MONTVERDE, Fla.— Montverde Academy has announced that Associate Director of SIMA Kevin Varnado has been promoted to Director of SIMA (Soccer Institute Montverde Academy).

A familiar face, Varnado has been on the SIMA staff since 2014, and has played a vital role in the success of the program. In his time with the program, he has served as a staff coach, Director of College Placement and the Associate Director of SIMA / Academic Affairs.

"I am honored and privileged to accept this leadership position within the SIMA program. Like so many of our students, families and alumni the SIMA program means a great deal to me," Varnado said. "For the past nine years I've been fortunate to be a part of the SIMA journey and I couldn't be more excited to continue the work that began 10 years ago. We have an incredibly talented staff that is committed to continuing the SIMA legacy and our belief in this program is as strong as it has ever been."  

In his time with SIMA, numerous student-athletes in the program have graduated and have gone on to play College soccer at the most prestigious college soccer programs around the country. In addition, nearly 100 of those players gone on to play professionally in various professional leagues around the world.

Varnado has an extensive history in the sport of soccer. Prior to his appointment with Montverde Academy, Varnado's experience includes serving two years at South Carolina's United Battery Academy, and nine years on the men's soccer coaching staff at Francis Marion University, including the final five seasons in which he was head coach.

SIMA has approximately 130 students in its program and is a year-round training experience that coincides with the demanding academic schedule at Montverde Academy.

"I am excited to welcome Kevin Varnado into his new role within SIMA," Montverde Academy Head of School Jon Hopman said. "Kevin has been a big part of the SIMA program and I look forward to the coming years where we continue to build upon the success that we have had." 

About Montverde Academy

Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 90+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com.

Release: https://mvasports.com/news/2023/2/27/boys-soccer-kevin-varnado-promoted-to-director-of-sima.aspx