Jackson Lions FC standout Kenan Hot has been named the TopDrawerSoccer.com 2023 NPSL Young Player of the Season.

“Even though he is young, he stood out as a leader in the dressing room from day one,” Jackson Lions FC owner Mike Durazzo said. “He’s a player that we are really happy to have as part of our program, and we can’t wait to see what kind of levels he hits in the future.”

Hot started 10 games and played 900 minutes for Jackson Lions FC, tallying two goals and seven assists during the 2023 NPSL season.

"It's no surprise to see Kenan Hot earn this accomplishment after his excellent debut season at Duke last fall,” TopDrawerSoccer.com Director of Content Travis Clark said. “His future is bright as he continues to perform at a high level for Jackson Lions this summer, especially when considering his extensive experience in the NPSL."

Hot spent time with both FC Motown and Jackson Lions FC during his NPSL career.

The Lincroft, NJ native enjoyed a stellar 2022 collegiate season at Duke University, starting 19 games and playing a total of 1,143 minutes. The ACC All-Freshman Team honoree was also named First Team Freshman Best XI by TopDrawerSoccer, All-Freshman Third Team by College Soccer News, and was ranked No. 2 on TopDrawerSoccer's Postseason Freshman Top-100.

“I think that the NPSL is a great league, especially with our team, we've got a lot of great players,” Hot said. “I've said it before. There are players from top conferences like ACC, the Big East, Big Ten. Playing at that level is only going to help you.”

Hot came up through the New York Red Bulls academy, spending time with New York Red Bulls II, Hartford Athletic, and New York FC II. He even earned trials with some of the biggest names in international soccer, including Arsenal, AS Roma, and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Past winners of the award include current MLS standout Ben Bender (2021) and Louisville defender Josh Jones (2022).

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