Incoming Men's Soccer Class Includes Three Top-150 Recruits
DAVIDSON, N.C. - Kristian Garciaméndez-Rowald (Fairview, Texas), recently ranked No. 46 in the nation among 2011 college soccer recruits by College Soccer News, headlines a Davidson men's soccer recruiting class of seven talented student-athletes for the upcoming fall season announced by head coach Matt Spear and coach/recruiting director Kevin O'Brien on Tuesday.
Alex Feliciano (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Luke Blades (Lakewood, Ohio) also cracked the College Soccer News Top 150 list at No. 116 and No. 145, respectively.
All seven newcomers have played for U.S. Soccer Development Academy clubs. The class also includes local product Drew Brown (Charlotte, N.C.), who is currently attending South Mecklenburg High School and playing for the Charlotte Soccer Academy. John Pace (Raleigh, N.C.) and Gabe Rivera (Durham, N.C.) are also in-state products, and compete for the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL). Max Riehemann (Cincinnati, Ohio) will become the third Columbus Crew Academy player competing for the Wildcats, joining rising juniors Brian McGue and Peter Paras.
"The U.S. Soccer club environments are preparing them well for the transition to the college game in terms of technical speed, reading the game, and physical battles," said Spear, who will enter his 11th season as head coach of his alma mater. "Each recruit has a tremendous amount of personal pride, positive attitude and team ambition. The team and program will immediately be strengthened by their arrival."
Garciaméndez-Rowald was selected to play in the New York Red Bulls High School Cup as one of the nation's top entering seniors and captained his Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas to a state championship. He also captained his Andromeda club team and was invited to the U.S. U-18 National Team Camp in Carson, Calif.
Feliciano is an all-state high school player, an ODP region player, and has been the leading scorer and captain for his U16 and U18 academy teams. He was selected for and attended Real Madrid CF Select training camp in Madrid, Spain in 2009.
Blades was a senior tri-captain of his NSCAA and ESPN Rise National Champion St. Ignatius High School team. He was a key part of his club team, Internationals Academy, that was ranked fifth in the nation in 2010 and won the Great Lakes Conference Championship. He was named to the All-Great Lakes team and he is an NSCAA All-America Scholar.
The 2011 Davidson men's soccer season will begin in August.
Elon Men's Soccer Signs Four for 2011
ELON, N.C. - Elon head men's soccer coach Darren Powell announced the addition of four student-athletes who will play for the Phoenix in 2011. Thomas Allen, Jr. (Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford), Austin Dunker (Greensboro, N.C./Southeast Guilford), Chris Essman (Spartanburg, S.C./Dorman) and Modou Jadama (Alpharetta, Ga./Milton) will don the maroon and gold next season. Nathan Dean, a native of Prescot, Liverpool, England, has also recently joined the squad and will compete for Elon during the spring season.
"We are excited to add five additional players to our squad for the 2011 season," commented Powell. "Each of these players bring his own unique qualities to our program. We feel that all five will have a positive impact on our squad during their careers at Elon University. We look forward to these talented student-athletes joining us as we look to regain the Southern Conference championship and take the program to its first NCAA Division I Tournament."
Thomas Allen, Jr., 6-5, 185, Defender, North Carolina Fusion Academy
Allen was the starting center back for three years at Western Guilford, captaining the squad for each of those seasons. A four-time all-conference, all-area and all-region performer, Allen scored 45 goals and added 31 assists during his four prep seasons. Allen was named to the all-district team on two occasions and helped his team to four straight playoff appearances. His club team, coached by Marc Nicholls, was ranked second in the nation in 2011 by Top Drawer Soccer and won the Atlantic Division in 2010.
Why Elon: "I decided to go to Elon because it was the best fit for me. Being one of the top universities and having an outstanding soccer program really stood out to me. The mixture of coaches, players, campus and academics makes Elon a top university."
"I am looking forward to gaining a great education while getting the opportunity to play very high quality soccer at the same time. I can't wait to start next fall."
According to Powell: "Tommy has been observed by the coaches for the past few years and is definitely improving as a player. He is a strong center back who reads the game well. He is honest and brave which are good characteristics for his position. As he matures as a player, we feel he can become a very strong center back in the Southern Conference."
