CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson Men’s Soccer incoming freshman Ransford Gyan was named the 2024 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year on Tuesday. This is the second time Gyan has garnered the honor after also being named the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year, and he makes history by becoming the only soccer athlete to win the award twice in its 39-year history. Shining on the pitch, he concluded his high school career as a three-time winner of the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year award (2021-23).
This marks the first time in Clemson soccer history that a student-athlete has won the National Player of the Year award and the sixth time that a student-athlete has won a Gatorade State Player of the Year award. Gyan is joined in the 2024 Clemson United freshmen class by Vitor Geromel, who garnered 2024 Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year honors.
The St. Benedict’s Preparatory School (Newark, NJ) student-athlete is ranked the No. 11 player in the 2024 recruiting class by PrepSoccer.com. Gyan recorded a breakout senior season with 28 goals and 14 assists, leading the Gray Bees (15-1) to the New Jersey State preparatory tournament title game. Gyan scored at least one goal for the Gray Bees in all 16 of their matches this season.
In an interview with TopDrawerSoccer, Gyan spoke on his commitment to the Tigers saying, “To be honest, while I was weighing my options, I felt like going to college was the right decision for me. And if I am going to go to college, I have to be in one of the top programs, and Clemson happens to be one of those.”
Gyan signed with Clemson on National Signing Day in 2023. The midfielder has won other high accolades, including the Golden Boot at the United States Youth Soccer Association’s 2022 Under-18 National Championships, where his club team, Cedar Stars Academy, captured the national title. Gyan is also a three-time First Team All-New Jersey Prep honoree and led the Gray Bees to two state championships.
“We are very proud and excited for Ransford’s historic recognition,” Head Coach Mike Noonan said. “He is a fantastic young man who will bring great joy and smiles to Clemson United, our fans, and the University. We are honored to welcome him to Clemson next week as he begins his collegiate journey.”
Gyan was surprised with the trophy by his coaches and teammates. Later, he received a call from professional soccer player and USMNT member Christian Pulisic to congratulate him on his historic accomplishment.
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