Coming off one of their most successful seasons since the 1992 Final Four Team, the Davidson Wildcats have added nine newcomers to the 2015 men's soccer squad, as announced by head coach Matt Spear Thursday.
 
"I share the excitement of the current team, the soccer alumni, and the College for and with these nine guys – and their families," said Spear, who just completed his 14th season at the helm of his alma mater. "The players are joining a proud and passionate brotherhood built on desire, toughness, development and ambition. These new additions will enable us to write new stories and new chapters in our endeavors on and off the field. It's a big group, and the upperclassmen will provide major assistance in their transition to impact."
 
Davidson, which finished 10-2-6 in the fall and tied for fourth in the Atlantic 10, was the nation's only team to conclude the campaign with just two setbacks. In addition, the Wildcats recorded wins over eventual National Champion Virginia and Duke, while climbing to as high as No. 3 in the RPI.
 
Tanner Carlson
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
High School: Woodbury
Club: Minnesota Thunder
Position: Wide Midfield
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 135
 
Coach's Comment: Tanner is quick, clever, and relentless. His impact on the flanks will be important.
Notes: Started every game as a freshman, while leading team to state title... Member of school's Nordic Ski team... Father Scott played college soccer.
Why did you choose Davidson: I chose Davidson because it had everything that I wanted. With the high level academics and athletics I am sure that Davidson will help me become a better person. And the warm weather helped too!
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Davidson Soccer has a great future in front of it. Last season they had the fewest losses in the country and beat the eventual national champions. The players at Davidson all have a passion for the game and work together in order to succeed.
Advice to kids today: One of the best ways to enjoy life is to help others.
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: The first man stepping on the moon.
Favorite pro team: Barcelona

Matthew Gandier
Hometown: Hastings, MN
High School: Hastings
Club: Minnesota Thunder
Position: Midfield/Attack
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 165
 
Coach's Comment: Matthew is very comfortable and smooth on the ball, a natural playmaker. He's fought through injury/illness so his best soccer is to come.
Notes: '97 Region II Team Orlando, Fla... Adidas Select Team: Real Madrid... US Soccer ID2 Camp, Virginia... Ranked No. 1 in academic class... Brother Michael played soccer at Furman.
Why did you choose Davidson: I knew that I wanted to play soccer at a high level, but I also knew that getting a quality education was equally as important, and in the long run, much more so. When I stepped onto the campus, I knew that the school's culture, location, and honor code was perfect for me. 
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Coach Spear understands that soccer is not only physical, but also mental. He is interested in developing the whole person instead of just simply the physical attributes of an athlete. I am also excited to play with a great group of guys who seem to never give up.
Favorite sports figure: Lionel Messi
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: MLK "I Have a Dream" speech
People would be surprised to know...That I was born and lived Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for six years and have been back as my Dad does work there.                                
 
Jordan Hill
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA
High School: Great Bridge
Club: Virginia Rush
Position: Defense
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 175
 
Coach's Comment: In an age of youth sports specialization, Jordan is an old school example as he excelled in three sports. His defensive capacities are quality.
Notes: Also lettered in basketball and track & field... Princeton Book Award... National Honor Society... Father and brother were collegiate football players, while sister ran track.
Why did you choose Davidson: I chose Davidson because it provided a fantastic opportunity to play Division I soccer at a high level, combined with a top-notch education at one of the best schools in the country.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: The move into the Atlantic 10 Conference and the heightened sense of camaraderie where everyone on the team supports each other to become the best they can be.
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Best moment of athletic career: Committing to play soccer at Davidson
People would be surprised to know... I can play the violin.  

Drew Krueger
Hometown: Dublin, OH
High School: Dublin Coffman
Club: Columbus Crew
Position: Midfield
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 170
 
Coach's Comment: Drew has a hunger for improvement and scent for success. His drive and determination will further that part of our DNA.
Notes: President of Senior Class... Honor Roll every quarter of high school... Dad was a collegiate basketball player.
Why did you choose Davidson: The small individualized class sizes that encourage collaboration with other students as well as professors was very appealing to me as I felt it would be a great environment to grow as a student.  Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Davidson is the sense of community.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: The outstanding coaching staff and players, style of play, the beautiful Alumni Soccer Stadium, and the competitive schedule all convinced me that Davidson was the best fit for me.  I could sense the family-like atmosphere among the players and coaches.  It was exciting to see the group of highly competitive and driven players who seemed to get along well both on and off the field.  From my first visit, the players and coaches made me feel like I was part of the program. 
Person in history I would like to meet: Abraham Lincoln
People would be surprised to know… that even though I live in Columbus, Ohio, I am not an Ohio State fan at all.
Advice to kids today: Treat each day as if it is your last
 
