Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's soccer coach Andy Donohoe announced six student-athletes from the high school, club and junior college ranks will continue their education and athletic careers with the Panthers.
Joining the program from are
Daniel Ballard,
Sam DeVore and
Jordan Sosh all from Kentucky;
Haris Dzaferbegovic from Illinois;
Isaac Smith from Indiana; and junior college transfer Jonathan Lodge.
“We have added some top quality players for the upcoming season,” said Donohoe. “We have signed top players from both the United States and internationally. It is the top recruiting class we have had in the eight years that I have been involved with the program.”
Ballard, a defender/midfielder from Bowling Green, Ky. (Bowling Green HS), received all-district and all-region honors in 2009. He played in 19 games and scored three goals with one assist while helping led the Purples and head coach Craig Widener to a 12-5-2 record, a district title and a region runner-up finish. Ballard plays with the Owensboro United Soccer Club and was a member of the Sky Soccer Club.
“Daniel is a versatile player that can play in a couple of different positions," added Donohoe. "He is good with both feet, very good tactically and likes to get forward from the fullback position.”
Devore, a forward from Kirksey, Ky. (Marshall County HS), earned second-team all-state recognition in leading the Marshals to the district and region titles and a semi-state finish with a 17-5-1 record for head coach Don Walker in 2009. He also received the Region Player of the Year Award, all-region and all-district honors twice, and selected senior team captain. Devore scored 43 career goals and had 18 career assists. He will play in the Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star game in June.
Donohoe commented, “Sam has all the technical and tactical ability to make an instant impact in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. He will be a top addition to our program and will add another dynamic dimension to our attack”.
Sosh, a forward/midfielder from Elizabethtown Ky. (Central Hardin HS), finished second in assists with nine and scored three goals in 17 matches played for head coach Mike Wiersema as a senior. The three-year letterwinner helped lead the Bruins to a 10-4-4 record and the district semifinals in 2009. He was a member of the Bluegrass Varsity State Championship this spring.
“Jordan will be a big asset to this team," stated Donohoe. "He has the size, strength, and ability to be a very good player in the GLVC. His athleticism will add other dimensions to our attack”
Dzaferbegovic, a forward/midfielder from LaGrange, Ill. (Lyons Township HS), played with numerous club teams in the Chicago area including the Chicago Wind Academy. He was the team's leading scorer where his team ranked No. 2 in the nation competing in the United States Regionals and Nationals.
"Dzaferbegovic has an abundant of talent and will be a top player in the GLVC," said Donohoe. "He has tremendous technical ability and a great knowledge of the game. I expect him to make an instant impact.”
Smith, a midfielder/defender from Corydon, Ind. (Corydon Central HS), led the Panthers in scoring with 10 goals and twice earned All-Mid-South Conference honors in four seasons.
Donohoe said, "Isaac is a versatile player that has played both center mid and center back with his club team. He is a talented player that will contribute immediately to our team."
Lodge, a defender from Dublin, Ireland (Ardscoil La Salle HS) transferred from Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas after his sophomore season. He helped lead the T-Birds to a 12-8-2 record and regional runner-up finish in 2009. Lodge joins former Colaiste Ide and current KWC teammate
Ciaran Fairman who were both on the All-Ireland Runner-up squad in 2008.
“Jonathan is a top class player and will make an instant impact on the team," Donohoe said. "He can play both center and right back spots very well. I cannot overemphasize the importance of bring a player of Jonathan's ability on board with the program."
Donohoe expects to add more newcomers to the program in the near future.
