skip navigation

Lapa Named 2018 ACC Midfielder of the Year

By SIMA, 11/07/18, 4:00PM EST

Share

Alumnus Bruno Lapa ’16, junior at No. 1 ranked Wake Forest University, was just named 2018 ACC Midfielder of the Year. Lapa leads the ACC in assists with nine goals in 17 games while also leading the conference in scoring with 1.71 points per game, including four game-winning goals.

Lapa came to Montverde Academy in 2014 from Curitiba, Brazil and was a member of the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) for two years. While in the SIMA program, under Head Coach Mike Potempa, he had two undefeated seasons as a member of the varsity soccer team and was a part of the Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament’s (MAST) winning teams. After graduation, Lapa returned to Montverde Academy over the summer to play for the SIMA Aguilas PDL team.

“I wouldn’t be here is it wasn’t for SIMA and Mike Potempa,” said Lapa. “Montverde prepared me to face those challenges and set my mindset to continue to work and be dedicated consistently.” 

While at Montverde Academy, Lapa started in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program and strived for not only success on the field, but also in the classroom receiving straight A’s and Honor Roll status. 

“My message to the current SIMA players would be to continue to not only dedicate yourself on the field, but also in the classroom. Grades are important and will play a big role in your college career,” said Lapa.

The start to his collegiate career at Wake Forest was challenging as he didn’t see many minutes on the field. With hard work, he was able to improve each season. 

“Not playing much at first makes you understand that nothing comes easy, you have to earn it,” said Lapa. “During this time where you have to make a decision, to either give up or work even harder, I’m glad that all the hard work is paying off.” 

 

Demon Deacon teammate, Omir Fernandez, was also named 2018 ACC Offensive Player of the Year under ACC Coach of the Year Bobby Muuss. Last year alone, the Demon Deacons saw seven players sign professional contracts to continue their soccer career. Wake Forest has won the past two ACC mens soccer tournaments and are currently headed to the tournament’s semi-final match in one of the hardest conferences for mens soccer.