SIMA 2022-23

Unlike any
other.

John
Atem Kato ’21
Penn State University
SIMA has helped me in many
ways, not only as a soccer player.
When I was a student-athlete there,
I learned discipline. I learned what a
competitive mindset really means, and so
many life lessons that I use at the University
of Portland both on and off the field. I’ll
forever be grateful to the SIMA program for
what it has meant to me.
2 SIMA

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) offers day and boarding students the
next level of training in their soccer career.
- Comprehensive academic and athletic training program
- Holistic development
- 100 percent college acceptance rate
- More than 35 million dollars in collegiate scholarship dollars
ACADEMICS
Academics are the foundation at Montverde Academy. Students have the opportunity to
work with teachers in an innovative, college preparatory setting. With an average 17 to1
student-faculty ratio, classes are focused on cultivating critical-thinking skills and developing
life-long knowledge while encouraging students to do their best in and out of the classroom.
60+
Alumni playing
professionally
- Distinguished Scholars program
- SAC (Subject Area Concentration)
- 31 AP courses
- 20 Honors Classes
- Dual Enrollment Program
- APID (Advanced Placement International
Diploma)
450+
Collegiate athletes
35+
MILLION
in Scholarships
3

Shawn
Smart ’22
Clemson University
SIMA has prepared me for anything
I might face in the world, and how
important the education aspect truly
is. It’s so hard to make it in this world
without a good education, and with
SIMA you are able to do so while
playing soccer at a high level.
4 SIMA

EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Montverde Academy has made its mark in college athletics by establishing a reputation for producing elitelevel
student athletes. The continual focus on both academics and athletics has been recognized throughout
collegiate Institutions. Taking pride in true holistic development, the Montverde Academy Boys Soccer
Program (SIMA) has been instrumental in preparing and assisting more than 450 student athletes and their
families for collegiate scholarship opportunities at the NCAA and NAIA levels after graduation.
Learn more about SIMA
In 2011, the Eagles obtained their first undefeated season in school history with a final overall record of 26
wins, 0 losses and 1 draw. The success of the program continues today with an overall record of 223 wins,
1 loss and 16 draws.
SIMA Director and coach Kevin Varnado joined the staff in August of 2014 after spending the previous two
years with South Carolina’s United Battery Academy. Prior to his time with South Carolina United, Varnado was
the Head Soccer Coach at Francis Marion University in South Carolina, where he worked for five seasons from
2007 to 2011. Varnado also served as an assistant coach at Francis Marion for five seasons from 2002 to 2006
prior to his appointment to the head coaching position. During his tenure there, Varnado won two regular season
conference championships in 2002 and 2008 and won a conference tournament title in 2008. The 2008 season
included an appearance in the NCAA National Tournament where the Patriots reached the regional semi-final.
The 2008 and 2009 seasons saw Varnado’s FMU team ranked among the top 25 in the United States.
- SIMA student-athletes average GPA is 3.97
- NCAA and NAIA collegiate scholarship opportunities
- Alumni play in LaLiga, MLS, USL, and internationally
5

UNPARALLELED ATHLETICS
From world-class facilities to elite-level coaching, SIMA provides a professional training environment for any passionate athlete
with the desire to work hard and improve. Students registered with the soccer institute will complete their athletic specific
training in the morning or afternoon in addition to their full academic workload in the classroom on a daily basis at Montverde
Academy. Academic standards must be met in order to participate in the soccer institute as the combination and balance
of academics and athletics must always be maintained. Success will only be measured by development with the end result
residing in an opportunity to play at a higher level and continue to make your passion a career.
- 44,000 square foot athletic field house
- 4,400 square foot strength and
conditioning performance center
- 25 meter aquatic practice facility
- 17 acre collegiate-level
athletic complex
- Comprehensive sports medicine program
- 30 acres of practice fields
- Cruyff Court
6 SIMA

Luc
Granitur ’21
University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill
Without the discipline and life lessons I gained
from my time with SIMA, I would not have
experienced any of the opportunities I have had
as a student or athlete. Every day being held to
the standard of excellence by the coaches, my
teammates, and teachers has pushed me to go
further than I ever imagined I would.
7

