You Won't Believe Which 3 Rowan Players Shockingly Made All-State—#1 Will Leave You Speechless!

Three Rowan Players Earn All-State Honors in High School Soccer

The North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association has officially recognized three standout players from Rowan County for their exceptional performance this season. On November 24, 2025, the association announced that Abdul Eliwa from Salisbury, Finnegan Avery, also from Salisbury, and Carlos Landaverde from South Rowan have been named All-State players, a prestigious honor within the sport.

Avery's accolades are particularly impressive; he was not only named the South Piedmont Conference (SPC) Defensive Player of the Year but also received the title of Rowan County Goalkeeper of the Year. Eliwa, known for his scoring prowess, earned the title of Rowan County Player of the Year along with being recognized as the SPC Offensive Player of the Year. These honors reflect their critical roles in their teams' success this season.

The selection for All-State players was made from a pool of All-Region players, highlighting the competitive nature of the league. In addition to Eliwa, Avery, and Landaverde, six players from the Salisbury Hornets were named All-Region. This group includes center backs Johnathan Barrera and Mohammed Jabateh, alongside midfielders Kevin Reyes and Raymond Moscoso.

From South Rowan, center midfielder Alex Morales joined Landaverde in earning All-Region honors, while Noah Dillon from East Rowan made the All-Region list, contributing both in defense and attack as a center back and forward.

The recognition of these players comes as Rowan County continues to demonstrate its strength in high school soccer. The performance of Eliwa, Avery, Landaverde, and their peers not only highlights individual talent but also emphasizes the growing competitive spirit in local soccer leagues.

Meanwhile, in the 2A classification, the runner-up team, Gray Stone, can also boast of its own All-State players, including midfielder Walker Bullard and goalkeeper Matthew Lappin. Bullard and Lappin, along with midfielder Auden Pethel, were selected as All-Region players, showcasing the depth of talent across the state.

As these young athletes celebrate their achievements, their performances serve as an inspiration to aspiring soccer players in Rowan County and beyond. Their hard work, dedication, and talent not only elevate their teams but also contribute to the vibrant landscape of high school sports in North Carolina.