(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
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Courtesy Photo / Rochester Athletics
Rochester Adams senior Alex Rosin was named the 51st recipient of the Mr. Soccer on Nov. 6, becoming the school's third honoree of the prestigious award.
BY DAN STICKRADT
WEB AND CONTENT EDITOR | DIRECTOR OF NEWS
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK | NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK | PREMIER MEDIA GROUP
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ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Alex Rosin had a plan.
Sitting up in the bleachers two years ago when his older brother Luke Rosin played for Rochester Adams, Alex Rosin watch inventively.
Adams went on to win Division 1 district, regional and state championships along the way – and in front of large crowds – and posted a stellar 17-1-6 record during the 2022 campaign.
For the younger Rosin brother, he planned on coming out for high school soccer his senior year. The talented and versatile Alex Rosin recruited four other seniors who, like Rosin, had been tied up with commitments in the MLS Next Academy circles and traveling all over the country since the eighth grade. He also tried to recruit even some more MLS Next players walking the high school halls at Rochester Adams, but to no avail.
Still, Rosin helped uplift an uber-talented and deep team which featured 17 seniors this past season and the Highlanders went on to have quite a memorable 2024 campaign.
“One reason why I chose (to play high school this year) is I watched my older brother play high school for Adams. He was a former (MLS Next) player,” offered Alex Rosin during an interview with MSN back in late September. “Just going to every game and experiencing it from the crowd was like something very special and when I got my offer (that I wanted) and accepted it, it was like I was weighing my options (for this year). This was the last chance to experience the same thing my brother Luke did. So again, it was like a no-brainer for me to play (for Adams).”
The season saw Adams ranked well inside the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association Division 1 Top 15 all season, going 5-1-1 to finish second in the loaded Oakland Activities Association-Red Division that featured eight schools and six state-ranked sides. The Highlanders also went on to win a district championship with two shutouts – the school’s third straight district title – won a very difficult Division 1 regional that included OAA-Red Division champion and top-five Troy and first-time regional finalist Romeo, played twice-beaten and red-hot Saline, a team on a 22-game unbeaten streak, and defeated the talented Hornets 4-3 in the state semifinals (5-4 on PKs) to reach the state title game for the fifth time in 25 seasons and second time in three seasons.
Adams blanked Byron Center 2-0 for the state crown.
Yet, this was the first time that Alex Rosin had been part of the rich Adams history as a player himself.
The season was not done, as the Highlanders blanked Byron Center 2-0 back on Nov. 2 for the school’s second Division 1 state title in three years and third overall since 1999. Adams also won state titles in that ’99 season and again in 2022 when Rosin was a sophomore and not playing high school soccer.
Now the awards are starting to come in and players like Alex Rosin are raking them in in droves.
But there is one honor that no other player in the state of Michigan will earn in 2024, and that’s an honor that dates back to 1974.
Rosin was honored on Wednesday, Nov. 6, during the Michigan Soccer Network’s Dream Team Reveal Show as the 51st recipient of the prestigious Mr. Soccer Award, given annually by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association to the state’s top high school player (watch the reveal show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuhYeI3BkA ).
The versatile Rosin, who rotated between forward, attacking midfielder and outside marking back, was dominant in 2024.
He is very accomplished and has a very deep and impressive resume that few can rival.
Rosin earned the top honor despite playing just the one season of high school soccer – and for the state’s most talented team that features at least seven NCAA Division I recruits plus some other players who have the ability to play in college.
He earned it.
Rosin becomes the third straight Mr. Soccer winner not to play four seasons of high school soccer. Two years ago in 2022, forward Kyle Pierson of Novi Detroit Catholic Central took a similar path, playing with the Michigan Wolves MLS Next Academy for three full school years before coming out for high school soccer his senior year. Pierson led the Shamrocks to a national ranking and to the Division 1 state semifinals that season before he returned to the Michigan Wolves in November 2022. He is now at the University of Michigan.
Last year’s Mr. Soccer winner was Clarkston’s Sebalian ‘Sebi’ Roy, who played two years at the FC Cincinnati MLS Youth team before transferring back home to play for Nationals Boys Academy-ECNL and for Clarkston High School. He helped the Wolves to become a mainstay in the Division 1 top-15 as a junior and senior. The two-time Division All-State First Team choice took a gap year this season before he will head to Harvard University next year.
Most of the Mr. Soccer and Miss Soccer award winners played 3-4 years of varsity soccer in high school before club soccer became a year-round demand during the past 15 years.
For Rosin, he made his choice this year and stuck with it. Now, he was voted the top player in the state of Michigan and is going to a high-quality NCAA Division I program in January after he graduates for Rochester Adams a few months early.
He was quick to thank a lot of people, especially his older brother, Luke Rosin, who is now playing club soccer up at Michigan State.
“It’s a blessing to get this award,” said Rosin at the Dream Team Reveal Show Nov. 6 after being announced as the 2024 Mr. Soccer. “I like to start off by thanking of my family and my teammates. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for you guys. I like to thank (my brother) Luke (Rosin). Ever since I was little, you were always pushing for me to be the best version of myself and to be the best player that I can be. When you won the state title in 2022, it really inspired me to play high school soccer. I wouldn’t be here without you. This award is for both of us.