FUNDAMENTALS OF SIMA
SIMA was founded on the idea of creating an elite training program where all members are
accepted as equals. At SIMA, we try to create an environment of competitive alliance on and off
the field.
5
Training days
per week
Approximately
208
Training
opportunities
1:1
College soccer
scholarship
counseling
All student-athletes are challenged to believe in their dreams and our job is to lead them to their
goal through intense training, sacrifice, dedication, and teaching the game of soccer as a lifestyle.
SIMA provides the exact forum necessary for success at any level.
ELITE LEVEL TRAINING
- Training at least five days per week from August to May
- Professional-level coaches
- Competitive matches year-round against local, regional, and national competition
- Specialized and designed strength and conditioning sessions at least twice a week
- Transportation, meals, and accommodation for domestic events and friendly matches on and
off campus
- Half-day academic schedule
- Position specific training
- Sports Performance profile
- All club/registration/ and
tournament fees included
- Nike ® equipment training
package
8 SIMA

GET SEEN
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- College soccer scholarship counseling and negotiation
- Official visit coordination
- SIMA College Showcase
- MAST (Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament)
- SIMA Friendlies
- SIMA Showcases
- NCAA recruiting process seminar for student-athletes and parents
- All club registration/tournament fees
Learn more about SIMA
More than 35 million in scholarship dollars have been awarded to student-athletes
from the SIMA program since 2011.
9

HOUSING
Living on campus is a great way for students to engage in the full college
preparatory experience and make life-long friends.
Campus activities, weekend trips, and events designed especially for
student residents along with caring dorm-parents, a diverse student body,
and a beautiful 130-acre campus help students to transition from “at
home” to “on your own.”
- 24/7 security
- Live-in dorm parents
- Common areas with study and activity areas
- On-site laundry facilities
10 SIMA

FACILITIES AND EVENTS
PRACTICE FIELDS
SIMA student-athletes train on 30+ acres of fields made up of
beautifully manicured Bermuda grass and professional synthetic turf.
MAST
The Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament (MAST) is a platform for
elite high school aged student-athletes to compete and showcase
their abilities for the soccer world to see. During this three-day
event, top teams compete for the championship title and are
seen by fans and colleges from around the country.
4,400
SQUARE FOOT
FITNESS CENTER
- 8 fully outfitted power racks with a TRX
suspension system
- Olympic hex bars and adjustable benches
- Indoor turf training space
- Keiser six-pack system
11

Benji Michel ’16
Orlando City SC
Major League Soccer
12 SIMA
Ali Fadal ’21
Valencia CF
LaLiga
Mamadou Mbacke Fall ’20
Los Angeles FC
Major League Soccer
Andre Shinyashiki ’15
Charlotte FC
Major League Soccer
MLS Rookie of the Year

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
The Strength and Conditioning Program at SIMA goes well beyond the weight room. Our goal is to work
with student-athletes as soon as they arrive on campus to assess their individual physical needs as well as
provide performance testing to know how to best prepare them for their sport.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Improve speed, agility, flexibility, overall strength, technique and form
- Extensive weight room training
- Develop skills in the areas including nutrition, mobility, hydration, heat acclimation, recovery, and sleep
Maximize Learn more your about potential MAT
The strength and conditioning program mentally and physically prepares players for collegiate athletics as
well as long, healthy athletic careers through training and education.
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Santa
Ihara ’20
Duke University
My experience at SIMA has been a turning
point in my life and I am where I am today
because of it. I not only got to play at the
high level of SIMA, they worked with me
and gave me advice about my career after
graduation. The SIMA identity is engraved
in my mind and will be essential for my
development in the future.
14 14 SIMA SIMA

APPLY NOW
Montverde Academy offers continuous enrollment. We admit students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all
the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the Academy. Montverde Academy does not
discriminate on the basis of disability, race, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies,
admission policies, athletic, and other school-administered programs.
Steps to Apply
- To apply online, click on admissions at montverde.org
- For a list of required documents by grade and/or student type visit:
application process at montverde.org
- Submit standardized testing
- Grades 6-10 submit:
- Secondary Admission Test (SSAT) or
- PSAT
- ISEE
- International applicants grades 6-10 must submit one of the following:
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Applicants grades Pre-K3-5 must schedule an assessment
montverde.org
Schedule your tour today!
15

17235 Seventh Street, Montverde, Florida 34756
montverde.org | mvasports.com | mvasima.com | 407.469.2561
October 2022