For a list of the other Gatorade State Boys Soccer POYs, click here.

THE WINNER: Sam Graving

THE BASICS

School: Johnston (Iowa)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 170 pounds

Athletic achievement: He has led the Dragons to a 14-0 record entering this week’s regular-season game against Fort Dodge, scheduled for May 13. Graving has scored eight goals and passed for six assists through 14 games. A member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Region II Olympic Development Program player pool, he was a 2013 Class 3A First team All-State selection after helping Johnston reach the state semifinals.

Academic excellence: Graving has maintained a weighted 3.57 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a child-care provider at his church and as a youth soccer coach and referee.

THE PRAISE

“Sam is a worker and is always looking for the ball,” said Aaron Ruff, head coach of Ankeny Centennial. “He is technically gifted as well as a great athlete. I feel that our attention to Graving exposed us in other areas where Johnston took advantage.”

THE FUTURE: Graving has signed with Drake University.