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SIMA Signs Three Student-Athletes on National Signing Day

By SIMA, 02/06/19, 3:45PM EST

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Today Montverde Academy hosted their spring National Signing Day where student-athletes can sign their National Letter of Intent to compete at the collegiate level. The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) had three seniors sign today to the institutions of their choosing. These boys were also asked about what this moment meant to them and how Montverde Academy helped to prepare them for their next step.

Bernardo Gracindo, a center back from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has committed to NCAA Division I Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Gracindo has been a member of SIMA for two years and this past academic quarter was a member of the Summa Cum Laude Honor Roll for his hard work in the classroom. Gracindo was escorted today by Coach Kevin Varnado as he signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Husky team in the fall.

“This moment really means a lot to me to see how my hard work and dedication has paid off,” said Gracindo. “Montverde Academy has provided me with opportunities both athletic and academic to be where I am today, and I know that when I look back, I will know that Montverde Academy helped me reach my goals.”

Weston King, a goalkeeper from Colorado, USA, has committed to NCAA Division I University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. King has been a member of SIMA for two years and was a member of the Magna Cum Laude Honor Roll this past academic quarter. King was escorted by his mother Sheri and father Kevin as he signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Cardinals in the fall.

“I’ve come a long way and it’s a good relief to know that hard work pays off,” said King. “Montverde Academy really helped because when I moved here, I didn’t think I could go anywhere but then Montverde really helped prepare me for what’s next.”

Bryan Moreira, a midfielder from Ecuador, has committed to NCAA D II University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana. Moreira has been a member of SIMA for three years and was a member of the Magna Cum Laude Honor Roll in the first academic quarter of the school year. Moreira was escorted by Coach Ricardo Paez as he signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Greyhounds in the fall.

“This moment is amazing, I feel good and I am ready to go to college,” said Moreira. “I am proud to represent Montverde Academy.”

Signing three student-athletes this early in the spring is a good step for the SIMA program as more college acceptances will arrive in the following weeks. High school student-athletes have until May 1 to decide where they will attend college as set by College Guidance, but with a later signing date in the spring, many are waiting to make their final decisions.