April 3, 2012
NORFOLK, VA--Old Dominion University Head Men's Soccer Coach Alan Dawson announced the signing of six outstanding recruits for the 2012 Fall season. Joining the Monarch soccer family are Andre Reyes (Flower Mound, TX.), Ryan Condotta (Keller, TX.), Geoffrey Hill (Frisco, TX.), Oliver De Their (Great Falls, VA.), Alexander Heilmann (La Habra, CA.), and Connor Miller (Salisbury, NC.).
"This is a very deep and talented recruiting class. We expect a lot of competition for playing time within the squad and we are counting on this recruiting class to contribute in a big way," said Alan Dawson the winningest coach in ODU soccer history won his 300th career collegiate game in the Monarchs CAA semi-final win over Georgia State. The Monarchs compiled a 12-6-2 record finished second in the CAA regular season, reached the CAA Championship match and for the eighth time in 10 years advanced to atleast the second round of the NCAA College Cup. The Monarchs ranked second nationally in scoring last season.
ANDRE REYES - Marcus High School, Flower Mound, TX. (MF)A two-time All-District and All-Region selection. Reyes was the 2010 Midfield Player of the Year at Marcus High School and in January, 2011 was named ESPN Rise Player of the Week. He has played for NTX State ODP Team; Region III ODP Team `07, `08; National Team Pool `09; Disney Chelsea All Star Team `09; Nike Cup Participant '08; Selected to USSDA Select Teams '09, '10; Invited to National Camp in New Jersey '09; Invited to travel with National team - played in 3 games in Germany `09; Chosen for Dallas Texans Select team that will travel to Aruba for matches vs. professional teams '12.
"When I first heard of the interest, I immediately spoke with my club coaches and they had nothing but great things to say about Coach Dawson. After visiting last year, touring their facilities, speaking with the coaches. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to be a part of". - Andre Reyes.Reyes is the son of Carlos and Sonia Reyes.
"Andre has a natural sense for the game and makes things happen when he is on the ball. He is a game changer" - Alan Dawson
GEOFFREY HILL- Wakeland High School -Frisco, Texas (MF)Geoffrey Hill was named to the Disney Chelsea All-Star team in 2010, the Gothia Cup MVP in 2008 and the Classic League Golden Boot Award in 2006. He has played for the Dallas Texas U18/U16 Academy team 2008-12, the NTX State ODP team 2007 & 08; the Region III ODP Team 2007, 08 and the National pool in 2007 and 08. In 2010 he played for the Texas Class AAAA UIL State Champion.
"I liked everything about ODU. I can get the degree I want, play good soccer and be near the beach!"- Geoffrey Hill
He is the son of Susan and Kendell Hill.
"Geoffrey is a two way midfielder with a good engine. He has good size, athleticism and vision. We are very excited to have him."
Ryan Condotta - Keller High School, Keller TX. (MF)
Ryan led Keller High School to Bi-District and area championship and the Texas Regional quarterfinal in 2011. He scored a school record 30 goals in 2011. Condotta was selected First Team All-Region, 2011 District Offensive Player of the Year, 2011 Dallas Morning News Super Team, 2011 Ft. Worth Star Telegram Super Team, 2011 ESPN High School Soccer Winter Al,-State All-Star squad and ESPN 2012 Midfielders to watch. Thus far, Keller's team is off to a 7-0-1 start this spring.
"I chose ODU for many reasons, both academically and athletically. I really liked the campus layout. It had all of my majors and it was the perfect size for me. When I met the team, the connection I felt made me feel this team would be another family away from home. The coaching staff is very knowledgeable and I am looking forward to their assisting me in developing me as a player at the college level." - Ryan Condotta.
Ryan is the son of Bill and Sue Condotta.
"Ryan has a commanding physical presence as a central midfield player. He is efficient with the ball and has good vision. He is ready to compete immediately"- Alan Dawson.
OLIVER DE THIER- Langley High School, McLean, VA. (MF)
Oliver is a member of the three-time Virginia State Champion Annandale United which was ranked number one in the nation. He also played for the 2010/11 Disney Showcase Champion and took third in the 2011 National League Blue Division. As a member of Annandale United FC, Oliver earned 2010 US Youth Soccer's goal of the year. A four-year starter for Langley High School, he earned All-Liberty District All-Northern Region honors. De Their was captain of his High school squad both as a junior and senior that ranked fifth nationally in ESPN Rise.
"I chose ODU because of its excellent reputation as a school and the soccer program. I believe we could win a national championship." - Oliver De Thier.
Oliver is the son of Ilona and Peter De Thier.
"Oliver has a natural sense for the game and will be a great addition to our team. He is a good passer of the ball and is always a threat to score"- Alan Dawson
Alex Heilmann - La Habra High School, La Haba, CA. (Defender)
Alex was the starting center back for USSDA Cosmos Academy West and was selected Sophomore of the Year and was starting forward for LAFC Cal South National Cup Champions In 2009. He helped lead CFC Italia to three consecutive Coast Soccer League titles. He helped lead CFC Italia ( 3 times) and LAFC (once) to Cal South national Cup Championships. CFC Italia also won two Region IV Championships and two Surf Cup Championships.
On July 6th was named TOPDRAWERSOCCER.COM's honorable mention 2011-12 DevelopmentAcademy Playoffs U18 best XI.
"I chose ODU because of the great soccer coaching staff and their impressive performance over the years. I loved the campus and the facilities are outstanding. ODU is an excellent school where I can further develop as both a soccer player as well as academically. I also wanted to experience living on my own on the East Coast." - Alex Heilmann.
He is the son of Kathy and Chris Heilmann
"Alex has good experience from playing on the West Coast. Has good size for a defender and is very composed and efficient with the ball"- Alan Dawson
Connor Miller - Salisbury High School, Salisbury, NC.-Goal KeeperConnor led Salisbury High School to the North Carolina NCHSAA 2011 2A State Championship and a 24-1-1 record. Named twice to the All-Charlotte Observer team and selected three times to the All-Central Carolina Conference and All-Region teams, Miller was also an All-State selection. In three seasons as a starting goalkeeper, the team compiled a 66-5-3 record, he posted 38 shutouts and led a team that conceded only 46 goals in 74 matches. As a freshman he started as a defender on Salisbury's team that was a state semi-finalist. Miller was selected to the 2012 the North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game. Has also played three years for North Mecklenburg USSDA team. Miller ranks 25th in his class of 212 students with a 3.97 GPA. Miller is a four-time NCHSAA Scholar Athlete award winner and two-year Treasurer of Salisbury's National Honor Society. He plans to major in engineering at ODU.
"I have attended ODU's soccer camp since sophomore year, and I loved everything about it. They have a very nice campus and an amazing soccer program with great coaches. The Engineering school there is outstanding." - Connor Miller.Connor Miller is the son of Regina and Owen Miller.
"Connor is a big goalkeeper who commands his box. He is ready to compete with our returning Goalkeepers immediately." - Alan Dawson