Lafayette Parish School System is proud to celebrate Ellison Haynes, a senior at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, for being named the 2025-26 Gatorade Louisiana Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
The prestigious Gatorade Player of the Year award is considered one of the highest honors in high school athletics, recognizing student-athletes for excellence in athletics, academics, and character.
Haynes earned the honor after an exceptional senior season leading the Bulldogs to a 14-7-1 record and a Division II regional final appearance. The standout forward scored 39 goals and recorded 11 assists, breaking David Thibodaux’s school records for both single-season goals (39) and career goals (64). He graduates as a three-time All-State selection and the Division II All-State Offensive MVP.
Part of Haynes’ journey included competing internationally. During portions of his sophomore and junior years, he trained in Germany at the FC Bayern Munich International Soccer Academy, gaining elite-level experience before returning to Louisiana for his senior year.
Beyond the field, Haynes has distinguished himself through service and leadership. He has volunteered with Catholic Charities of Acadiana at the St. Joseph’s Diner soup kitchen and served as a guest speaker and ambassador for the Positively Affirmed Youth Mental Health Summit, helping promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma among young people.
“Ellis represents what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete,” said LPSS Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr.. “His talent on the field is extraordinary, but what stands out just as much is his commitment to serving others, leading by example, and pursuing excellence in every area of his life. We are incredibly proud of him.”
Haynes maintained a 3.53 GPA while balancing his athletic and community commitments. He has signed a letter of athletic aid to continue his soccer career at Xavier University of Louisiana this fall.
Each year, the Gatorade Player of the Year program honors one winner in each state and Washington, D.C., across 12 sports, recognizing only the most outstanding high school athletes in the nation.
Congratulations to Ellis on this remarkable achievement and for continuing to show what it means to Experience the Difference at LPSS.