Austin Dunker, 5-9, 135, Defender, North Carolina Fusion Academy
Dunker was a four-year starter for Southeast Guilford, helping the team from a winless record in 2007 to a 16-6-2 mark in his senior year. The team made two playoff appearances, advancing to the third round in 2010. Dunker was named to the all-region and all-conference teams for three consecutive years as was the team MVP in both 2009 and 2010. The Greensboro, N.C. native captained the team as a junior and senior and was a scholar athlete in each of his four years. Dunker was named a 'Player to Watch' and was recognized as the 14th-ranked player in the South Atlantic Region on TopDrawerSoccer.com in 2009. He and Allen played together for North Carolina Fusion.
Why Elon: "I chose Elon because of the strong academic programs. The style of soccer that Elon plays seems to be a perfect fit for me."
"I am really looking forward to the new challenges in the classroom as well as on the soccer field. I am very excited to get to know the other players and start my first soccer season at Elon."
According to Powell: "The coaches have observed Austin grow into one of the more comfortable left backs in the region. He is very good on the ball and makes good use of the ball from the back. As Austin adapts to the physical side of the college game, he should continue to progress in his career."
Chris Essman, 5-8, 145, Midfielder, Carolina Elite Soccer Academy 1992 Premier
Essman, an outside midfielder and team captain at Dorman, scored 40 goals and had 19 assists during his high school career. Named the 2010 All-Region Player of the Year, Essman has been an all-state and all-region selection and was honored as the Herald-Journal Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010. His CESA 1992 Premier club team coached by Bruce Murray was the state champions from 2003-2010. The squad also won the Disney Soccer Showcase and the CESA Soccer Classic in 2010.
Why Elon: "I chose Elon because it is a great school with a beautiful campus and a close-knit community. I feel this kind of environment is the best place for me to thrive academically and athletically and ultimately grow as a person."
"I am looking forward to Elon as being my next step in life. I can't wait to be part of the soccer team and put on that Elon jersey to compete at the Division I collegiate level."
According to Powell: "Chris has been at our camps the past few summers and caught the staff's eye with his technical ability. He has good skills on the ball and good balance to beat players one-on-one. He has played well with the USYSA Region III team and as he adapts to the physical side of the college game, we feel that he will become a good attacking option for our program."
Mo Jadama, 5-11, 170, Forward, Norcross Soccer Academy
Jadama hails from Alpharetta, Ga., but was born in Sierre Kunda, Gambia. The forward played three years of varsity soccer for Milton High School, earning offensive MVP honors in 2010. He helped his team to the state finals as a junior. Jadama also played for the Andy Clarke-led Norcross Soccer Academy club team, leading the group to a state finals appearance in 2008. Jadama was an ODP player from 2007-2010.
Why Elon: "I chose Elon because I liked the style of play and the coaching staff. I also felt very comfortable with my future teammates."
"Going to Elon will provide me an opportunity to get a great education with the smaller class sizes and support system and still play soccer at a high level. I feel like the team can win some conference championships and get to play in the NCAA tournament."
According to Powell: "Mo is an exciting attacking player. He is also a member of the USYSA Region III team and comes from the same club as current Southern Conference Player of the Year Chris Thomas. We feel that Mo has the technical and physical abilities to make an impact in our program from day one. As he learns to play in our system, we feel he can be a dangerous scoring threat in the league."
Nathan Dean, Prescot, England
Dean arrived at Elon this spring and will compete with the Phoenix during its spring slate. This 6-0 goalkeeper hails from Prescot, Liverpool, England where he attended Rainhill High School. He part of the Manchester City FC program from 2003-2010. Dean's father, Martin, played college basketball in Kansas.
Why Elon: "Elon has showed a lot of potential in recent years and I believe I can achieve my athletic goals by working with the coaches and the rest of the team here. Equally, the academic program is growing in status every year and by the time I graduate I expect it will have developed an even stronger reputation throughout the U.S. The weather isn't too bad either!"
According to Powell: "We are glad that Nathan has been able to join us this spring. He has transitioned into U.S. college life as a student and a player well so far. We are looking forward to seeing his development this spring in preparation for the fall season. We hope that is previous experiences will be helpful for our program."
