Ozimek Named Michigan's Top Junior Boys Soccer Player
Holland goalkeeper Simon Ozimek earned 28 percent of votes in MLive's Fall Sports Stars poll.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Soccer
Simon Ozimek, a 6-foot-1 goalkeeper for Holland boys soccer, was voted Michigan's top junior boys soccer player in MLive's Fall Sports Stars series. He received 9,343 of 33,772 votes, or 28 percent, ahead of Grosse Ile's Jack Duke with 6,880 votes.
Why it matters
Ozimek's selection recognizes a season in which he recorded a school-record 14 shutouts and posted a 0.48 goals-against average across Holland's 23 matches. The honor highlights a standout defensive campaign as Holland prepares for a state semifinal.
Ozimek's 0.48 goals-against average reflects 11 goals allowed across Holland's 23 matches, with two surrendered in five postseason games. The poll drew 33,772 total votes, of which Ozimek received 28 percent.
The players
Simon Ozimek
Simon Ozimek is a goalkeeper for Holland boys soccer who recorded a school-record 14 shutouts this season.
Jack Duke
Jack Duke is a player from Grosse Ile who finished as runner-up in the MLive Fall Sports Stars junior boys soccer vote.
The details
Voting was conducted through MLive's Fall Sports Stars series, in which Ozimek was selected by public poll. Holland, ranked No. 5 in Division 2, carries an 18-1-4 record into a state semifinal against St. Joseph.
Timeline
August 2026: Ozimek began a run of five consecutive shutouts.
September 2026: The streak ended as Holland climbed to No. 5 in the state rankings.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Holland faces St. Joseph in the Division 2 state semifinal.
November 3, 2026: Ozimek was voted Michigan's top junior boys soccer player.
Season Trajectory
A victory over St. Joseph would send Holland to its first state final since capturing the Division 2 title in 2017. Ozimek's record-setting shutout total places his season alongside that program's most successful recent campaign.
A Holland win over St. Joseph on November 4 would advance the team to a state final. Fans tracking the state tournament can follow Holland's progress through the Division 2 bracket.
The takeaway
Ozimek's season shows how a goalkeeper's consistency can define a team's postseason run. Readers following Michigan high school soccer can watch how Holland's defense performs in the state semifinal.
What happens next
Holland meets St. Joseph in the Division 2 state semifinal on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Michigan soccer coverage for the latest high school results and rankings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
