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Ransford Gyan (Photo courtesy of Gatorade)

Ransford Gyan awarded Boys Soccer Player of the Year for second straight year

High School, Featured, Soccer, St. Benedict's Prep

June 23, 2023

Ransford Gyan, a junior at St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, was awarded the 2023 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Gyan, who won the award for a second straight year, spoke about the achievement during a morning press conference call via Zoom with the media.

"It means a whole lot to me and I'm just blessed and honor to be named among the greats," Gyan described. "My coach called me today and actually invited some of my teammates. When I walked into the room then I saw my mom on the video call. I was just excited and knew something was going to happen. Then behind me I saw the trophy. I was happy and overwhelmed."

Gyan tallied 20 goals and 14 assists during the 2022 season. St. Benedict's finished the season undefeated at 17-0, won the Non-Public Prep A Tournament State Title, and was ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Super 25 poll. Gyan thoroughly dominated the field, registering at least one point in 16 out of 17 games.

"St. Benedict's is a great place and program. They have quality players," Gyan explained. "We had our biggest game in October against St. Ignatius (Ohio). They were number one and we were second and we won 2-0. We went on to win the national and state championship."

For Ransford Gyan, putting on the Gray Bees uniform every time he takes the field carries significant meaning. "Having the opportunity to wear this feels good. When you put that shirt on, you feel like you can win. No way you're going to lose. It's a blessing."

Before the 2022 season started, Gyan won the Golden Boot at the United States Youth Soccer Association's Under-18 National Championship, where the club team Gyan played for, Cedar Stars Academy, won the national title. In addition, Gyan has been named to the First-Team All-New Jersey Prep twice and ranks as the nation's number 12 recruit in the Class of 2024 by PrepSoccer.com.

"That really set me up for the season because we had a tournament in July and right after that was the preseason," Gyan noted. "It was a big statement for me going into the season and actually helped me out a lot."

Gyan also flourished in the classroom earning a 3.64 GPA at St. Benedicts.

"On the academic level, I put in a lot of work and make sure to do my homework," said Gyan. "I spend my time studying for tests and quizzes, which is the main reason I excel academically."

He also pays his good fortune forward by volunteering at a food pantry and being a youth soccer coach and camp counselor.

"There's a program where they help the needy and give them food. I give them the food that is offloaded from the trunk. I live in the school so I'm always there so I'm going to help often."