The MNUFC Academy, presented by Allina Health, recently announced the 2024-25 End of Season awards honorees following the conclusion of the 2024-25 regular-season campaign. Three awards were presented, and Academy graduates were additionally recognized and celebrated on the evening.

“We are proud to honor Ari, Brett and Max with these awards, which they earned because of their hard work on the field this season, their commitment to growth as players, and their natural leadership qualities they showed both on and off the pitch,” said MNUFC Head of Development and Player Pathway, Amos Magee. “The club further celebrates the devotion our graduating players have given – across their time with the Academy – to their pursuit of soccer and the goal of reaching the pros. We know that they are in great hands as they head off to the next chapter of their lives and playing careers, and we wish them nothing but the best. As we always say it within our Academy and the club as a whole, these players will be, ‘Forever United’.”

Ari van Mol – Player of the Year
U18 defender Ari van Mol is the 2024-25 recipient of the Player of the Year award. This award is given to the player who most embodies what it means to be a member of the MNUFC Academy, and who contributes skill, leadership, attitude, inspiration and hard work both on and off of the field. Van Mol transitioned from the midfield to a left-back position and started nearly every match in that role this season. His contributions as a defender helped secure key shutout victories over Columbus Crew, St. Louis CITY SC and Vancouver Whitecaps’ academy squads. In addition to his play on the field, his leadership and locker room presence elevated the U18 squad in every aspect.

Brett Isaacson – Newcomer of the Year
The 2024-25 Newcomer of the Year award was given to defender Brett Isaacson, who this season competed with both the U15 and U16 squads. The Newcomer of the Year award is presented to a first-year player (any team across the MNUFC Academy) who has made the biggest impact on the field. Joining the U15s this past fall, Isaacson quickly made an impact before transitioning and playing up with the U16 side starting in December. His leadership qualities played a large role in helping the team succeed during both Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Flex action this season.

Max Harwood – Most Improved Player of the Year
Given to the player who has made the most progress in his soccer development during a single season, the Most Improved Player of the Year award for 2024-25 was presented to U16 midfielder Max Harwood. The midfielder played with the U16s throughout the entirety of this season and became an integral part of that team’s successes, which included an impressive and top performance in midfield at the Generation adidas Cup.

MNUFC Academy Graduates
In addition to the presentation of the awards winners, the MNUFC Academy coaches and staff also recognized and celebrated a number of Academy players who have graduated this year. Below is a list of those players who were recognized. Alongside their names are their college commitments. Minnesota United wishes them all success in their education and collegiate playing careers:

Justin Arias – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Carlos Casillas-Lopez – Iowa Western Community College

Gio Cruz – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Bryan Espadero – Iowa Western Community College

Jackson Lusky – Michigan State University

Aidan Martinez – University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nathan Moua – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Dom Mowing – Iowa Western Community College

Rayme Nyembwe – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Ty Perkins – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Will Schmidt – Northeastern University

Donovan Sinicropi – Bowdoin College

Gavin Stevenson – University of Vermont

Ari van Mol – University of Wisconsin-Madison

Kamran Wimberly – Undecided

Though the regular season has come to an end, the MNUFC Academy U15 squad has qualified for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs for the first time in club history. In the opening round of the playoffs, the U15s will face the Barca Residency Academy U15 squad at 8:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, June 14 outside of Nashville, Tennessee.