Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) alum Ousmane Sylla '20 just completed his NCAA college soccer career in the most celebratory way possible. Not only did he lead the Clemson men's soccer team to the NCAA Division I National Championship for the second time, but this past Friday he was honored by the Missouri Athletic Club with the MAC Hermann Trophy, the most prestigious award in college soccer.

Sylla earned the award after playing an instrumental role in Clemson men's soccer's success in 2023. The Dakar, Senegal native led the Tigers to the ACC Tournament and collected the conference most valuable player and All-Tournament honors. He was also named a first team All-American, first team All-Region, first team All-ACC and College Cup All-Tournament Team during the season.

His goal in the seventieth minute of the Tigers' 2-1 win in the national championship game against Notre Dame on December 11 proved to be the game winner.

He departs Clemson University as one of the most decorated players in the program's storied history. His accolades include being a two-time NCAA National Champion, a four-time All-ACC recipient and a three-time All-Region selection, along with numerous other individual and team accomplishments. And last month, he graduated from Clemson with a bachelor's degree in Sociology.

"Sylla's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He arrived in 2017 as a quiet, timid tenth grader with tremendous on-field talent. However, our school community got to meet an amazing young man whose impact on our campus has been immeasurable," said SIMA Director, Kevin Varnado. "The example that he continues to set for others to follow is the legacy that we will cherish the most. His genuine love for life and the ease at which he develops and maintains relationships is truly a gift. While we rightfully celebrate his accomplishments on the field, Ousmane Sylla has become a true testament to the SIMA program."

His receipt of this award makes Ousmane the first MVA alum from the SIMA program to garner the award, which is presented each year by the Missouri Athletic Club in partnership with United Soccer Coaches to recognize the NCAA Division I Player of the Year.