Aidan Peterson
Hometown: Waxhaw, NC
High School: Cuthbertson
Club: Charlotte Soccer Academy
Position: Wide Midfield
Height: 6'
Weight: 155
 
Coach's Comment: Aidan is an easy personality to connect with and that translates on the field with his "serious fun" focus to attack, especially down the left flank.
Why did you choose Davidson: Davidson invited me into their program like no other. The hospitality I felt was second to none. I believe Davidson will provide me with exceptional education as well as push me to be the best player I can be.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Davidson's soccer culture excites me the most. Not only do I believe I will have a great sense of camaraderie among my teammates but I also am excited to see that the local community really gathers around and supports the soccer program.
Hobby: Fishing
Pre-Game ritual/Superstitions: Can't play a game until my mother says, "Have fun, Don't get hurt" before kickoff 
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: 1966 Le Mans race     
Coleman Richards
Hometown: Charleston, SC
High School: Academic Magnet
Club: South Carolina United
Position: Midfield
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 155
 
Coach's Comment: Coleman is a versatile midfielder than can play central or wide. Passing, creating opportunities, and work rate are his key qualities.
Notes: 2014/2015 Captain of South Carolina United Development Academy team... Led his hight team to the 2012 state title... Member of the National Honor Society.
Why did you choose Davidson: I choose Davidson because it has a tight knit social environment, high quality academics, competitive DI Soccer, and prestige as a liberal arts school.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: I'm really looking forward to getting to know the team and competing at a high level in the A-10 Conference.  
Hobby: Surfing
Favorite author: J.R.R Tolkien
Person I most admire: Xavi Hernandez
 


Seth Rinkevich
Hometown: Tampa, FL
High School: HB Plant
Club: Tampa Bay United
Position: Defense
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 175
 
Coach's Comment: Seth's height, ability in the air, and aggressiveness - along with being left-footed - adds an important ingredient to this class and team.
Notes: Named 2012 Freshman of the Year and 2014 Most Valuable Player… Member of both the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society.
Why did you choose Davidson: I chose Davidson because their academics are ranked among the top in the nation, it's in a great location, and has a very good soccer program.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: The opportunity to play some of the best teams in the nation and to have a chance to make the NCAA tournament.
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite Team: Chelsea
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Signing of the Declaration of Independence.
 


David Sisson
Hometown: Medina, OH
High School: St. Ignatius
Club: PFC
Position: Defense
Height: 6'
Weight: 175
 
Coach's Comment: David is a good example of a recruit that attended one of our ID Camps – and made an immediate impression. He will add to our defensive toughness.
Notes: 2014 Academic All-American… Captain and Most Valuable Defender of high school team… Led St. Ignatius to the 2014 state title.
Why did you choose Davidson: The Academic excellence, the honor code, and the location.  I look forward to Davidson's atmosphere that promotes success in sports and in the classroom.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: The competitiveness that will push me to improve everyday and the comradery and the great Davidson tradition.      
Best advice received was... You can't do better than your best. 
Favorite cartoon character: Jimmy Neutron                                  
In 10 years, I would like to be: A Philanthropist      

John Wierman
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
High School: Mount Tabor
Club: NC Fusion
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 180
 
Coach's Comment: John is a strong, dedicated, ambitious addition to our quality keeper crew, which I expect to be as deep in 2015 as in a long, long time.
Notes: 2010-2012 Attended 5 US Soccer Training Centers... 2014 All-Conference, All-Region,  and All-State... 2015 NC East-West All-Star game... 2015 CPC Punter of the Year for football team... 2014-2015 Co-President of National Honor Society.
Why did you choose Davidson: Davidson presents a great academic and athletic challenge.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Davidson has a history of successful teams.       
Favorite movie: American Sniper            
Favorite TV show: Modern Family
Person I most admire: My grandfather