, was the honored guest speaker at the banquet and talked about the importance of teamwork and the qualities that the SIMA program teaches its participants. These qualities can be taken and used throughout life, even after their time on the soccer field has ended. Mr. Del wanted to emphasize that soccer does not define a SIMA student-athlete but is rather an aspect of their life and there are many other things that require your attention to make you a well-rounded person.
Head Coach and SIMA Director, Mike Potempa, talked to the crowd about the importance of the “student-athlete” title and how it is firstly important to be a good person, secondly it is important to be a dedicated student, and thirdly it is important to be a disciplined athlete. He stressed the importance of that order and how the SIMA program works to instill that mindset into each soccer player that joins the Academy.
Under the guidance of an experienced and trained coaching staff, the athletes were able to improve in each training session and develop a more in-depth understanding of the game. Now, at the end of the season, coaches made the incredibly difficult decision of who best deserved high honors for their efforts and dedication on the pitch. All awards can be found below corresponding to their team and coach.
Among the 180 SIMA student-athletes, 55 will be graduating from Montverde Academy to pursue passions in soccer and academics that are taking them all around the country. Coach Potempa provided the seniors with an open invitation back to campus because once you are part of La Familia, you will always remain. He also reminded each athlete that their path is paved with opportunities thanks to the seniors that graduated and are carrying on the SIMA reputation.
Thank you seniors your all your dedication since you arrived on campus and thank you SIMA student-athletes for another great year of soccer and growth.
Christian Neira – Goalkeepers
Eagle (MVP) – Marc Kouadio
Most Improved – Joao Freire
Coaches Award – Christopher Jensen
Ryan Rademacher – Porto
Eagle (MVP) – Peter Moise
Most Improved – Nicholas Bilski
Coaches Award – Zach Spangler
Nic Pretelt – Leeds United
Eagle (MVP) – Max Hartmann
Most Improved – Eduardo Nunes
Coaches Award – Sid Hartmann
Andrew Douek – Inter Milan
Eagle (MVP) – Sebastian Ressler
Most Improved – Mario Valdes
Coaches Award – Dave Miryala
Leopoldo Jimenez – Newcastle
Eagle (MVP) – Gabriel Ariza
Most Improved – Mateus Mayer
Coaches Award – Pavlos Tentomas
Kevin Varnado – Marseille
Eagle (MVP) – Joao Pedro Soares
Most Improved – David Araujo
Coaches Award - Akhil Patel
Carlos Pedraza – Ajax
Eagle (MVP) – Richard LaPointe
Most Improved – Vinicius Belon
Coaches Award – Ricardo Rego
Ricardo Paez – Flamengo
Eagle (MVP) – Joao Gallo
Most Improved – Matheus Maccari
Coaches Award – Xavier Laneuville
Toni Hernandez – SIMA/DA
Eagle (MVP) – Ates Diouf
Most Improved – Owen VanMarter and Damon “DJ” Smargon
Coaches Award – Niko Hartmann
Mike Potempa – Gold
Eagle (MVP) – Mamadou Mbacke Fall
SIMA Gold Award – Macoumba Ba
Coaches Award – Mohammed Traore
Junior Challenge Cup
Champion: Silver
MVP: Max Hartmann
Golden Boot: Eduardo Nunes
SIMA Challenge Cup Group 1
Champion: Team Green
MVP: Xavier Laneuville
Golden Boot: Luiz Oliveira
SIMA Challenge Cup Group 2
Champion: Team Purple
MVP: Harrison Hew
Golden Boot: Guillerme Rego