Ottumwa, IA – Following a breakout freshman season, freshman Daniele Verdirosi (Rome, Italy/Araniti) of the Indian Hills Men's Soccer team has been named the 2022 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DI Men's Soccer Region XI Player of the Year.

Verdirosi becomes just the second individual in Indian Hills Men's Soccer history to earn the honor of NJCAA Region XI Player of the Year, joining former Warrior standout Akean Shackleford in 2017.

"Dani is clearly a special player," stated head coach Kevin Nuss. "His balance on the ball and ability to find the back of the net makes him dangerous in the attacking phase, but what has impressed me most is his willingness to improve. For players to achieve his level of success, it's not easy to push yourself for more and he has shown he isn't satisfied. I look forward to seeing what he does next."

Verdirosi made waves throughout a record-breaking season for the nationally ranked Warriors. In his inaugural season at Indian Hills, the forward scored 19 goals, the third-most in a single season in program history, only behind Shackleford's two seasons at Indian Hills. The 19 goals are tied for the second-most among all NJCAA players this season while his 46 points on the year are tied for fourth-most. The 46 points are also the third-most in a single season in school history. Verdirosi was also credited with the second-most game-winning goals in school history with five. Verdirosi was credited with both game-winning goals in the NJCAA Region XI Tournament. 

Verdirosi led the ultra-competitive ICCAC conference in goals, points and shots (80). The freshman scored 15 more points than the next highest point total in the league. In eight conference games on the year, Verdirosi scored eight goals and totaled 18 points in league matches.

Verdirosi's scoring prowess helped guide the Warriors to the 2022 NJCAA Region XI Championship and a berth in the NJCAA Midwest District Championship. The forward scored at least one point in 17 of the team's 22 matches on the year, including eight of the final nine. Verdirosi totaled seven matches with at least three points in a single game, highlighted by a season-high six in a 3-1 victory over No. 6 nationally ranked Iowa Lakes Community College.

In three postseason matches, Verdirosi tallied six points, including a goal and an assist in the NJCAA Region XI Championship game, a 2-0 victory over No. 2 nationally ranked Iowa Western Community College.

Verdirosi was twice named the ICCAC DI Men's Soccer Athlete of the Week and was named to the NJCAA Region XI All-Touranment Team as well as the Offensive Player of the Tournament. Along with Verdirosi's Player of the Year honor, the freshman was named to the NJCAA All-Region XI First-Team as six individuals earned postseason honors.

SIX NAMED TO NJCAA ALL-REGION XI TEAM

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