IMG Academy Alumni make DI Impact

by TopDrawerSoccer

October 21, 2022

The business end of the men’s and women’s college seasons draws near as the chase for conference championships heats up.

There have been countless contributors spanning the country. Several of the top teams in the country feature key players that spent time at IMG Academy within the boys and girls soccer programs before stepping into Division I opportunities.

On the men’s side, No. 2 ranked Duke features the feisty forays of Ruben Mesalles. After a strong freshman season in 2021, Mesallas has shown consistency in his second campaign. Fifth on the season in minutes played from field players, he’s a top player for an ACC contender.

Before picking up an injury against the aforementioned Blue Devils, Hosei Kijima was a regular starter during his junior season for No. 17 Wake Forest. A return from injury down the stretch would be massive for the Demon Deacons down the stretch.

Stepping into the starting goalkeeper role for No. 12 Charlotte, Thomas Wallis has played every minute between the posts for the 49ers. At this stage of the season, a spot in the NCAA tournament is well within reach for the American Athletic Conference side.

Sticking in North Carolina, High Point’s starting left back Holland Rula spent a few seasons at IMG Academy. The Panthers beat Maryland this week as they chase a Big South Championship. Younger brother Larson Rula has featured regularly from the bench in his sophomore campaign.

Getting playing time as a freshman at Clemson is no easy feat. But first-year attacker Nate Richmond has played eight games, scoring one goal and adding an assist for the No. 22 Tigers.

Former IMG Academy star Michelle Cooper continues to excel this for No. 12 Duke. The striker has nine goals and seven assists, and is critically important as the Blue Devils hunt postseason accolades. Fellow IMG alumnus Dieynaba Ndaw has five appearances for Duke from the bench.

Also in the ACC, Mia Justus has five appearances in goal for No. 4 Florida State. The U.S. youth international splits time in goal with Cristina Roque, one of the top shot-stoppers in the college game.

Goalkeeper is certainly strong when tallying up IMG Academy alumni. Tennessee netminder Lindsey Romig backstops the No. 20 Volunteers, which could be among the national title contenders once the NCAA Tournament kicks off.

No. 21 USC has enjoyed a strong season and are in the mix for the Pac-12 title. Midfielder Helena Sampaio earned a starting role this season, with starts in 11 of her 12 appearances during the 2022 season.

Freshman Alexis Washington has put herself into contention for Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors at Oklahoma. She’s played in 15 games, chipping in six assists for the Sooners.

Interested in learning more about IMG Academy soccer? Ready to find a soccer camp that aligns with your goals this year? Check out this link to learn more about all of the available programs.

Did you know NCSA offers free college recruiting resources? As the official college recruiting services partner of IMG Academy, you also have access to their tools to help you manage your recruiting journey, make connections, and get recruited. It’s all available when you click here!

Related Topics: American Athletic, Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big South, Pacific 12, SEC