Meredith Waropay, NJ Youth Soccer
Ransford Gyan, a rising senior at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School and Cedar Stars Academy, was recently named the 2022-23 Gatorade National Player of the Year. After first winning the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year Award for the 2021-22 season, Ransford has consistently proven himself to be a high-level player. I recently spoke to Ransford and learned more about his journey towards receiving this honor.
“I started playing soccer at the age of five in Ghana,” he said. “Luckily for me, I had the opportunity to join St. Benedict's Prep in 2019. I came here as a 13-year-old without my parents.”
When he first arrived in New Jersey, Ransford faced many challenges while starting a new life away from his family.
“The journey of coming to the United States as a 13-year-old was not easy,” he reflected. “I was forced to adapt to a whole different culture I had no idea about. Initially, I struggled to eat American food, and I found it extremely difficult to play in the cold weather, especially my first winter in the States.”
Over time, he was able to adjust and find both academic and athletic success.
“Thanks to my coaches and teammates, I adapted to the culture which paved the way for me to perform at the elite level in high school and for my club team,” he noted.
Ransford is a member of Cedar Stars Academy and competes in the USYS Elite 64 League. When asked about his experience in the league, Ransford responded, “What really stood out to me was the quality of the teams we played against. We played against great teams in the league. It was not one-sided. Every team in the league lost or tied a couple of games, so that tells you how competitive the league was.”
Kieran Patrick, who is the Director of Operations & Coaching at Cedar Stars Academy North, spoke about how impressed he has been with Ransford both on and off the field of play.
“It goes without saying that Ransford is one of the most talented players that we have seen in recent years in the high school and club environment,” he confirmed. “His combination of technical ability, soccer IQ and pace sets him apart from other top players. Away from the game, Ransford is an extremely diligent student and continues to pay it forward with volunteer work and coaching the younger players within the club.”
In terms of the game itself, a couple of elements have always stood out for Ransford.
“What I enjoy most on the field is being able to work together with my teammates towards a common goal,” he said. “Also, being able to celebrate with my teammates on the field.”
After finding out that he had won the Gatorade Player of the Year Award for a second consecutive year, Ransford reflected, “I was super excited to be named the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year. It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. I felt good and happy for the fact that my hard work has been recognized and awarded.”
Moving forward to his senior year, Ransford continues to strive towards great achievements.
“My goal for the upcoming year is to win another national and state championship with my high school team in the fall, and also win the Elite 64 National Championship which we could not win this year,” he stated.
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US Youth Soccer caught up with Ransford as he and his Cedar Stars teammates competed at the 2023 Elite 64 National Finals in Oceanside, California.