“Sota is a phenomenal player. He was a difference-maker both times we played them. He was integral in their season. Sota is extremely quick and technically sound. He could be a playmaker in the middle, beat players and provide service from wide positions or create opportunities as a striker.”

Chad Niedert

Head Coach - Head coach of Highlands High

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-9, 140-pound senior forward led the Blue Devils to a 25-1-3 record and the state championship this past season. Ippongi tallied 26 goals and 10 assists, including 10 goals in Henry Clay’s seven postseason matches. A two-time First Team All-State selection, Ippongi was also the Lexington Herald-Leader’s All-City Player of the Year. He concluded his prep soccer career with 48 goals and 30 assists.

Academic Achievement

Ippongi has maintained a weighted 4.58 GPA in the classroom. He will attend Centre College, where he will play soccer.

Exemplary Character

A first-generation American, Ippongi volunteers as an interpreter for students and soccer players from Japan. He has also donated his time to Habitat for Humanity and as a youth soccer coach.