ASU Men's Soccer Adds 10 for 2011-12 Season
BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University men's soccer head coach Shaun Pendleton has announced the commitment of 10 student-athletes for the 2011-12 campaign. The 10 student-athletes step foot on the ASU campus in the fall.
"This year's class shows the positive direction that the program is heading," said Pendleton. "These players add strength, size, speed and power. Every position on the field has been strengthened and the depth of the squad is very strong. There is competition for places and we now have a great mixture of youth and experience. I would like to thank Charlie Cobb, the Athletic Director, for his support and hope all alumni will get behind the program in an effort to win the Southern Conference and get back the national recognition that Appalachian State men's soccer program once held."
Jackson Bentley • Marietta, Ga. • The Walker School
Played for Cobb FC (GA) and attends The Walker School in Marietta, GA. A naturally left- footed player than can operate in many left-sided positions. Bentley possesses speed and power.
Stanley Broaden-Branch • Wilmington, N.C. • Eugene Ashley High School
Broaden-Branch will have dual responsibilities with the Mountaineers. He will play soccer and be part of the track and field team. Broaden-Branch has the ability to play in several attacking positions. He attends Eugene Ashley High School and plays club soccer for Cape Fear Breakers. He was a member of the NC 92 Boys ODP team that went to Nationals.
Philip Carmon • Winston Salem, N.C. • Ronald W. Reagan High School
Carmon will join Appalachian from Ronald W. Reagan High School. He plays academy soccer for the NC Fusion. Carmon has good athletic ability combined with a strong understanding of the game and that allows Carmon to play in a variety of positions, ranging from defender to wide midfielder. He was also a starting defender on the NC 92 Boys ODP team that went to Nationals.
Costin Gregory • Raleigh, N.C. • Sanderson High School
Gregory is a forward player than can operate as a wide player or central striker. Gregory plays club soccer for Triangle United FC. He has the potential to score goals and has great attacking qualities. Gregory will join Appalachian from Sanderson High School.
Patrick Harrow • Davidson, N.C. • North Mecklenburg Senior High School
Harrow is a strong and powerful left-footed central defender that has great leadership qualities. Harrow attends North Mecklenburg Senior High School and currently plays academy soccer for the North Meck Soccer Academy.
Kristian Lee-Him • Pickering, Ontario, Ca. • Notre Dame CSS
Lee-Him will join the soccer program from Canada. He plays club soccer for Sigma FC and was recently invited to train with the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 Nation Team. Lee-Him will occupy a central attacking midfield position. He currently attends Notre Dame CSS in Ontario, Canada.
Nelson Milsiant • Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. •Miami Edison High School
Milsiant comes to ASU from Miami Edison High School. He played academy soccer for the Weston Academy Team (FL) and will play in a central midfield role for Appalachian. Milsiant possesses a rare combination of athleticism, skill and understanding of the game that makes him a very dynamic player on the field.
Boubacar Toure • Decatur, Ga. • Georgia Perimeter College (Ga.) (Brikama)
Toure joins the Mountaineer squad with a wealth of experience from Georgia Perimeter College (Ga). He was just named a 2010 1st Team NJCAA all-American. Toure finished the 2010 season as the leading scorer in the nation with 66 points (21 goals, 24 assists) and was voted the GCAA Player of the Year. Toure is a very powerful forward that has great speed and size.
Paul West • Apex, N.C. • Apex High School
West will join the ASU goalkeeping squad from CASL Chelsea FC academy in North Carolina. West is a natural goalkeeper with good range and size. He was selected to the NC 92 Boys ODP team that went to Nationals.
Seth Williams • Knoxville, Tenn. • Bearden High School
Williams arrives as a Mountaineer from Bearden High School. Williams plays club soccer for Knoxville FC and was a member of the Region 3 ODP Super group all-star team. He is a powerful flank defender that has good speed and understanding of the game.
U.S. Youth National Team Standouts, All-Americans Highlight Furman Soccer Signing Class
Greenville, S.C. -- The Furman men's soccer program has signed 12 players, including three United States Youth National Team members and six players ranked in College Soccer News' Top 150, to national letters of intent, it was announced on Thursday by Paladin head coach Doug Allison.
