Femi Hollinger-Janzen was selected first-team all-state and named Indiana’s Player-of-the-Year in boys soccer by the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association at its annual meeting on Nov. 20. He is the first Elkhart County player to be named Indiana Player-of-the-Year since the award was established in 1986 and the second in the area (John Cavanaugh of South Bend St. Joseph’s in 2003). Teammate Jeff Yoder was also selected as all-state honorable mention.

As Player-of-the-Year, Femi will be considered for All-American honors by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). He has also been selected as one of 40 players in the nation to participate in the Dec. 10 High School All-American game, held in conjunction with the College Cup (NCAA championship game) in Birmingham, Ala.

Hank Willems, boys soccer coach at Bethany, says, “It has been a privilege to work with Femi during his middle and high school years. This award is very well deserved and is an honor for both Femi and his teammates who helped make this possible. It is very rewarding to see hard work and dedication pay off. The entire Bethany community is proud of his accomplishments.”

Femi, who has verbally committed to play at Indiana University next year, led the 18-4-1 Bruins to within one game of playing in the 1A state championship game. No. 3 ranked Bethany lost 1-0 in the semi-state championship to eventual state champion and no. 1 ranked Fort Wayne Canterbury, a team that won each of its other postseason games by at least two goals (see fall report). He was Elkhart County’s scoring leader the past two seasons and set a school record for career goals scored (67).

Femi's accomplishments might be considered miraculous given his life's history. Femi was born in Benin, West Africa, with a deformed leg. Doctors said that he might be able to walk, if he were placed in a complete body cast. The cast was never put on. However, Beninese Christians prayed for Femi’s healing. Even though his leg remained deformed for several years, Femi took his first steps at ten months and was soon running. Over the years, his leg straightened out. He was adopted by Rod and Lynda ('73) Hollinger-Janzen, who were mission workers in Benin at the time. He is especially thankful for what they have done for him and for allowing him to pursue his passion of playing soccer.

Femi says, “When I look back on things, I see that God had a definite plan for me. I would not be where I am today without his guidance and the support of my family, church, school, and teammates, who have made me a better player. Playing in the High School All-American Game is an unexpected honor and will be a great way to conclude my high school soccer career.”