DALLAS (SMU) - Head Coach Kevin Hudson and his coaching staff have announced the addition of 14 student-athletes to the SMU Men's Soccer roster for the 2018 season.
The 2018 recruiting class consists of Knut Ahlander, Elek Arany, Carter Emack, Kyle Gehman, Thomas Haney, Shane Lanson, Cristobal Moreno, Vlad Munteanu, Sevon Pendergrass, Wyatt Priest, Akean Shackleford, Tobin Shanks, Carlos Vargas and Lane Warrington.
"We are thrilled to announce our 2018 recruiting class," said head coach Kevin Hudson. "This is a very talented group of student-athletes who we believe will immediately contribute to the continued success of SMU Soccer. It is a well-balanced group that provides a great combination of technical ability, athleticism, size and competitive spirit. It is important that I recognize the tremendous efforts of our Associate Head Coach, Dustin Norman, and Assistant Coach, Brett Koziczkowski, in recruiting this group of players. They work tirelessly to bring top level players and people to SMU Soccer."
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Knut Ahlander
Midfielder | 6-1 | Notteroy, Norway (Drammen High School)
Athletics: Captained the Norwegian U19 National Team… Played in over a dozen European international matches… Played youth career at Stromsgodset.
Hudson on Ahlander: "Knut is a midfielder with high level international experience. He has captained Norway's youth national team on numerous occasions. He has the versatility to play as a holding midfielder, box-to-box midfielder or attacking central midfielder. He is extremely comfortable on the ball and can dictate the rhythm of the game with his passing and decision making.
Elek Arany
Goalkeeper | 6-2 | Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Thunder Ridge HS)
Athletics: Competed for the Real Colorado Development Academy… Led his academy teams to USSDA National Championship knock out rounds.
Personal: Anticipated major at SMU is engineering.
Hudson on Arany: "Elek is a well-rounded goalkeeper who possesses strong shot stopping ability, good feet and the ability to organize a back line. He has trained at a high level with Real Colorado developing under Clint Baumstauk and Miguel Rosales. He is extremely consistent while also having the ability to make outstanding saves."
Carter Emack
Midfielder | 5-10 | Birmingham, Ala. (YSC Academy)
Athletics: Competed at the United States Youth National Team U-14 Camp… Competed for Tommy Wilson at the Philadelphia Union Academy.
Why SMU:Â "I am excited to play soccer at a high level and pursue my academics at a prestigious school. "
Personal: Parents are Kaye and Jim… Has an older brother Henry… Anticipated major at SMU is business.
Hudson on Emack: "Carter is a technically gifted central midfielder who reads the game well. He is a clever passer of the ball with both feet. He also possesses strong mentality to recover the ball and break up opponent transition."
Kyle Gehman
Defender | 6-1 | Cedar Park, Texas (Leander HS)
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Athletics: Played club for Lonestar SC USSDA under Ron Dennie… Was the team's captain for three years… Played in and helped his team advance to the quarterfinals of the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
Academics: Graduating as IB Diploma Candidate… Is in the top 10 percent of his class… Has spent three years as the editor of the nationally recognized school newspaper… Is a two-time State Distinguished Delegate in Youth and Government.
Why SMU:Â "I was attracted to SMU because of the high quality of education, great soccer program, coaches who can push me to the next level and the campus was a great fit for me."
Personal: Parents Kathy and Russ… Mother Kathy played collegiate softball… Has a younger brother… Anticipated major at SMU is International Studies.
Hudson on Gehman: "Kyle possesses a strong blend of size, technique, athleticism and a winner's mentality. He is a calm passer of the ball, has great timing in the air, and is willing to make strong tackles."
Thomas Haney
Defender | 6-3 | Houston, Texas (Strake Jesuit College Preparatory)
Athletics: Plays club for Albion Hurricanes FC under Josh Gardner… Was the team captain… Was a two-year letterwinner at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory under Bill McDonald… Was named First Team All-District in 2017 after helping his team record an undefeated regular season and reach the second round of the playoffs.