The class is highlighted by a trio of standouts in defender George Fradenburg, midfielder Kevin Pahl and center back Walker Zimmerman who are each rated among the top 25 players in the country by both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News.
Fradenburg, a 2010 PARADE All-American, is ranked No. 18 in the 2011 class by CollegeSoccerNews.com and No. 19 by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Pahl, the No. 20 ranked player in the 2011 class by College Soccer News and an NSCAA Youth All-American, is rated as the No. 2 player in Florida among the 2011 class by Top Drawer Soccer. Zimmerman, a NSCAA Youth All-American, earned team MVP honors while playing center back for the United States U-18 National Team this past November at a four-team tournament in Tel-Aviv, Israel, that included Germany and France.
"We are thrilled to welcome these 12 student-athletes into the Furman soccer family today," said Allison. "This is an extremely talented group that has the potential to excel both in the classroom and on the field. Aside from their outstanding athletic and academic backgrounds, they are a very spiritually mature and civic-minded group that will represent Furman well off the field and in the community."
Furman's haul of six players out of the College Soccer News Top 150 trailed only North Carolina (9) and Virginia (7).
The 2011 Paladins will return 10 starters from a squad that posted a 10-7-4 record and claimed a share of the Southern Conference regular season crown a year ago.
Signee Pos. Ht. Hometown Previous School Club Team
George Fradenburg D 5-10 Belden, Miss. Tupelo Christian Prep Birmingham Utd. Academy
Jon Grant F 6-2 Delta, Pa. Bob Jones University Baltimore Pompeii SC
Nikolai Hammer F 6-1 Safety Harbor, Fla. Countryside H.S. Clearwater Chargers
Trent Johnson GK 6-3 Waxhaw, N.C. Cuthbertson H.S. Charlotte Soccer Academy
Adrian McInnis MF/F 5-10 Mandeville, La. St. Paul's School Chicago Fire Junios of La.
Kevin Pahl MF 5-11 Lakeland, Fla. George Jenkins H.S. Clearwater Chargers
Tyler Peoples MF 5-11 Conyers, Ga. Heritage H.S. GSA Phoenix Red 93
Clint Ritter MF 5-5 Cedar Hill, Texas Cedar Hill H.S. Dalllas Texans Academy
Dennis Sanchez GK 6-1 Albuquerque, N.M. Shattuck-St. Mary's Shattuck-St. Mary's Academy
Eric Steber D 5-8 Cary, N.C. Cary H.S. CASL Chelsea Academy
Walker Zimmerman D 6-3 Lawrenceville, Ga. Brookwood H.S. GSA Phoenix Red 93
Hart Zwing Wing 5-8 Myrtle Beach, S.C. Myrtle Beach H.S. South Carolina United
George Fradenburg
5-10, D
Belden, Miss.
Prepped at Tupelo Christian Prep in Tupelo, Miss., and played his club soccer for Birmingham United Soccer Academy in Birmingham, Ala... Garnered 2010 PARADE High School Boys All-America honors... Rated the No. 19 prospect in the 2011 class by TopDrawerSoccer.com and No. 18 senior by CollegeSoccerNews.com...Tabbed as the No. 2 player in the South Region by Top Drawer Soccer... Has represented the United States at the U-14, U-15 and U-17 levels and was a member of the U.S. U-17 Residency Program... Currently a member of the U.S. U-18 National Team pool and has trained with the U-18's several times.... A member of the Region III ODP Team and selected to the Adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP)... Tallied 35 goals for Birmingham United.
Jon Grant
6-2, F
Delta, Pa.
Enrolled at Furman as a graduate student in education after attending Bob Jones University... Tallied 40 goals in 41 games playing for Bob Jones... Earned BJU MVP honors in 2009... Scored 133 goals as a prep standout at Harford Christian School earning first team all-county and first team all-conference honors three times... Scored goals versus Brazilian youth teams from Sao Paolo FC and Santos FC during 2007 tour with club side Carolina Lightning FC.
Nikolai Hammer
6-1, F
Safety Harbor, Fla.
