Ransford Gyan Wins Gatorade Boys POTY

by Victor Olorunfemi

June 23, 2023

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Ransford Gyan, or the Ghanian Messi as he is affectionately known, was all smiles as he received the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year award. The junior midfielder led St. Benedict’s Preparatory School to an undefeated 17-0 New Jersey state championship. Gyan recorded 20 goals and 14 assists on the year serving as a finisher and creator for one of the nation’s best programs.

Razzle Dazzle to wrap it up!
Ransford Gyan, the reigning NJ Player of the Year, capped St. Benedict's 5-1 victory over Salesianum with a highlight-reel goal in the waning seconds at Riverfront Park#Newark #PrepSoccer #TheHive #GrayBees pic.twitter.com/XSUqMU1kNS
— St. Benedict's Prep (@StBenedictsNJ) October 22, 2022

It came on the eve of Gyan winning his second, and the school’s ninth, Gatorade New Jersey Boys Soccer Player of the Year trophy as he recorded 18 goals and 14 assists as a sophomore.

When asked about his immediate feelings on winning the award, Gyan was at a loss for words at accomplishing something he dreamed about. “The feelings were just coming! I can’t even describe it! I am just happy!”

His mom, who lives in Ghana, partook in a Zoom call to congratulate her son and was full of joy at his accomplishment. Gyan was also quick to point to his teammates, the coaching staff, and the environment they have fostered in helping him accomplish his goals.

“I have amazing coaches and amazing teammates. My coaches always push you to your limits. They want the best from you. The Benedict program is second to none in the high school environment, and I am happy to be here. Off the field, the coaches are great, they check up on you and make sure you’re okay, and on the field, they push you to your limits and make it a team environment where we play for each other.”

Even more impressive is that Gyan becomes just the second junior to win the award in its 38-year history, joining current MLS player Ousseni Bouda, who did it first in 2018. Regarding his own professional aspirations, Gyan maintains a day-to-day focus as he weighs his athletic future.

“I am focusing on day to day, I don’t know if I’m going pro or if I’m going to college, but I would love to be in the college environment and playing soccer.”

For now, Gyan, who won the U.S. Youth Soccer Golden Boot last summer after leading the Cedar Stars Academy Boys to a club national championship, is focused on his team’s chances to repeat as they head to U.S. Club Nationals in July.

“We are going straight to nationals in San Diego and just trying to get ready for that.”

All eyes will be on Gyan over the next twelve months as he takes on his senior year of club and high school soccer.