Clemson University has a storied history of producing exceptional players who not only excel in Division 1 but also leave a lasting impact on U.S. soccer. The 2023 class appears positioned to continue this tradition, with standout talents like national champion and defender of the year, Pape Mar Boye, leading the way.
Off the field, one might expect a fierce defender and competitor like Pape to exude a matching attitude. However, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, you encounter a young man whose positivity radiates, displaying a profound appreciation for his journey.
His journey began at the age of 12 when he left his home in Senegal to join an academy football program an hour away, returning only on holidays and the weekends. This experience not only instilled in him a deep appreciation for his family, but also fueled his drive for success.
As fate would have it, a scout for the Galaxy Academy in Senegal found him playing pick-up soccer with his friends in his hometown. At Galaxy, he would develop his game tactically, learning spacing and team play while growing technically as a striker. It was not until he grew in size that his coach moved him to defense to take advantage of his defensive talents. A move that would pay off as a another scout would eventually give him the opportunity to not only play, but study at the prestigious SIMA Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida.
In the renowned high school soccer program, he garnered the interest of virtually every college across the nation. Standing tall at 6’1″, the center-back showcased remarkable technical prowess, aerial proficiency, defensive tenacity, and unwavering determination, but perhaps his most commendable trait is his attitude. He exudes a calm demeanor that sets him apart. This is critical for a center back. At Clemson, Pape quickly established himself as a freshman starter understanding he had much to learn, and the challenges of playing at the D1 level. He believed firmly that he could not only contribute but be a key player at one of the best D1 programs in the country. That would be correct. He would go on to not only win the national championship, but be given the honor of defensive player of the year.
Pape has already navigated through a huge portion of the vast landscape of world soccer. Remarkably, at just 20-years-old, he won a D1 national championship, the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations and advanced to the semifinals of the Beach World Cup. Beach soccer, a passion that serves as a unique expression of the game, has been instrumental in honing his aerial ball control and contributing to his exceptional physical conditioning, all while giving him the privilege of playing for his country.
The next chapter of his narrative unfolds with Phoenix Rising, the reigning champions of the USL. Notably, the USL has been a fertile ground for nurturing professional players, occasionally surpassing the MLS in fostering long-term homegrown talent. The young Senegalese defender epitomizes the success the U.S. path can have if done correctly. His consistent ascent serves as a blueprint for aspiring young players to follow. While his path has not been a typical cookie cutter journey, it has led him to where he is now.