Leading goal scorer for Countryside High School which is currently ranked No. 2 in Florida and No. 13 in the nation in ESPN RISE Fab 50 Boys Soccer rankings... Ranked as No. 20 prospect in Florida by Top Drawer Soccer... Plays club soccer for Clearwater Chargers Academy U-18... Led Clearwater Chargers U-16 in scoring during 2009.
Trent Johnson
6-3, GK
Waxhaw, N.C.
Played prep soccer at Cuthbertson High School leading his team to the 2009 and 2010 Rocky River Conference titles... Garnered 2009 and 2010 North Carolina All-State honors while being named 2010 Rocky River Conference and Union County Player of the Year... Four-time all-region and all-conference selection... Earned team MVP honors after allowing only three goals and registering 17 shutouts last year... Named to Clash of the Carolinas Team... Member of NC ODP squad... Helped Charlotte Soccer Academy to 2009 Region III title.
Adrian McInnis
5-10, MF/F
Mandeville, La.
Prepped at St. Paul's School... Earned 2009 and 2010 First Team All-State honors... Two-time all-parish, all-metro and all-ditrict selection... Helped St. Paul's to state semifinals in 2008 and 2009... Five-year member of LSA State ODP Team... Guided club side Chicago Fire Juniors of Louisiana to to 2010 LSA U-17 state title.
Kevin Pahl
5-11, MF
Lakeland, Fla.
Senior at George Jenkins High School... 2010 NSCAA Youth All-American and member of the United States U-18 National Team pool... Previously appeared with the U.S. U-14 and U-15 squads... Member of the Region team and Florida State Team... Ranked No. 20 player in 2011 class by College Soccer News... Tabbed No. 2 player in Florida and No. 23 in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer... U.S. Development Academy U-16 All-Star selection... Plays club soccer for Clearwater Chargers Academy U-18.
Tyler Peoples
5-11, MF
Conyers, Ga.
Attended Heritage High School and played club soccer for GSA Phoenix 93... Ranked No. 148 in College Soccer News' Top 150 list... Scored 14 goals as a junior for Heritage... Garnered all-region honors three consecutive seasons while leading his team to the state playoffs each year... Captain for GSA Red 93 which is ranked No. 1 in Region III and in the country... Guided GSA to three straight state cups and the 2007 Region III Premier League title... Helped GA to third place at the 2010 national tournament and to the 2010 National League title... Member of the state and Region III ODP teams... Received team game MVp honors after Region III's game versus Argentina U-17 National Team in 2009.
Clint Ritter
5-5, MF
Cedar Hill, Texas
Prep standout at Cedar Hill High School... No. 41 on College Soccer News' 2011 Top 150 Recruits list... Has led his team in scoring in consecutive years while earning first team all-district honors twice... two-year team captain... Played club soccer for Dallas Texans Academy... Helped Texans U-16 qualify for 2010 playoffs while being selected to the US Soccer Select Academy squad at the spring showcase in Sarasota, Fla.... Guided Texans to 2009 state title, regional finals, USYSA National championship and third place at the Disney Showcase.
Dennis Sanchez
6-1, GK
Albuquerque, N.M.
Plays soccer at Shattuck-St. Mary's Academy in Minnesota... 2009 Shattuck-St. Mary's Player of the Year and 2010 and 2011 captain... Led his team to 2008 Minnesota state title and 2009 Disney Showcase title... Member of the Region IV ODP team participating with the squad on a trip to Barcelona, Spain, in 2008... Helped New Mexico Gladiators to four consecutive state championships (2005-08).
Eric Steber
5-8, D
Cary, N.C.
Standout at Cary High School and for club side CASL Chelsea Academy... Rated No. 92 in 2011 class by both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News... Ranked No. 13 in South Atlantic Region by Top Drawer Soccer... 2010 ESPN RISE First Team All-State selection... Three-time Tri-9 All-Conference pick and two-time NCHSAA All-Region selection... 2011 NCCA North Carolina East-West All-Star Game pick... 2009 US Soccer Development Academy Southern Conference U-16 Starting XI... Helped Chelsea FC Academy to 2008 and 2010 US Soccer Development Academy U-16 and U-18 region title and national finals, respectively.
