Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy celebrates NCAA commitments

The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) has announced its latest round of college commitments with a group of six student-athletes.

Armani Grimaud makes history as the first SIMA student-athlete to commit to an Ivy League institution, after receiving numerous accolades including the Distinguished Scholar Award, being a school prefect and member of the National Honor Society. The American defender will join the NCAA Division I Columbia University men’s soccer roster.

The Senegalese defender Mohamed Traore committed to NCAA DI University of Central Florida, joining Montverde Academy teammate Lucca Dourado and ’19 alumni Jeremy Di Lallo. They will be looking to improve Knights’ best season in history as they reached the sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.

Ousmane Sylla won the 2020 MAST most valuable player award in a super group that included La Liga powerhouse Valencia CF and by achieving honor roll status in the classroom before his commitment to NCAA DI Clemson University. This talented Senegalese midfielder will be joining the Tiger roster in the fall with SIMA alum and current teammates alike.

SIMA student-athlete Vinicius Belon announced earlier his commitment to NCAA DI University of Pittsburgh. This Brazilian right-back maintained a high work rate in the field and classroom, where he earned honor roll status quarter after quarter. He will be part of a growing list of SIMA alum in the Panther roster in the ACC.

Moussa Sabaly won honor roll status in previous quarters on his way to commit with NCAA DI Southern Methodist University. The skillful Senegalese wing player displayed his talent in diverse games for SIMA Gold and will join the Mustang roster in the fall.

SIMA student-athlete Diego Berentsen work ethic shows in every game and all classes as he has been recognized with Summa Cum Laude honors. The Mexican winger led his team to the MAST final in 2019 and will join the Fighting Knights roster for NCAA DII Lynn University.

These commitments bring up the list of 21 student-athletes heading to top soccer program schools and three to NCAA DII across the United Sates.

Meanwhile, Austin Bold FC announced in the past weeks SIMA alumni Ates Diouf and Omar Ciss as signings for the 2020 USL Championship, season pending league and federation approval.