Academics: Boasts a 4.3 GPA… A member of the National Honor Society.
Why SMU:Â "I was attracted to SMU because of the opportunity to stay close to home, receive one of the best educations available, and play for a nationally renowned soccer program that has pushed players on to the next level."
Hudson on Haney: "Tom has all the traits to develop into an excellent defender at SMU. He is technically sound and passes the ball very well. He is excellent in the air and willing to challenge for every ball. He reads the game well and possesses a relentless drive to succeed."
Shane Lanson
Goalkeeper | 6-3 | New Orleans, La. (Jesuit High School)
Athletics: Attended the Deportivo Alves Club camp in Spain in 2014… Attended the West Ham Soccer Academy camp in London… Plays club for Louisiana Fire Jrs. under Matt Millet… Served as team captain from 2010-17… Helped the club win five-straight State Championships… Team was crowned the 2016 GSPL Regional Champions… Club advanced to the regional quarterfinals each year… Was a four-year letterwinner as the goalkeeper at Jesuit High School under direction of Hubie Collins… Helped the team earn District Championships in 2015, 2015 and 2017… The club earned State Runner-Up honors in 2015, while making quarterfinal appearances in 2016 and 2017… Was a two-time letterwinner in baseball as a pitcher.
Academics: On the academic honor roll his junior and senior years… As a student leader, was asked by Rev. Kevin Dyer, S.J. to serve as the retreat master at Jesuit High School (To guide retreatants through reflection, discussion, and prayer).
Why SMU:Â "I received emails from SMU's soccer coaches as they were impressed in my abilities. I visited seven universities during the summer of 2017 and within five minutes of stepping on SMU's campus, I felt as if I found my home away from home. After I toured the school and researched it, I realized how prestigious of an institution SMU is both nationally and internationally. After I was offered a position on the soccer team, I worked harder than ever to make sure my grades would help my admission to the university. I feel honored and humbled to be accepted into SMU."
Personal: Parents are Linda and David… Has an older sister Nicolle… Sister Nicolle swam and played tennis… Cousins Dr. David and Judy Homminick both attended SMU… Anticipated major at SMU is Mechanical Engineering.
Hudson on Lanson: "Shane is an athletic goalkeeper with a very high ceiling. He has the physical gifts needed to develop into a top-level goalkeeper. He quick, brave and technically sound. He also possess an insatiable desire to improve and grow."Star High School… Helped the Rangers to a District Runner-Up finish and a State Tournament appearance… Was named First-Team All-District… Was named the Team Defensive MVP.
Cristobal Moreno
Midfielder | 6-0 | Malaga, Spain
Athletics: Played for Malaga CF youth academy… competed in 2017 Generation Adidas Cup in Dallas… Led CD San Felix U19 to the semifinals of Copa Del Rey Juvenil…. Guided CD San Felix U19 to a record of 20-1-9 in Spain's top youth league, division of honor.   Â
Hudson on Moreno: "Cristobal is a very gifted attacking midfielder. He has outstanding vision and technical ability to recognize and complete passes to break down a defense. He understands the game at a very high level due to his development in one of Spain's top academies. Cristobal can create opportunities for himself while dribbling from midfield or open a defense with creative passes."
Vlad Munteanu
Forward | 5-10 | Stillwater, Okla. (Stillwater High School)
Athletics: Played club for West Side Alliance under head coach Ryan Bush… Helped the team earn the Oklahoma State Championship… During his time with the team, they finished as Oklahoma Regional semifinalists and quarterfinalists… Helped the Alliance reach the Dallas Cup Quarterfinals… Four-year letterwinner at Stillwater High School under Seth Condley… Helped Stillwater earn State Runner-Up honors in 2017… Earned the MVP Award and Offensive Player of the Year Awards, while being named First-Team All-District and All-Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference… Helped his team win the Stillwater Cup Championships in 2015 and 2016… Was named the Breakout Athlete Of the Year by the VYPE Magazine in 2016… Earned All-Region and All-State Honorable Mentions… Named First-Team All-Conference in 2016... Selected to play in the All-Star Match at the Missouri State University Team Camp (2015, 2016)… Outside of soccer, ran cross-country for three years.
