McDonogh boys soccer standout Connor Smith has been selected as the 2014 High School National Player of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
He becomes the second straight McDonogh player to receive the award, following former teammate George Campbell.
Smith, a midfielder who has committed to Maryland, scored 23 goals and added 21 assists as the No. 2 Eagles finished 19-1 this season, falling to Loyola Blakefield, 2-0, in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic
Association A Conference championship game.
After earning NSCAA All-America honors as a junior, Smith took his game to a higher level as the Eagles' catalyst this fall. He finished his four-year varsity career with 46 goals and 31 assists.
A pool player for the Under-18 U.S. national team, he will be recognized at the NSCAA Convention set to take place Jan. 14-18 in Philadelphia.
"Connor is not only one of the most naturally talented players I've been around, but also one of the hardest working and best leaders," McDonogh coach Brandon Quaranta said. "Even with all his personal accomplishments, he is the consummate team player and cares only about the team. He will undoubtedly be recognized as one of the all-time great players in the program's history."