About the Soccer Institute of Montverde Academy
Since its inception in 2013, the SIMA (Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy) program has been dedicated to developing talented soccer players and shaping well-rounded individuals who thrive both on and off the pitch.
What Makes us Different?
The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) offers day and boarding students the next level of training in their soccer career.
- Comprehensive academic and athletic training program
- Holistic development
- 100 percent college acceptance rate
- More than 35 million dollars in collegiate scholarship dollars
- 60+ alumni playing professionally
- 350+ collegiate athletes
Academics
Academics are the foundation at Montverde Academy. Students have the opportunity to work with teachers in an innovative, college preparatory setting. With an average 11 to 1 student-faculty ratio, classes are focused on cultivating critical-thinking skills and developing life-long knowledge while encouraging students to do their best in and out of the classroom.
- Distinguished Scholars program
- SAC (Subject Area Concentration)
- 34 AP courses
- 12 Honors Classes
- Dual Enrollment Program
- APID (Advanced Placement International Diploma)
Experience Counts
Montverde Academy has made its mark in college athletics by establishing a reputation for producing elite-level student athletes. The continual focus on both academics and athletics has been recognized throughout collegiate Institutions. Taking pride in true holistic development, the Montverde Academy Boys Soccer Program (SIMA) has been instrumental in preparing and assisting more than 350 student athletes and their families for collegiate scholarship opportunities at the NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA levels after graduation.
In 2011, the Eagles achieved their first undefeated season in school history with a final record of 26 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. Along with six National Championships, the program's rich history reflects decades of success and a lasting commitment to excellence.
SIMA Director and coach, Kevin Varnado, has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the program over the past nine years. He began as a staff coach in 2014, and advanced to Director of College Placement in 2018. Coach Varnado became the director of the SIMA program in 2022. He brings over 20 years of experience at the collegiate, youth and scholastic level as a coach/administrator. Prior to his time at Montverde Academy, Kevin was a successful collegiate coach. Some of his successes include winning the 2008 Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year, 2002 and 2008 PBC champion, 2008 PBC Tournament champion, and 2008 NCAA Regional semifinalist. The 2008 and 2009 seasons saw Varnado's FMU team ranked among the top 25 in the United States. Coach Varnado holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "A" license.
- SIMA student-athletes average GPA is 3.5
- NCAA and NAIA collegiate scholarship opportunities
- Alumni play in LaLiga, MLS, USL, and internationally
Unparalleled Athletics
From world-class facilities to elite-level coaching, SIMA provides a professional training environment for any passionate athlete with the desire to work hard and improve. Students registered with the soccer institute will complete their athletic specific training in the morning or afternoon in addition to their full academic workload in the classroom on a daily basis at Montverde Academy. Academic standards must be met in order to participate in the soccer institute as the combination and balance of academics and athletics must always be maintained. Success will only be measured by development with the end result residing in an opportunity to play at a higher level and continue to make your passion a career.
- 44,000 square foot athletic field house
- 4,400 square foot strength and conditioning performance center
- 25 meter aquatic practice facility
- 17 acre collegiate-level athletic complex
- Comprehensive sports medicine program
- 30 acres of practice fields
- Cruyff Court
Fundamentals of SIMA
SIMA was founded on the idea of creating an elite training program where all members are accepted as equals. At SIMA, we try to create an environment of competitive alliance on and off the field. All student-athletes are challenged to believe in their dreams and our role is to lead them to their goal through intense training, sacrifice, dedication, and teaching the game of soccer as a lifestyle. SIMA provides the exact forum necessary for success at any level.
Elite Level Training
- Training at least five days per week from August to May
- Professional-level coaches
- Competitive matches year-round against local, regional, and national competition
- Specialized and designed strength and conditioning sessions
- Transportation, meals, and accommodation for domestic events and friendly matches on and off campus
- Half-day academic schedule
- Position specific training
- All club/registration/ and tournament fees included
- Nike® equipment training package
Get Seen
College Scholarship Opportunities
- College soccer scholarship counseling
- Visit coordination
- SIMA College Showcase
- SIMA Friendlies
- NCAA recruiting process seminar for student-athletes
- All club registration/tournament fees
- More than 35 million in scholarship dollars have been awarded to student-athletes from the SIMA program since 2011
For the full list of college commitments, click here
