June 29, 2011
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State men's soccer head coach Lev Kirshner has announced an eight-member recruiting class, including four college transfers and four high school prospects.
The accolades of eight-player group include, but not are limited to, two under-18 U.S. National Team members, a high school All-American, a youth All-American, three adidas ESP participants, a state player of the year as well as multiple starters on regional ODP teams.
Kirshner's Aztecs have attained top-30 recruit rankings in four of the past five years. College Soccer News had SDSU's 2005 group at No. 39, while the subsequent classes were ranked No. 17 in 2006 and No. 19 in 2007. The 2009 class was ranked 22nd by the website, while last year's class came in at No. 29. This year's class looks to add to the recent successful recruiting efforts of Kirshner and his staff.
"Last year, we brought in 17 first year players to re-stock the shelves," Kirshner said. "Although we were 10-7-2 (first San Diego State team with 10 wins since 1994), ultimately, this very good class had some gaps that needed to be filled. Not only does our 2011 group fill those areas, but three or four student-athletes in this class have a legitimate chance to be in our starting 11 sooner rather than later."
A midfielder, Kevin Bick (6-1, 170) comes to Montezuma Mesa after spending two seasons with national power Indiana University, where he was a unanimous selection on the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2009. Bick, who saw time with the U.S. U-18 Men's National Team in 2008, appeared in 22 games with the Hoosiers, registering an assist and 13 shots. In high school (Saint Xavier), Bick was a two-time NSCAA High School All-American, Kentucky's first two-time winner of the state's Mr. Soccer award and the state's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007. The Louisville, Ky., native led Saint Xavier to a 47-1-2 record and back-to-back state championships as a junior and senior. Bick tallied 43 goals and 46 assists over his final three high school seasons. He was also a participant in the esteemed adidas ESP (Elite Soccer Program), which pulls in the top players across America to compete in a combine-style format each summer.
A forward, Michael Channell (6-2, 190) transfers to San Diego State after a season with Furman, where he led the Paladins to a share of the Southern Conference regular season title and a 10-7-4 overall mark. Channell, who will have three seasons at SDSU, tied for second on the team in points (6) and goals (3). Two of the three goals were game-winners for Channell, who appeared in only 12 games due to injuries. Channell played his prep soccer at American Heritage-Delray in Boca Raton, Fla., and for the Schulz Academy club team. Channell participated in the adidas ESP, earned all-area and all-county honors and led the Region III ODP team in goals during a tour of Brazil.
A defender, Evyn Hewett (6-3, 180) will join the Aztecs in the fall after starring for the So Cal Brigade Club team and Kennedy High School in La Palma, Calif. A team captain, Hewett earned Empire League MVP honors and was a two-time all-league selection. A first-team all-CIF selection in 2011, Hewett played in the prestigious Orange County Senior All-Star Game. Hewett was the leading goal scorer in the Empire League and earned the team's offensive MVP award and MVP award in consecutive seasons. Hewett helped the So Cal Brigade to numerous club championships, including a National IX Regional U-17 title in 2010.
A midfielder, Kendall Modiste (5-8, 140) is from Roseville, Calif. Modiste has excelled as a member of the California Development Academy/US Academy and at Granite Bay High School, where he led the team to a 25-0-2 record and No. 5 final ranking by ESPN Rise. A four-year starter, Modiste was selected as an all-Sierra Foothill League pick three consecutive years. Over his career, Modiste had 14 goals and 11 assists for 39 points, including seven goals and six helpers last season. An ESPN Rise California Fall All-State, Modiste was named the team's MVP in 2010 and the offensive MVP in 2009.
A forward, Ata Ozbay (5-8, 160) brings collegiate experience to San Diego State after playing two seasons with the University of Wisconsin. The Barrington, Ill., native started four games in 15 appearances as a freshman and had an assist. Ozbay, who played his club ball at Chicago Fire USSF Academy and FC Barrington, starred for Barrington High School, where he tallied 25 goals and 11 assists as a captain in his senior year. Ozbay was named all-state, all-area, and all-midwest as a senior, while also garnering Mid-Suburban League Player of the Year accolades. As a junior, Ozbay scored 14 goals and added nine assists to lead Barrington to an Illinois State Championship and a No. 3 final ranking in the country. Ozbay also was named all-selection and all-area after his junior campaign.
A midfielder, Dustin Scibilia (6-3, 170) makes the short drive down the I-15 corridor after competing for San Pasqual High School and FC San Diego in Escondido, Calif. Scibilia was a two-time all-CIF and two-time all-Palomar League performer for San Pasqual and a regular starter on arguably one of the best club teams in the state. Listed as one of the top-12 players in soccer-rich San Diego, Scibilia led San Pasqual to a CIF championship during the 2009-10 season. Scibilia, who was chosen as an ESPN Rise California Top Player, will continue the Aztec tradition of bringing in the county's best talent.
A midfielder, Tyler Smith (6-3, 175) was a two-time all-Sunset League selection at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif. A member of the West Coast Club team, Smith was also named to the ESPN Rise California Player and an OCVarsity.com top player lists. Last season, Smith, who played in the prestigious Orange County Senior All-Star Game, anchored a defense that shut out 19 opponents. Additionally, Smith earned the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player award a year ago.
A midfielder, Abraham Villon (5-5, 140) transfers to SDSU after spending two years with JuCo power Arizona Western, which won the Region I title in 2010. A 2007 NSCAA Youth All-American, Villon played with current San Diego State captain Daniel Steres at DMS 11 in his club days. Last season, Villon was named an NSCAA Junior College All-West Region selection after scoring two goals and leading the conference with 15 assists. Additionally, Villon has vast national team experience, competing for the U.S. Team for four consecutive years (U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18). Along with Bick and Channell, Villon was also a participant with adidas ESP (2007).
Other recruits could be announced at a later date. The Aztecs kick off their season on Aug. 15 when they host UNLV in a preseason friendly, beginning at 1 p.m. PT.