Preparing for the Next Step

For Nico Brown, SIMA was instrumental in shaping both his athletic and personal development. Now committed to Dartmouth College, Nico credits his time at Montverde Academy and in the SIMA Program with preparing him not only for college soccer, but for the broader demands of life beyond the game.

"SIMA played a huge role in preparing me for the next step in both soccer and life," Nico shared. From the beginning, the environment challenged him to grow in multiple areas at once.

Balancing Soccer and Academics

One of the defining aspects of Nico's SIMA experience was learning how to manage time effectively. Training and competing at a high level every day required focus and discipline, but academics were never secondary. "The environment allowed me to train and compete at a high level every day while still putting a strong emphasis on academics," he explained. That balance helped him understand what it truly means to be a student-athlete.

Growth Beyond the Pitch

SIMA also encouraged Nico to step outside of soccer and become involved in the wider Montverde community. Off the field, he took on leadership roles by serving in the Student Government Association and on the Disciplinary Committee. These experiences challenged him in new ways and helped develop skills that extended far beyond athletics.

"Being able to manage soccer alongside academics and leadership roles taught me discipline, accountability, and how to operate in a professional environment," Nico said. Those lessons became just as important as anything learned on the field.

Ready for Dartmouth and Beyond

All of these experiences came together to prepare Nico for the next stage of his journey. The habits, structure, and mindset developed at SIMA have given him confidence as he prepares to begin his collegiate career at Dartmouth.

For Nico Brown, SIMA wasn't just about becoming a better player, it was about becoming a well-rounded individual. And as he takes the next step, the lessons learned at Montverde will continue to guide him long after the final whistle.