HPU Men’s Soccer: Benonysson Named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Sophomore forward Siggi Benonysson of the High Point University men’s soccer team has been named to the 2017 Men’s Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List, released by the United Soccer Coaches today.

The award is college soccer’s version of the Heisman Trophy and is presented annually to the top male and female collegiate soccer players in the country. Benonysson is the second HPU player to be named to the list, joining Karo Okiomah in 2011.

“This is a testament to Siggi and the work he has put in here at HPU,” head coach EJ O’Keeffe said. “It also shows that our players are recognized and compete on the national stage. We look forward to having Siggi and other top tier players around him this coming season.”

Benonysson burst onto the scene in his freshman campaign, earning Big South Freshman of the Year accolades. The Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland native also garnered first team All-Conference and All-Freshman honors. He started 18 of the Panthers’ 19 contests and finished first on the team with 24 points. His 10 goals were the high-water mark on the team and the fifth-most for a freshman in the nation.

The 15 semifinalists for the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy will be determined by All-America voting conducted by NCAA Division I men’s soccer coaches with oversight from the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men’s Senior College All-America Committee. The semifinalists will be announced on November 29.

Benonysson and the Panthers open their exhibition slate on Saturday, Aug. 12 at UNCW. HPU welcomes Greensboro College to Vert Stadium for an exhibition on Thursday, Aug. 17 before opening the season on Friday, Aug. 25 at home against Howard.