Building Bonds Through SIMA

For two years, David Leavey immersed himself in the SIMA Program, an experience that would transform not only his level of play but also his outlook on life. Coming into an environment filled with players from all over the world, he immediately felt the power of diversity and the strength of a shared passion. "My SIMA experience was amazing," he explained. "I became friends with people from all around the world and trained at a high level every day for 2 years."

Growth On and Off the Pitch

More than just the football itself, SIMA instilled habits and values that prepared him for the next stage of his journey. "I've learned a lot from my SIMA experience as it helped me grow as a person on the pitch but also helped me learn the student-athlete lifestyle of balancing both," he said. The long days of training and studying taught him discipline, accountability, and time management, qualities that he now carries with him into the college game.

Prepared for Penn State

As he now continues his career at Penn State, he credits SIMA for laying the foundation. The high-level training, the emphasis on balance, and the mentorship he received all built a platform for success. "It definitely prepared me for Penn State," he added. "The support network from each of the coaches for us players at SIMA was amazing, and I couldn't ask for a better experience."

La Familia

For Leavey, SIMA is more than just a soccer program. It is a family. The friendships, the culture, and the values instilled over those two years have left a mark that will last a lifetime. With a smile, he summed up his experience in two words that resonate with every SIMA player: "La Familia."