Walker Zimmerman
6-3, D
Lawrenceville, Ga.
Graduate of Brookwood High School who enrolled at Furman in January of 2011... 2010 NSCAA Youth All-American and member of the United States U-18 National Team... Named U.S. U-18 Team MVP at Tel Aviv, Israel Tournament in which his team faced Germany, France and the host country... Ranked No. 17 in College Soccer News' 2011 Top 150 Recruits and No. 24 in Top Drawer Soccer's Top 100... Also listed by Top Drawer Soccer as No. 4 player in the South Atlantic Region... Member of Region III and Georgia State ODP squads... Helped Georgia squad to 2010 US Youth Soccer ODP National title and Region III title... Guided club side GSA Phoenix Red 93 to Disney Showcase title, Region III Premier League finals, USYSA National Championships third place finish, and Georgia State Cup title.
Hart Zwing
5-8, Wing
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Four-year starter at Myrtle Beach High School scoring 26 goals and adding 68 assists... Earned 2010 all-region and Sun News Toast of the Coast honors... Member of the South Carolina ODP squad and Region III Team pool... 2010 ESPN RISE 2011 top prospect... Played club soccer for South Carolina United Academy.
Six Ink Letters with Georgia Southern Men's Soccer
Five Georgians and one Texan headline 2011 recruiting class
STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern Head Coach Kevin Kennedy and the Men's Soccer program received National Letters of Intent from six individuals, Rocco Bagley, Thomas Hamilton, Ado Junuzovic, Chase Park, Seth Prieto and Nate Steele, who will enroll at Georgia Southern University and join the Eagle family. The accomplished class of five Georgians and one Texan adds depth with five midfielders and one defender to the 2011 roster.
"We're extremely excited about the quality of this year's class and we're confident that this group of young players will come into our program and make a strong impact," said Kevin Kennedy, who will begin his sixth season as head coach in 2011. "We believe that all of these guys will help us move toward our goal of winning a Southern Conference Championship and will represent our soccer team and Georgia Southern University in the best possible way."
From Grand Prairie, Texas, 5-5, 130-lb. midfielder Rocco Bagley joins the Eagles with a top-40 ranking from Top Drawer Soccer. Bagley was invited to camp with the U.S. U-17 National Team and has played in major showcase tournaments, premier regional leagues and state cup matches. He played for South Grand Prairie High School and Solar Chelsea U-18 USSF Development Academy.
"Rocco is going to be a very good addition to our team, and more specifically our group of midfield players," Kennedy said. "He is a wide player who can break down teams either on the dribble or through combination play with his teammates. He has very quick feet, and he's a handful for opposing teams. Rocco also possesses an incredible work ethic and attitude."
Ado Junuzovic, a NSCAA High School All-American for Dacula High School, played for Georgia Southern Men's Soccer alum Mike Burrell (1994-97). He competed for the GSA '93 Phoenix Red club team that won championships at the R3PL and National League levels. The 5-10, 155-lb. forward/midfielder hails from Lawrenceville, Ga.
"Ado is an extremely dangerous attacking player who can create a lot of problems for opposing team," Kennedy said. "Most importantly, he can score goals and create opportunities for his teammates."
A teammate of Junuzovic on GSA '93 Phoenix Red, 5-11, 165-lb. midfielder Chase Park (Peachtree City, Ga.) helped Starr's Mill High School to the Georgia state championship in 2010. Park and Georgia Southern signee Seth Prieto played together on Georgia's Olympic Development Program team, capturing the ODP national championship in 2010. Park, a three-time first-team All-Region selection, was also inducted as a member of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club.
"We're delighted that Chase is going to be joining our program as he brings so many qualities to our team," said Kennedy. "He is very athletic, understands and reads the game well, and has a strong competitive drive. He also has a clear understanding of what it takes to win."
A member of the Olympic Development Program Region III team that won the 2010 national championship, Seth Prieto hails from Atlanta, Ga., and Chattahoochee High School. The 5-11, 150-lb. midfielder played for the North Atlanta Soccer Association '11 Elite squad and was a 2010 ESP selection.
