Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton College Men's Soccer Coach
Mike Giuliano has announced the arrival of seven new student-athletes who have chosen to continue their education and have submitted their deposit to attend Wheaton College, with the intent to play for the Thunder men's soccer team beginning in the fall of 2014.
"We have a special squad in 2014, and it's gotten even better on and off the pitch with these seven guys," notes Giuliano. He adds, "You know those teammates that helped you win tons of games and helped you through some of the toughest parts of life at the same time? These are those kind of young men. It will be a privilege to share this adventure with them."
Ben Bakke (Minneapolis, Minn./Creighton University) comes to Wheaton from NCAA Division I power Creighton University, where he redshirted his freshman year in preparation for getting major minutes at the outside defender position. In high school he played for USSF Academy Squad Minnesota Thunder Academy, as well as for Minnehaha Academy. Giuliano mentions, "I was devastated when Ben chose Creighton out of high school since we really wanted him here at Wheaton. So you can imagine how excited I am that he's going to be here now. He's blazing fast, he's technical, and he reads the game extremely well. We believe he will make an immediate contribution to our success."
Mason Garell (Newport Beach, Calif./Corona del mar H.S.) is a starting midfielder on the champions of the Pacific Coast League. He is also a starting member of the Strikers FC Tustin Soccer Club. He's a consistent honor roll member with one of the top GPA's in his high school. Giuliano states, "Soccer at the college level is a physical game, and Mason plays the game with great strength and physicality. And his composure with the ball will be among the top on our squad. He will definitely give us lots of options."
Cole Lenderink (Scottsdale, Ariz./Scottsdale Christian Academy) played for the Sereno Eagles Soccer Club that won the state title in 2014 and was the 22nd rank club in the nation. In high school, he was a three-time All State player who scored 39 goals in his senior year and 90 during his four years of high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a finalist for scholar athlete of the year in Arizona. Giuliano says of him, "Cole offers us so much he almost led the nation as a forward in scoring in high school, and he played defender on his club team. He will be able to help us on all three lines."
Matthew Prior (Coshocton, Ohio/Riverview H.S.) plays goalkeeper where he also started for the Columbus Crew Pre Academy and Academy squad. He was two-time District First Team award winner and Second Team All State as well. Giuliano mentions, "Matthew gives us great depth at the goalkeeper position and he will make us better from day one. He is an outstanding shot stopper who reads the game very well."
Drew Shay (Glendale, Ariz./Raymond Kellis H.S) plays club soccer for CCV 96 Black and he earned All-District honors in his senior year. He graduates in the top 3% of his class at a very strong high school. Giuliano states of Drew, "Every college coach will tell you that you cannot have enough speed, and Drew has loads of it. He's fast, he's quick, and he's played at a very high level. He will be a welcome addition to our defender goup."
Kolby Versage (Virginia Beach, Va./Frank Cox H.S.) was a member of the USSF Virginia Rush developmental academy team, where he played a key role in center midfield. "Kolby has great ball skills, the kind you must have to survive in the midfield at the college level," says Giuliano. He adds, "Kolby is also a terrific ball striker, proving just that when he scored the goal of the day at our College Elite I.D. Academy. "
Marshall West (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton Academy) was a First Team All-State selection, an NSCAA All-American, and he was named NSCAA National High School Player of the Year in his division. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Kopion Football Club. Giuliano states of West, "You want central defenders who are big, who are composed at all times, and who have incredible vision on the pitch. Those three qualities describe Marshall perfectly. He understands the demands and pressure of central defending incredibly well."
