The 2026 collegiate soccer season officially kicked off on August 20, marking the beginning of another year of competition across the country. As the new season gets underway, SIMA alumni are once again continuing their soccer careers at collegiate programs across the United States and beyond. 

From NCAA Division I to Division III, NJCAA programs and international opportunities, former SIMA players are representing their schools across a wide variety of conferences and levels. Their continued presence at the collegiate level reflects the opportunities created through the SIMA program and the foundation built during their time at Montverde Academy. 

As the season continues, SIMA will follow the accomplishments of its alumni and highlight the performances and achievements of former players competing at the next level. 

Division I 

SIMA alumni continue to make a strong impact at the NCAA Division I level, with former players representing programs across some of the nation's top conferences. 

The Division I landscape features alumni at programs including Clemson, Maryland, Virginia Commonwealth University, Penn State, Dartmouth, Furman, High Point, Mount St. Mary's, UNC Wilmington, Eastern Illinois, Houston Christian, UTRGV, Lindenwood and the University of New Haven, among others. 

The representation stretches across conferences including the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Ivy League, Atlantic 10, Coastal Athletic Association, Big South, Southern Conference and Ohio Valley Conference. 

Several programs also feature multiple former SIMA players, creating connections between current collegiate teammates and former members of the SIMA program. 

Division II 

SIMA alumni are also continuing their careers throughout NCAA Division II, with representation across several regions of the country. 

The Sunshine State Conference has a particularly strong SIMA presence, with former players competing at programs including Saint Leo University and Lynn University. Other alumni are continuing their careers at USC Aiken, Walsh University, Purdue Northwest, Gannon University, Northwest Nazarene, Colorado State University Pueblo and Jefferson, among others. 

The Division II landscape provides another opportunity for SIMA alumni to compete at a high level while representing programs across conferences throughout the country. 

Division III 

The SIMA tradition also continues throughout NCAA Division III, where former players are competing at a variety of established collegiate programs. 

Trinity University and Rowan University each feature multiple former SIMA players, while alumni are also represented at programs including King's College, Piedmont, Oglethorpe, Whittier College, Thomas College, Messiah University, Carnegie Mellon, Eastern University, Regis College and Sewanee. 

These programs span conferences across the Northeast, South, Midwest and West Coast, further demonstrating the geographic reach of the SIMA program. 

SIMA Alumni Make an Early Impact 

The first week of the 2026 season has already produced several standout performances from SIMA alumni, with former players finding the scoresheet and making important contributions for their respective programs. 

Alfred Baafi (High Point, SIMA Class of 2023) opened his 2026 campaign by scoring High Point's first goal of the season against LIU on August 20. 

At UTRGV, Mouhamed Pouye and Malang Mandiang (SIMA Class of 2023) both found the back of the net in the Vaqueros' season opener against West Florida. Pouye scored in the 28th minute before Mandiang added the game-deciding goal to give UTRGV a 3-2 victory to open the season. 

Osei Gyamfi (UNC Wilmington, SIMA Class of 2024) also made an immediate impact, scoring against UMBC on August 20 before the match was postponed due to weather. Gyamfi followed that performance with another goal on August 23, scoring the opening goal for UNCW against Georgia Southern. 

In the midfield, David Leavey (SIMA Class of 2025) and Byamunga Ndimubandi (SIMA Class of 2026) both contributed to VCU's strong defensive performance in a scoreless draw against Wake Forest on August 23. 

Defensively, Jordan Cheetham (VCU, SIMA Class of 2025) played all 90 minutes at center-back, helping VCU secure the 0-0 result against the Demon Deacons. 

At Dartmouth, Nicholas Brown (SIMA Class of 2025) saw eight minutes of action in goal against Southern New Hampshire on August 22. 

With the season only beginning, SIMA alumni have already made their presence felt across the collegiate landscape. As the 2026 season continues, there will be plenty of opportunities for former SIMA players to make an impact for their respective programs. 

Beyond the NCAA 

The path for SIMA alumni continues beyond the NCAA as well. 

Former players are competing in the NJCAA, including at Daytona State College and Iowa Western Community College, while other alumni have continued their development through international soccer opportunities, including programs in the United Kingdom. 

These opportunities highlight the different pathways available to players following their time at SIMA and Montverde Academy. 

A Tradition That Continues 

As the 2026 season gets underway, SIMA alumni can be found competing at collegiate programs across the country and pursuing opportunities around the world. 

While the schools and conferences may change from year to year, the goal remains the same: to prepare players for the next level and provide them with the foundation to continue growing both on and off the field. 

With the 2026 season now underway, SIMA will continue to follow the journey of its alumni and celebrate their accomplishments throughout the year. 

About the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA)
The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) is a nationally recognized residential soccer academy that combines elite player development with a college-preparatory education. Located on the campus of Montverde Academy in Central Florida, SIMA provides student-athletes from around the world with world-class coaching, high-level competition, and an environment designed to maximize their growth on the field, in the classroom, and as leaders beyond the game. Through its commitment to excellence, SIMA prepares players for collegiate, professional, and international opportunities.

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