NEWS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Entering his sixth season at the helm, Davidson head men’s soccer coach Mike Babst has announced the Wildcats’ 2024 incoming class which features eight student-athletes.

Babst’s Comments on 2024 Signees:
“This is a class that will immediately provide competition, depth and impact to our team in August. It will be energizing to add so many unique skill sets to our team, and each one of them immediately felt like a Davidson player on their visit. They all have the ambition and abilities to lift our program to the next level along with the drive to take advantage of everything the Davidson experience can provide them personally and educationally.”

Mateo Castellini
Midfielder
Sewickley, Penn. | Quaker Valley High School | Pittsburg Riverhounds

Playing Accomplishments:
Helped Quaker Valley High School to a sectional title, WPIAL title and a 2A state championship in 2021… Two-time All-WPIAL and All-Section honoree… Led his team to a 2A state runner-up finish and a WPIAL Championship runner-up finish his senior season in 2023.

Why Davidson:
“I picked Davidson College for soccer and education because it aligns with what matters to me. I value competition, passion, and a welcoming community. Davidson embodies these values, making me feel comfortable and engaged. It’s a place where I can play the sport I love and excel academically, especially in economics.”

Brady McGlone
Midfielder
Columbus, Ohio | Worthington Kilbourne | Ohio Premier

Playing Accomplishments:
Two-time ECNL All-American… Won ECNL Conference Player of the Year twice… Helped Kilbourne High School to three conference titles… Was captain of his club team, Ohio Premier, for four years.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson because the second I stepped on campus, I felt like it was the right place for me. The high academic profile of the school was also very intriguing.”

AJ Wild
Defender
Mequon, Wisc. | Homestead High School | F.C. Wisconsin

Playing Accomplishments:
Was selected to attend the 2023 US Soccer ID2 Camp… ECNL Midwest Conference first team selection… Played in the ECNL National Selection game in St. Louis… Also played in the ECNL National Selection Conference Cup in Chula Vista, California…First Team All-State honoree… North Shore Conference Player of the Year… United Soccer Coaches High School All-American… Received the FC Wisconsin Val Olla Scholarship.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson College for its strong athletic and academic programs, as well as its values and sense of community.”

Garrett Wilkens
Defender
Gunter, Tex. | Sherman High School | Dallas Texans

Playing Accomplishments:
Was an ECNL National semifinalist and played in the Dallas Cup final… Competed for the Dana Cup and made it to the quarterfinals and was also a semifinalist for the Norway Cup… Two-time First Team All-District selection… Two-time academic all-district honoree…Two-time All-Texomaland selection… Team offensive MVP.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson because of the integrity of the people I met and the opportunity to play soccer at the highest level. That combined with the rigorous academic offerings in economics, and Davidson’s small-town setting in proximity to Charlotte. It just felt like home and the best environment to grow as a student-athlete over the next four years.”

Tobe Ibe
Forward
Richmond, Va. | Deep Run High School | Richmond United

Playing Accomplishments:
Was a member of the U17 ECNL National Champion Club Team, Richmond United… His team defeated Seattle United, 2-0, in the championship game this past summer.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson because it was the only place where I could achieve my athletic and academic goals without having to give up anything. The coaching staff and players made me feel like a part of their family and showed me their high standards for every person associated with the program.”

Myles Culley
Forward/Midfielder
Falmouth, Maine | Waynflete High School | Seacoast United

Playing Accomplishments:
Played one season of high school soccer where he scored 52 goals and set the Maine high school single-season record… Was named Gatorade Player of the Year… Played two seasons with the Philadelphia Union Academy before playing his U19 ball on the MLS Next Elite Eight team, Seacoast United.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson for the ability to compete at a high level while maintaining an emphasis on high-level academics and a tight knit community.”

Nick Braun
Defender
Missoula, Mont. | IMG Academy | IMG Academy U19 Elite

Playing Accomplishments:
Played for IMG Academy’s U19 Elite team which was ranked fourth in the country on MLS Next’s U19 Standings.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson because of the positive soccer culture of the team, opportunities to play in a strong conference and the classroom environment focused on discussion and critical thinking.”

Carson Pridie
Goalkeeper
Gilbert, Ariz. | Perry High School | Phoenix Rising

Playing Accomplishments:
Two-time 6A Premier State Champion in the State of Arizona for Perry High School… Second Team All-State selection as a senior… Made the All-Region team as a senior… First Team All-Conference honoree… First Team ECNL All-Conference selection… Recorded a 0.870 GAA his senior season.

Why Davidson:
“I chose Davidson because the college and team stood out to me. The culture on campus and on the field was amazing along with the coaching staff.”