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Men's Soccer

Boaghe Braniste, Mercé earn #HLMSOC Scholar-Athlete Team recognition, Eckhardt named honorable mention

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Three Northern Kentucky University Norse men's soccer student-athletes earned recognition Horizon League's Scholar-Athlete Team, announced on Wednesday. Senior defender Steven Boaghe Braniste and sophomore forward Carlos Mercé both earned a spot on the Scholar-Athlete team, while senior defender Oliver Eckhardt was named an honorable mention. Northern Kentucky's three total selections tied Green Bay for the most of any school in 2026, and marked the most the Norse have received since joining the Horizon League.

"I am incredibly proud of Carlos, Steven, and Oliver for earning this award," said Northern Kentucky head coach Sean Teepen. "Their commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field reflects the standards and values we strive to build within our program. They are all great representatives of our program and very deserving of this recognition."

Steven Boaghe Braniste earned a spot on the Scholar-Athlete team (previously All-Academic) for the second consecutive season, as the Spanish native earned a spot on the 2025 All-Academic list. A finance major, Braniste is set to graduate next spring, after earning multiple Horizon League Honor Roll selections throughout his Norse career. A team captain, Boaghe Braniste started in 13 matches, logging the seventh-most minutes on the team despite missing multiple matches due to injury. The senior scored his fourth career Norse goal this season.

Carlos Mercé earned a spot on the scholar-athlete team as just a sophomore, majoring in sports business. This season, Mercé's led the Norse in both goals and points, scoring five goals with one assist for eleven points on the year. Mercé ranked 16th in the nation and led the league with 3.44 shot attempts per game. His 21 shots on goal also led the Norse. Mercé's five goals this season were the most by a Northern Kentucky player since Sam Robinson had five in 2023. 

Oliver Eckhardt was tabbed a Scholar-Athlete team honorable mention. The German senior is set to earn his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies this fall, after maintaining a perfect cumulative GPA throughout his time in college. Eckhardt made 13 appearances and nine starts for the Norse this season as a center back, logging 791 minutes of action. 

View the full list of Horizon League men's soccer scholar-athletes below. 

2026 #HLMSOC Scholar-Athlete Team
Tom Mertz, Cleveland State
Aleksandar Kolar, Cleveland State
Drew Pierson, Detroit Mercy
Oscar Arroyo, Green Bay
Drew Swancutt, Green Bay
Tyson Aschliman, IU Indianapolis
Jago Thompson-Roberts, IU Indianapolis
Jakub Drazek, NIU
Roman Khela, NIU
Steven Boaghe Braniste, Northern Kentucky
Carlos Merce, Northern Kentucky
Cole Thompson, Oakland
Zach Townsend, Oakland
Gabe Gotting, Wright State
 
Honorable Mentions
Noah Lechelt, Green Bay
Oliver Eckhardt, Northern Kentucky
Josh Lane, RMU

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Players Mentioned

Steven Boaghe Braniste

#3 Steven Boaghe Braniste

D
5' 11"
Senior
Oliver Eckhardt

#15 Oliver Eckhardt

D
6' 2"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Steven Boaghe Braniste

#3 Steven Boaghe Braniste

5' 11"
Senior
D
Oliver Eckhardt

#15 Oliver Eckhardt

6' 2"
Senior
D