As the Iowa high school boys soccer season draws to a close, the excitement around the Player of the Year award reaches a crescendo. High School On SI will soon reveal the honorees in each classification after the state tournament concludes, spotlighting the most influential talents across the state.
Standout Performers Across Classes
This year’s pool of contenders features a blend of prolific scorers, creative playmakers and steadfast goalkeepers, each having left a measurable imprint on their teams. From the dominant No. 1 ranked squad to under‑dog programs making surprising runs, the candidates reflect the depth of talent in Iowa’s high school soccer landscape.
Among the most talked‑about names is Tate Duax of Ankeny Centennial, the top goal scorer on the nation’s No. 1 team, who has combined 19 goals with 14 assists while helping his side maintain a perfect record. Cam Schupham from Bettendorf brings a sharper edge with 22 points, nine assists and 48 of his 58 shots on target, underscoring his efficiency in the final third.
Goalkeeping excellence is also well represented. Jackson Evans of Muscatine has turned in 144 saves while conceding only 11 goals, a testament to his shot‑stopping prowess, while Colin Steele from Glenwood boasts 174 saves and a mere 28 goals allowed, anchoring a defense that has been among the stingiest in the state.
Other notable contributors include Dylan White of Mount Pleasant, who has tallied 34 goals and 18 assists in 18 games, and Isack Ramadhani from Des Moines Hoover, whose 22 goals and 20 assists illustrate a rare blend of scoring and playmaking. The breadth of statistical leaders — from Cole Skinner’s 21 goals in 17 matches for Southeast Polk to Axel Gonzalez’s 14 goals and 11 assists for Sioux City Bishop Heelan — highlights the competitive balance across all classes.
With the state tournament looming, the final selections will likely hinge on how these standout performances translate into clutch moments on the biggest stage. As High School On SI prepares its announcements, the conversation already underscores the rich talent pool that defines Iowa high school soccer this season.