Amongst the best and brightest in the country, Matthew McLaughlin '20 stands out as the finest.
Fans of the Saint Ignatius Soccer program already knew that, but the United Soccer Coaches confirmed it on Thursday afternoon.
McLaughlin has been recognized as the 2019-2020 United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All American Boys Player of the Year.
The son of Head Soccer Coach Mike McLaughlin '85, Matthew certainly made his father proud and continued the incredible legacy of the McLaughlin family. Matthew cemented his name in Saint Ignatius soccer history this past fall by setting the school record for assists with 48. The oldest of the three McLaughlin boys led the Wildcats to the team's ninth state championship and fifth national championship.
As a player, McLaughlin ushered forward the attack, playing a leading role in shaping games as a skilled midfielder. The Broadview Heights native is equally adept at creating chances as he is at thwarting opposing opportunities. He's a special type of player.
During his senior campaign, McLaughlin topped the team with 15 assists and tallied 18 goals, second only to Everett Shorey's 30. McLaughlin accrued 1,539 minutes over the course of the year, starting all 23 games.
The ironman playmaker completed his career with 54 goals and 48 assists, for 156 points in an incredible four years. McLaughlin concludes his time in the blue and gold with 77 starts, 88 appearances, and 5,332 minutes.
McLaughlin is just as good of a student as a soccer player, which is why he garnered this prominent award. The University of Notre Dame commit logged a 4.18 cumulative GPA at Wildcat High, while taking a host of challenging courses.
McLaughlin will be moving to South Bend in a short couple weeks, and he'll head there with plenty of hardware – All-American recognition from Top Drawer Soccer and United Soccer Coaches, All-Great Lakes and All-Ohio honors, and All-Greater Cleveland distinction.
The Fighting Irish are getting a great one. Matthew will be missed around the halls and the fields of Saint Ignatius.