Aiden Ptacek has added one final honor to his decorated high school career — and it’s the biggest one of all.
The dynamic University midfielder was named as a 2022 Fall High School All-American by the United Soccer Coaches, as the governing body unveiled the list Dec. 5.
Ptacek, who will play his college soccer at Bowling Green, led the Preppers to a 12-6-1 record and a Division I district final appearance this past fall. He scored 21 goals and had 17 assists, having a hand in nearly 57% of his side’s scoring output.
The 2022 News-Herald boys soccer player of the year’s 51 goals and 40 assists over a standout four-year run in Hunting Valley during which US went 45-22-8 with two district runners-up and a regional appearance puts him second in program history.
One of 32 Ohioans to net All-American plaudits, Ptacek was also a first-team Division I coaches’ All-Ohio and all-Cleveland selection.
2022 News-Herald boys soccer all-stars
He will play in the High School All-American Game on Dec. 10 in Panama City Beach, Fla.
USC also recently announced its fall high school all-region teams.
Seven other News-Herald coverage area players beside Ptacek earned recognition at that level. On the boys side for the Great Lakes Region, Ptacek was joined by Harvey senior goalkeeper Adan Torres, Beachwood sophomore midfielder Grant Keilin, Wickliffe senior striker Colin Casey and Berkshire senior striker Jack Jacobs.
For the girls on the all-Central Region list were Chagrin Falls senior center back Kate Bartlett, West Geauga senior striker and 2022 News-Herald girls soccer player of the year Frankee Flesher and Kirtland senior center mid Corinne Greenlee.
In addition, Eastlake resident Victoria Safrandin, who plays club for Internationals, was named as a girls Youth All-American, the lone Ohioan to make that list.
