2024:
- Appeared in 15 games
- Tallied one goal
2023:
- Appeared in nine games.
- Scored one goal.
- Tallied first collegiate goal against UC Irvine (Sept. 16).
Club: Most recently played for Queensboro FC, which finished third in the UPSL Nationals in 2022 and qualified for the second round of the US Open Cup… Club also was second in the USL Academy national playoffs... Also played for Metropolitan Oval, which captured the U19 Northeast MLS Next Cup championship… Was selected as a Top-5 Player in New York/New Jersey by TopDrawer Soccer… Received multiple invitations to U.S. National team regional market trainings… Was the first ever signing to the New York Cosmos Academy… Invited to train with Arsenal on behalf of the Puma Elite program.
Personal: Interned with New York State Senator Anna Kaplan and New York State Assemblymember Gina Sillitti… Four-year member of High School Chamber Orchestra… Sister Amie was part of the gold medal winning team at the 2019 World Junior Synchronized Skating Championship.
3 QUESTIONS FOR ADJAKPLE
Biggest soccer influence? "Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies because of their ability to impact the game in multiple ways. They are both dynamic players who are lightning quick but also have the technical flair to create danger at any moment in a game. As a winger/fullback myself there are so many aspects of their game that I model my game after. Being able to watch greatness unfold from two young men who are becoming world class players is truly a blessing."
Do you have an idol or hero? "My father because of the values that he has instilled into me. Growing up in a small village of Benin, West Africa, to eventually capitalize off of the American Dream, and obtain a PhD in mathematics as well as become a successful engineer is inspirational. I would not be the resilient, and strong-minded individual I am if it weren't for my father. He taught me regardless of what situation I'm in to never give up or feel as if achieving something is impossible. Nothing successful in life comes without trials or tribulations. I am grateful to have a father who shaped me into a young man ready to conquer this next chapter in my life."
Why Yale? "The moment I stepped onto campus for my unofficial visit, I knew Yale was home. After interacting with coach Kylie and talking with some of the current players, l simply couldn't see myself at any other school for the next four years. The ability to combine a world class education and a great soccer program was something unique only Yale could offer. Being able to attend an institution renown all across the world is simply a blessing and I can't wait to further my academic and athletic career here."
Stannard on Adjakple: "Simon is very passionate about the game and will further grow our competitive soccer culture. He has been in great environments with NYCFC, New York Red Bulls, and Met Oval. He also dedicated this past year to raising his game even more in his gap year. He can play as a winger or an outside back and he is fantastic in attacking transition moments. He is decently two-footed which gives him versatility to play on the right or left. He will immediately make us better and push other guys on the team."
