Notre Dame’s Sides grabs Boys Soccer Award at 2024 Semoball Awards

Bryce Sides of Notre Dame accepts the Boys Soccer Athlete of the Year award from keynote speaker Brian Jordan at the Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, on July 14, 2024.

Bailey Bagot ~ Silver Landing Photography

One of the greatest goal-scoring talents in Southeast Missouri, the spectacular Bryce Sides capped off his prep career in style with a Boys Soccer Athlete of the Year win in last week’s 2024 Semoball Awards.

Part of a Notre Dame squad that has far and wide established a reputation of being one of the top teams in Southeast Missouri, Sides became the de facto leader in goals for a tough Bulldog squad.

Not just that, but Sides’ playmaking abilities helped set Notre Dame up numerous times, becoming one of the top offensive players in the region in his senior campaign.

Sides’ efforts helped the Bulldogs push deep into the district playoffs, narrowly losing to Farmington in double overtime as Notre Dame grabbed silver in a loaded Class 3 District 1 slate with some big names.

One of many Bulldog athletes to take home honors over the course of the 2024 ceremony, Sides reflected on his time as a Notre Dame Bulldog ahead of his ascension to the college ranks.

Mercy is the presenting sponsor of the Semoball Awards, the area’s premier awards show recognizing student-athletes and coaches in Southeast Missouri.

“It’s a great feeling, you know?” Sides began.

“I couldn't do without my teammates. Fantastic team, fantastic coaching staff, fantastic school organization. Thanks to Coach [Matt] Vollink and Coach [Ryan] Schweain for guiding us through my four years, making me a better player.”

But the thanks weren’t solely within the organization. Sides made sure to thank one special outside force for his success at Notre Dame.

“Also, I want to thank my dad,” Sides said. “My dad's been my soccer coach for all my life, and he's taught me everything I know.

“I wouldn't be here without him.”

Moving forward, Sides is off to college, specifically joining the University of Missouri club soccer team for their upcoming season while enrolling at one of the top institutions in the state.

Still getting an opportunity to continue his career on the pitch at the next level, it’s an opportunity for the young Sides to get even better in a talented club environment.

“I had a few offers,” Sides began. “I looked at some schools, talked to a few coaches, but I decided that I wanted to just really live out the college experience and not focus on soccer, since it's such a full commitment.

“I am playing on the club team for Mizzou, which is pretty competitive level, so I can see myself in the future playing soccer somewhere if my mind changes.”

Putting a bow on his prep career, Sides’ recognition as the top boys soccer athlete in the area is the perfect note to end his career as a Notre Dame Bulldog on.

He summed it up during an emotional night at the 2024 Semoball Awards.

“I’ve been playing since I was four years old,” Sides said. “I grew up on the soccer field, so I just lived around it. I love it. It's a fantastic feeling. It’s just awesome to be a part of soccer.”