Ellison Haynes named Gatorade Louisiana Boys Soccer Player of the Year
Ellison Haynes, a senior at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy in Lafayette, has been honored as the 2025‑26 Gatorade Louisiana Boys Soccer Player of the Year, an accolade that celebrates excellence on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
During the 2025 season he helped guide his team to a 14‑7‑1 record and a Division II regional final appearance, tallying 39 goals and 11 assists while breaking school records for both single‑season and career goals.
Haynes spent his sophomore and junior years training with the FC Bayern Munich International Soccer Academy, an experience he says sharpened his tactical awareness and technical precision.
Beyond soccer, he has volunteered with Catholic Charities of Acadiana and served as an ambassador for the Positively Affirmed Youth Mental Health Summit, championing mental‑health awareness among his peers.
He maintained a 3.53 GPA throughout his athletic and service commitments, underscoring his dedication to academic achievement.
Haynes recently signed a letter of athletic aid to continue his soccer career at Xavier University of Louisiana, where he plans to study kinesiology.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes one outstanding student‑athlete from each state and Washington, D.C., across 12 sports, highlighting the balance of athletic prowess, scholarly performance and character.
Looking ahead to college soccer
At Xavier University, Haynes will join a program that emphasizes both competitive play and community engagement, a fit he says aligns with his own values and aspirations.
His journey from a Louisiana high school field to the halls of FC Bayern and now to a historic black college reflects a growing pathway for young athletes seeking global exposure while staying rooted in their local communities.