For the first time in the prestigious award’s 39-year history, someone has repeated as the Gatorade National Boys Player of the Year, as Ransford Gyan of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School secures back-to-back honors. The senior recorded 28 goals and 14 assists to lead the Gray Bees to a 15-1 record and the New Jersey Prep School championship game.

Gyan was at a loss for words in his interview with TDS after learning he made history. “It is a lot to take in, it feels amazing. I don’t have words to describe it, I am just happy!”

The Clemson commit is also the first to receive three Gatorade New Jersey POTY honors. And befitting of his generational talent, Gyan had his choice of multiple professional and elite collegiate possibilities before choosing the Tigers.

“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.”

The Tigers are defending NCAA champions and have won two of the last three titles as college soccer’s premier program. Nicknamed the Ghanaian Messi due to his stature and brilliant playmaking style, Gyan has amassed an incredible winning resume that fits into the Clemson culture. 

Along with leading St. Benedict’s to multiple state titles and a national championship, in 2022, the dynamic attacking midfielder won MVP honors after leading Cedar Stars Academy to the U18 USYS National Championship.

Despite heading into college soccer as one of the best high school players in American history, impressively, Gyan remains grounded in his approach and expectations at the next level.

“Everything is in God’s hands, so whatever his will is what goes. I am excited to start at Clemson, and I hope I do great things over there with my teammates.”

For now, Gyan is in Tennessee leading the Cedar Stars charge for a U19 MLS Next championship, most recently scoring twice as the New Jersey-based program upset FC Dallas 4-3 to move on to the quarter-finals.