"Seth is going to be an outstanding addition to our team," Kennedy said. "Seth has the experience of playing at a very high youth level. He reads the game very well, and he has outstanding technical skills. His work rate and attacking ability should give our team a lot of depth in midfield."
The lone defender in this recruiting class, 6-0, 180-lb. Nate Steele earned All-Cobb County honors and was recognized as Harrison High School's Defensive Player of the Year. Steele and fellow signee Seth Prieto won the 2010 Disney Showcase Championship with their club team. He is the younger brother of former Eagle letterwinner Austin Steele.
"Nate's athleticism, competitive drive and leadership will be a great asset to our group of defenders," Kennedy said. "Nate has tremendous leadership skills and he carries the same sort of charisma and competitive nature to his club team."
A club and high school teammate of current Georgia Southern player Hunter Norton, 6-0, 170-lb. midfielder Thomas Hamilton (Evans, Ga.) was an All-Region selection and team captain for Greenbrier High School. His club team, Augusta Arsenal Premier, reached the semifinals of the Georgia State Cup in 2010.
"Thomas is a very good addition for our team, and particularly our group of central midfield players," Kennedy stated. "He is strong and possesses not only very good technical skills, but a very good understanding of the game."
CofC Men's Soccer Inks Five on Signing Day
Signing Day Central
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The College of Charleston men's soccer team has added five new players for its 2011 signing class, head coach Ralph Lundy announced Wednesday.
"This is yet another strong recruiting year for our program," said Lundy. "These players have great pedigrees and have been developed in excellent youth programs. They will each create more competition within our team and that is the dynamic we must have to make the NCAA Tournament again."
Troy Peterson, Jeremy Viny, Adam Purvis, Alex Young and Tanner Clay will all join the men's soccer team this fall and hope to immediately impact the already-successful program.
CofC's recruiting reach spanned the nation as the coaching staff brought in these five players from across the country. The five incoming freshmen hail from Greenville, S.C., Statesboro, Ga., Pepper Pike, Ohio, Federal Way, Wash., and Gilbert, Ariz.
"We are extremely pleased with this class," said Lundy. "There is continuity here now with this being our third straight class with quality. This will be an outstanding group of players who came from tremendous teams.
"The College of Charleston men's soccer program is no secret anywhere in the country and that has a lot to do with the fact that we're able to recruit anywhere in the country. We're having continuity of quality and that's what it takes because we're going to compete against the best with the best young players."
Be sure to check out Signing Day Central for details on each player and video interviews with Lundy.
Wofford Men's Soccer: Men's Soccer Adds Six to 2011 Roster
SPARTANBURG, SC - Wofford College men's soccer coach Ralph Polson has announced six student-athletes whom have signed to join the Terriers. This class is made up of five high schools seniors including: Andrew Elliott, Carlos Dominguez Gonzalez, Forrest Lasso, Zach Woolever, Jake Wright, and a freshman transfer, Jordan Lessard. "We lost an outstanding group with this year's seniors, but we are excited about this group of young men," said Coach Polson. "I feel that they bring a wealth of talent and experience to our program. They possess experience, skill, athleticism, and a competitive attitude that will help us be successful at the highest level in the Southern Conference in 2011."
Andrew Elliott is a defender from Richmond, VA. He has been a starter on the Collegiate School soccer team since his freshman year. He served as team captain both his junior and senior years. He was selected team MVP in both his junior and senior years, while leading his team to the League of Independent Schools State Championship game. During his junior year, he was selected as the Prep League Player of the Year. Elliott was three time All-State selection and also plays for the Richmond
Kickers U-18 team of the US Soccer Academy league. He was also a member of the Collegiate School tennis team, where he served as captain his junior year. He is undecided on a major at Wofford College.
Coach Polson on Elliott - "Andrew is a proven leader on the field. He is one of the most dedicated individuals and will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our program. "
Carlos Dominguez-Gonzalez is a forward from Aguascalientes, Mexico. Gonzalez is currently enrolled at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL. Prior to his enrollment at The Bolles School in his junior year, Gonzalez attended Colegio Bosques and the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. In his junior year, Gonzalez was selected to the Florida Times-Union All-First Coast soccer team. He currently serves as team captain. He has been instrumental in the Bolles School capturing its 18th District Championship this season. During his high school career, he scored 84 goals and 27 assists. He participated in the Mexican Junior National Olympics and represented Mexico in the Norway Cup. In 2009, Gonzalez served as the kicker for The Bolles School football team, helping them win the FHSSA 3-A State Championship. Gonzalez plans to study physics at Wofford College.
