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6 Days Until the State Girls Soccer Announcement
Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year

Boys Soccer - Kentucky

Gatorade Player of the year

Byaombe Matendo

Midfielder
BOWLING GREEN HS
BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY
SENIOR
Height: 6-FOOT-0
Press Release

Peak Performance

13

Shutouts

6

Goals Allowed

8

Goals

4

Assists
“Byaombe was by far the best (defensive) center midfielder we saw all season. He’s such a smart player who rarely loses the ball in possession. He’s also always in the correct spots defensively, winning challenges, intercepting passes and then starting so many of their counter attacks. On set pieces, he was dangerous with his timing of runs and size as well.”
Tom Alexander
Head Coach - South Warren High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-0, 170-pound senior midfielder led the Purples to a 17-2 record and the state final this past season. As a defensive midfielder, Matendo helped protect a backline that recorded 13 shutouts and surrendered only six goals in 19 games. He also chipped in with eight goals and four assists. The Kentucky High School Coaches Association’s Defensive Player of the Year, he is also a 2025-26 United Soccer Coaches All-American.

Academic Achievement

Matendo has maintained a 3.89 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play soccer on scholarship at Transylvania University this fall.

Exemplary Character

Matendo is a student ambassador for English language-learner peers and has donated his time mentoring a second grade student who immigrated from Tanzania. He also serves as a tutor for elementary students and as a youth soccer coach.