Philadelphia, PA, December 10, 2025
Rowan University’s Johnny Troiano has been honored as the Philly-SIDA Men’s Soccer Performer of the Year for the second time in a row, showcasing his exceptional skill on the field. His teammate, Ryan Cleary, has also achieved recognition by making the Academic All-Area Team for the second consecutive year. This illustrates the balance of academics and athletics at Rowan. The men’s soccer team recently celebrated their second NJAC Championship victory, marking their third title in four years and highlighting the university’s strong athletic program.
Philadelphia, PA – Rowan University’s Johnny Troiano has achieved remarkable recognition as he secures the Philly-SIDA Men’s Soccer Performer of the Year award for the second consecutive year. Troiano’s teammate, Ryan Cleary, has also distinguished himself by earning a spot on the Academic All-Area Team for the second straight year, further illustrating the commitment of Rowan’s student-athletes both on and off the field.
Troiano’s Athletic Excellence
Johnny Troiano, a senior forward for the Rowan University men’s soccer team, led the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) in scoring for the second year in a row with an impressive tally of 17 goals and 5 assists. His performance included five game-winning goals and two hat tricks, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the conference and making history as the first Rowan player to earn the NJAC’s top award twice.
Cleary’s Academic Achievements
Ryan Cleary, a senior finance major, has been recognized for his academic diligence by making the Academic All-Area Team for the second consecutive year. This honor reflects his ability to excel academically while maintaining a strong performance in athletics.
Understanding the Awards
The Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area Team recognizes student-athletes from 30 institutions within the Philadelphia metropolitan area who maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.30 and are at least in their second year at their respective institutions. This recognition highlights the importance of balancing academic and athletic commitments among students.
Rowan University’s Team Success
Beyond individual accolades, Rowan University’s men’s soccer team has garnered significant accolades as well. They secured their second consecutive NJAC Championship in November, triumphing over The College of New Jersey 1-0. This achievement marks their third NJAC title in four years, illustrating the competitive spirit and resilience of the Profs.
Implications for Philadelphia Athletics
Troiano’s success and the team’s victory hold broader implications for Philadelphia’s athletic scene. Achievements like these not only enhance the reputation of Rowan University in the collegiate athletics arena but also invigorate local sports culture, inspiring the youth and fostering community support for collegiate sports.
Community Support and Investment in Athletics
The commitment to excellence in athletics at Rowan can be attributed to the backing received from the university, local businesses, and community organizations. Supportive initiatives and private investment have enabled student-athletes to participate fully in competitive sports while excelling academically, highlighting a collaborative spirit that fuels sports success in the region.
The Value of Initiative and Competition
Rowan University’s triumphs encapsulate the entrepreneurial spirit fostered within collegiate athletics, showcasing how initiative, responsible growth, and healthy competition can lead to outstanding achievements. The success of student-athletes like Troiano and Cleary exemplifies the potential of hard work and perseverance in both academics and athletics.
In conclusion, the accolades received by Troiano and Cleary, along with the men’s soccer team’s championship victory, illustrate the strength of Rowan University’s athletics program. These achievements contribute significantly to the vibrancy of collegiate athletics in Philadelphia and serve as a call to action for local communities to rally behind student-athletes and support their pursuits diligently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Philly-SIDA Men’s Soccer Performer of the Year award?
- The Philly-SIDA Men’s Soccer Performer of the Year award is an honor given annually to the top male soccer player in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, recognizing outstanding athletic performance during the season.
- Who is Johnny Troiano?
- Johnny Troiano is a senior forward for Rowan University’s men’s soccer team, known for his exceptional scoring ability and leadership on the field. He has been a key player for the Profs, leading the NJAC in scoring for two consecutive years.
- What does it mean to be named to the Academic All-Area Team?
- Being named to the Academic All-Area Team signifies that a student-athlete has achieved excellence both academically and athletically. It is a recognition of their hard work and dedication in balancing sports and academics.
- How did Rowan University’s men’s soccer team perform in the NJAC Championship?
- Rowan University’s men’s soccer team won their second consecutive NJAC Championship in November, defeating The College of New Jersey 1-0. This victory marked their third NJAC title in four years.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Johnny Troiano’s Achievement | Named Philly-SIDA Men’s Soccer Performer of the Year for the second consecutive time, leading NJAC in scoring with 17 goals and 5 assists. |
| Ryan Cleary’s Recognition | Earned a spot on the Academic All-Area Team for the second consecutive year, highlighting his academic and athletic excellence. |
| Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area Team | Recognizes student-athletes with a GPA of at least 3.30 who excel both academically and athletically. |
| Rowan University’s Recent Success | Men’s soccer team secured their second consecutive NJAC Championship in November, marking their third title in four years. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