“I want to thank my (future) coaches at Notre Dame, Coach (Mike) Graczyk, Coach (Jeff) Rowland and coach (Chad) Riley for believing in me and allowing for me to play high school soccer (as a senior),” continued Rosin. “It was truly a blessing to be here, and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone.”
Among Rosin’s other accomplishments this past season for the Division 1 state champion Rochester Adams squad, he was honored as All-OAA Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State. He finished the season with 15 goals and 20 assists for 50 points and became the third Mr. Soccer winner from Rochester Adams. Ricky Strong (Wright State University) won the award after leading Adams to its first state title in 1999 and Simon Omekanda (Penn State University) earned the prestigious honor in 2002 after a fine four-year career which featured one state championship, one state runner-up, three district championships and four district finals appearances.
Current Rochester Adams coach Josh Hickey actually played against Omekanda while at Troy Athens in the early 2000s and felt blessed that Roin and four other MLS Next Academy players that joined the Highlanders roster this fall helped the program to some great success.
“Alex is a great kid and so are the others, really,” noted Hickey of Alex Rosin and all of the other seniors who came back to play high school soccer as seniors. “When Alex came to me with a couple of the others last spring, they said that were interested in playing, and Alex was very interested. But I knew the way the whole club soccer world works that they might not have been able to play. But five of them did and Alex was kind of the one that recruited these guys in our building to play. Out on the field, Alex was kind of like a professional high school player if that makes sense. He was very serious about practice and during games, but away from it he is a great kid. We’re blessed that Alex and the other four came out and played for us as seniors and all of the awards they earned were well-deserved.
“I knew during the first day of tryouts how good Alex was going to be,” continued Hickey. “I knew who he was and I’ve known a lot of these kids from class or walking our hallways every year. But so many of them, boys or girls, never have the chance to play for us. Alex made his decision to play for us. I knew he was special. I think he’s one of the best players I’ve seen play high school in a long time. Anyone that has watched him play understands why.”
ALL-TIME MICHIGAN MR. SOCCER WINNERS
Below is a list of the Michigan Mr. Soccer winners, as presented by the Michigan High School Coaches Association each year to the top-ranked high school soccer player. The award debuted back in 1974.
** Asterisk denotes player was a non-senior when they earned award.
2024: Alex Rosin, Rochester Adams sr. OB/M/F
2023: Sebalian ‘Sebi’ Roy, Clarkston M/F
2022: Kyle Pierson, Novi Detroit Catholic Central F
2021: Jack Guggemos, Okemos F
2020: Bosh Tonyi, Grosse Ile F
2019: Aidan O’Connor, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern D
2018: Brennan Creek, Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep M/F
2017: Michael Melaragni, Rochester Stoney Creek M/F
2016: Dalton Michael, Traverse City West F
2015: Anthony Bowie, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central F
2014: DeJuan Jones, East Lansing M/F
2013: Alec Lasinski, Ann Arbor Skyline F **
2012: Dewey Lewis, Rockford F
2011: Zach Carroll, Grand Blanc D
2010: Dzenan Catic, East Kentwood F
2009: Soony Saad, Dearborn F
2008: Kevin Cope, Plymouth Salem D
2007: Casey Townsend, Traverse City West F
2006: Casey Townsend, Traverse City West F **
2005: Eric Alexander, Portage Central M
2004: Jake Stacy, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central F
2003: Billy Weaver, Lake Orion F
2002: Simon Omekanda, Rochester Adams F
2001: Ryan Alexander, Detroit U-D Jesuit M
2000: JD Johnston, Portage Northern M
1999: Ricky Strong, Rochester Adams F
1998: Nick DeGraw, Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley M/F
1997: Ryan Mack, Birmingham Seaholm F
1996: Corey Woolfolk, Ann Arbor Pioneer M
1995: Anders Kelto, Traverse City Central M
1994: Brandon Maggio, Birmingham Detroit Country Day M
1993: Adam Hunter, Birmingham Detroit Country Day F
1992: Tom Baker, Plymouth Canton M
1991: Travis Roy, Livonia Stevenson D
1990: Brian Maisonneuve, Warren De La Salle M
1989: Joel Russell, Birmingham Detroit Country Day D/M
1988: Lamar Peters, Birmingham Brother Rice F
1987: Alexi Lalas, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood M/D
1986: Lars Richters, Livonia Stevenson F
1985: Lyle Wensley, Allen Park Inter-City Baptist F
1984: Mark Noffert, Troy Athens F
1983: Kantu Lulaj, Hamtramck M
1982: Gary Mexicotte, Livonia Stevenson M
1981: Marty Hagen, Troy Athens
1980: Nikki Gogri, Bloomfield Hills Lahser
1979: Tag Graham, Bloomfield Hills Lahser
1978: Bill Holmes, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
1977: Dick Huff, Birmingham Groves
1976: Tony Hermiz, Ferndale
1975: Doug Manning, Birmingham Seaholm
1974: George Poppa Jr., Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
MOST MR. SOCCER AWARD WINNERS BY SCHOOL:
3 – Livonia Stevenson
3 – Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
3 – Birmingham Detroit Country Day
3 – Traverse City West
3 – Rochester Adams
2 – Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
2 – Birmingham Seaholm
2 – Troy Athens
1 – 28 schools tied with one apiece
ALL-TIME MICHIGAN MISS SOCCER WINNERS 1983-2024
Below is a list of the Michigan Miss Soccer winners, as presented by the Michigan High School Coaches Association each year to the top-ranked high school soccer player. The award debuted back in 1983.