Coach Polson on Gonzalez - "Carlos is a goal scorer. Not only does he have a knack for scoring goals, but he also creates chances for those around him. I feel that he will bring a lot of experience to this team."
Forrest Lasso is a defender from Raleigh, NC. Lasso is a 6'4" center back and played high school soccer at Needham B. Broughton High School. Forrest was a member of North Carolina's 2008 High School Championship team. During his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, Lasso won conference championships, advancing to the state tournament. During his junior and senior years, Lasso served as team captain, and was selected to the All-CAP 8 Conference team. In his senior year, he was selected to the All-Region team. Since 2005, Lasso played for the Capital Area Soccer League '92 Elite team, winning NCYSA State Championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2010. He served as captain of his CASL '92 Elite team since 2008. He has also been a member of the NCYSA ODP team. Lasso is active in both Young Life and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plans to major in history at Wofford College.
Coach Polson on Lasso - "Forrest has developed into one of the top center backs in the CASL program and we fully expect him to make a solid contribution early on. We are pleased to have him sign with Wofford College."
Zach Woolever is a goalkeeper from Spartanburg, SC. He has played at Dorman High School for four years. He played his freshman and sophomore years for former Dorman High School head coach and current Wofford assistant, Carlos Osorio. Woolever played club soccer for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. His CESA '92 Premier teams were five time SCYSA State Champions. In 2009, CESA '92 Premier was the USYSA Region III Champion and advanced to the USYSA National Championships, where they finished as bronze medalists. Woolever was a member of the SCYSA '93 ODP team. Woolever's mother, Jeanne (Azzara) Woolever is a Wofford graduate, where she was a member of both the women's basketball and volleyball teams from 1983-86. Woolever is a Wofford Scholar and is a member of the National Science Honor Society. He plans to study biology and chemistry at Wofford College.
Coach Polson on Woolever - "Zach is an outstanding goalkeeper that can make the crucial save and win games. He has a tremendous work ethic. He should come in and battle for playing time as a freshman. We are excited with his commitment to Wofford."
Jake Wright is a defensive midfielder from Belton, SC. Jake attends T.L. Hanna High School. He has been a starter since his freshman year, helping Hanna to the SCHSL 4-A State Tournament in his first three
years. Last season, Wright served as team captain and was named to the All-Region 1 team. This spring, Wright has been selected to serve as team captain again. He was a starter and leader on the CASA '92 team. He is a Palmetto Fellow and a member of the National Science Honor Society. Wright participated in Palmetto Boys State his junior year. His father, Rick, is a former teammate of Wofford head coach, Ralph Polson, while attending Erskine College and was selected as an All-American in men's soccer. Wright is currently undecided on a major at Wofford College.
Coach Polson on Wright - "Jake is a solid player that can make things happen and open up the game. He is a very technical player and reads the game well. His ability to support his teammates and connect passes will make him a solid asset to Wofford soccer".
Jordan Lessard is a midfielder from High Point, NC. Lessard will join the Terriers this spring. Lessard played the fall 2010 season at Wheaton College, in Wheaton, IL. Wheaton won the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin regular season championship, where he played regularly. During the season he started the final seven games of the year. Lessard prepped at Wesleyan Christian Academy, where he was a three-year starter. Wesleyan Christian advanced to the North Carolina high school semifinals in 2007 and 2008 and the quarterfinals in 2009. Lessard was named All-State twice and was a two-time NSCAA High School All-South Region selection. Lessard also played for the Greensboro Youth Soccer Association on their US Soccer Academy Program team. In 2008 the team advanced to the US Soccer Academy Program National Finals. Lessard is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Lessard plans to study economics at Wofford College.
Coach Polson on Lessard - "Jordan epitomizes hard work. He is an outstanding student-athlete that possesses skill, confidence, and athleticism. We are excited to have Jordan join our team this spring. "
The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to Wofford College and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.