WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Aug. 24, 2018 – Jordy Triana’s contributions to his club extend beyond his illustrious career on the field.

Thanks to Triana and the Gatorade Play It Forward program, the Des Moines Menace Academy has received $11,000 to support the club’s mission to provide youth the opportunity to play high-level soccer.

Upon receiving Iowa 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year honors in June, the West Des Moines Valley High School and Menace Academy graduate wrote an essay that earned the 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year Spotlight Grant.

The Menace Soccer Foundation was Triana’s selection as a local sports organization to receive a $1,000 grant from Gatorade. The Spotlight Grant bestowed an additional $10,000 – a generous gift for a prestigious honor. Triana’s essay earned first prize for all boys soccer Gatorade Player of the Year recipients.

“I chose the Menace Soccer Foundation because I have been with the academy since I was five years old,” Triana said. “The Menace Academy helped me in every area to becoming a better individual. It taught me certain qualities that I will need later in my career in any profession like being committed, always having a great attitude, and working together. The Menace Foundation supports the local youth, our community, and helps to promote the Menace to keep soccer growing.”

These grants will ensure that players in the club are provided the same opportunities that Jordy was afforded growing up as a member of the Menace Academy.

“I would tell the younger Menace players to always have a great attitude, work hard, and be persistent in everything you do whether it’s on the field or off,” said Triana.

A midfielder, Triana racked up 14 goals and dished out 10 assists during his senior season at Valley, earning a spot on The Des Moines Register’s All-Iowa Elite team. As a member of Menace Academy he was a key factor in five-straight Iowa State Cup championships.

Triana is attending Des Moines Area Community College this fall while weighing his options for continuing his soccer career. He is the first Menace Academy product to receive the state’s top individual honor since 2009 (Husref Jupic, Des Moines Hoover).

Thank you, Jordy, for your generous donation. We are proud of everything you’ve accomplished as a player and a person!

ABOUT THE GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: This program recognizes the nation’s most outstanding high school student-athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.

For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information and a complete list of past winners, visit http://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/.