Asterisk denotes a co-Miss Soccer Winner; * Asterisk denotes player was a non-senior when they earned award.
2024: Kendall Aikens, Hudsonville M
2023: Lilley Bosley, Rochester Stoney Creek M/F
2022: Lilley Bosley, Rochester Stoney Creek M/F **
2021: Madison Salzenstein, Birmingham-Detroit Country Day M
2020: No Winner, Season Cancelled
2019: Jesse Bandyk, Novi F
2018: Zoe Gaffney, Birmingham Seaholm M/F
2017: Danielle Stephan, DeWitt F/M
2016: Sydney Blitchok, Grandville M
2015: Taylor Mulder, Saline F
2014: Megan Buckingham, Northville M/F
2013: Madi Lewis, Plymouth F
2012: Irene Young, Troy F
2011: Olivia Brannon, Troy Athens F
2010: Annie Steinlage Spring Lake F
2009: Paige Webster, Portage Central F
2008: Laura Heyboer, Hudsonville Unity Christian F
2007: Laura Heyboer, Hudsonville Unity Christian F **
2006: Emily Esbrook, Novi F
2005: Kristi Timar, Novi F
2004: Megan Garrity, Birmingham Marian M
2003: Megan Pimpkins, Holt M
2002: Lindsay Tarpley, Portage Central F
2001: Anne Morrell, Plymouth Canton F
2000: Tiffany Laskowski, Troy Athens F*
Anne Morrell, Plymouth Canton F*
1999: Andrea Sied, Livonia Stevenson D**
1998: Allison Campbell, Livonia Stevenson F
1997: Sara Kloosterman, Farmington Harrison G
1996: Amber Berendowsky, Brighton F
1995: Heather Brown-Charron, Birmingham Seaholm M
1994: Carrie Povalaitis, Troy D
1993: Stephanie Lusiner, Troy Athens M/F**
1992: Kara Nance, Rochester Adams M**
1991: Ragen Coyne, Livonia Stevenson M
1990: Carrie Maier, Farmington F
1989: Jenny Russell, Birmingham-Detroit Country Day
1988: N/A
1987: N/A
1986: Cindy Wass, Troy Athens M/F
1985: Mary Kay Hussey, Livonia Stevenson M
1984: N/A
1983: N/A
MOST MISS SOCCER AWARD WINNERS BY SCHOOL:
4 – Troy Athens
4 – Livonia Stevenson
3 – Novi
2 – Rochester Stoney Creek
2 – Birmingham Seaholm
2 – Birmingham Detroit Country Day
2 – Troy
2 – Portage Central
2 – Hudsonville Unity Christian
2 – Plymouth Canton
1 – 13 schools tied with one apiece
Note: There are five seasons where the winners have yet to located, including five of the first six seasons that the MHSAA hosted a state tournament – 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1988.
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
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BOYS SOCCER: Rochester Adams’ Alex Rosin takes different pathway to be honored as Mr. Soccer 2024:
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION 2024 DIVISION 1 BOYS SOCCER ALL-STATE TEAMS
All-Time Michigan Mr. Soccer and Miss Soccer award winners 1974-2024
BOYS SOCCER: MIHSSCA All-State Dream Team stacked with talent:
BOYS SOCCER: Mission Accomplished: Senior-led Rochester Adams earns second state title in three seasons with win over Byron Center:
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS / SIGNINGS LIST—MICHIGAN:
One Vision: Five Rochester Adams seniors share one goal, breakaway from MLS Next circles to enjoy grand season with talented Highlanders:
BREAKING NEWS: MSN Top 60 High School Players from around the state released:
BOYS SOCCER: MSN Super 50 Teams Positions 10-1: March to November: Northville tops the Super 50 list loaded with title contenders
(MSN will compile a random sampling of game results from around the state each day. To send in results from high school varsity, club, amateur, pre-pro, semi-pro or professional soccer, email all pertinent details to Communications Specialist / Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com or submit information right on the correct link on the MSN website at https://www.michigansoccernetwork.com/reportascore. Please submit the competing teams, location and date of game, final score, overall and league records, goals, assists, goalkeepers and saves, standout defenders, players of the match, and any other pertinent details of the game. If there are courtesy action photos available, feel free to submit them at the above-listed emails.)
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(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list photo credit as well.)
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 41-50: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/post/boys-soccer-super-50-teams-positions-41-50
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 31-40: https://www.michigansoccernetwork.com/post/boys-soccer-msn-super-50-teams-positions-31-40
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 21-30: BOYS SOCCER: MSN Super 50 Teams Positions 21-30:
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 11-20:
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 1-10:
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