Academics: Has been on the Honor Roll for the last six years.
Why SMU:Â "My decision to become part of the Mustang family was influenced by a variety of factors. As an athlete, I am incredibly interested in continuing my career at the highest level possible and SMU has given me the opportunity to do so. Everything from the academic programs, to the family environment that is created by the University has allowed me to envision myself as a student at SMU. Furthermore, I became really attached to the campus itself. It is very unique and very easy to navigate. My family also had a positive attitude toward the University which is something that I took into consideration heavily. Lastly, I want to be able to have some independence and have the ability to experience the college life while also being fairly close to my family."
Personal: Parents are Maria and Vasilica… Born in Bucharest, Romania… Anticipated majors are Biomedical Engineering and Business.
Hudson on Munteanu: "Vlad is a clever attacking player who has the ability tos core goals. He has a goal scorer's mentality and always seems to find the ball in the right position in the box. His desire to improve and challenge himself daily will propel him to success at SMU."
Sevon Pendergrass
Defender | 6-0 | Nashville, Tenn. (Lone Star High School)
Athletics: Played on the Regional III ODP (Olympic Development Team)… Played in Costa Rica and Mexico with the team… Played club soccer for FC Dallas 00B Premier under head coach Scott Dymond… Was a starting center back… Helped the team win the 2017 Texas Championship, 2017 US Youth Soccer Region III Championship… Team finished as the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Championship finalist… Three-time letterwinner under Clinton Hollingworth at Lone Star High School… Helped the Rangers to a District Runner-Up finish and a State Tournament appearance… Was named First-Team All-District… Was named the Team Defensive MVP.
Academics: Member of the National Honor Society (2015-2018)… Member of the National Society of High School Scholars (2015-2018)… Member of the National Youth Leadership Forum: Business Innovation Nominee (2014-2015)… Member of the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leader Nominee (2014-2015)… Earned Academic All-District honors (2016-17).
Why SMU:Â "I was attracted to SMU for the prestigious academic and soccer programs."
Personal: Parents are Paula and Kelvin… Mother Paula ran track at Vanderbilt… Has two younger siblings, a brother and a sister… Anticipated major is Business.
Hudson on Pendergrass: "Sevon is a smart and tough central defener. He reads the game well and is willing to track down attackers and make tackles. Sevon also possesses a strong competitive nature which will help him compete at SMU."
Wyatt Priest
Midfielder/Forward | 6-0 | Coppell, Texas (Coppell High School)
Athletics: Played club soccer for the Dallas Texans under the direction of Clint Craft… Captain for five years… Helped the team win four Texas State Championships… Was a member of the Dallas Cup semifinalist team in 2017… Helped the Texans win the No. 1 Cup in Frederikshavn, Denmark, in 2016… Was the Region III champion in 2015... Played for James Balcom at Coppell High School… Was a three-time letterwinner… Helped the team win the 2016 6A State Championship... Named the Midfielder of the Year and First-Team All-American in 2017… In 2016, was named Newcomer of the Year, First-Team All-State and Second-Team All-American.
Why SMU: "I love everything about SMU. The academic difficulty and the strength of the soccer team were the biggest attractions that SMU had to offer. The close proximity to home and the beautiful campus added to my affinity towards the school. The hospitality at SMU was also unbeatable; the staff from both the athletic program and the school itself made it feel like home."
Personal: Parents are Casey and Kyle... Father Kyle played soccer at Butler and his uncle Wes played soccer at Indiana and was a member of the 1988 national championship team... Has five siblings, three brothers and two sisters... Anticipated major is Business.
Hudson on Priest: "Wyatt possesses a unique combination of technical ability, athleticism and a relentless work rate. Wyatt sees the game very well and constantly creates opportunities for himself and his teammates. He played for Clint Craft at the Dallas Texans so we know he will be ready to compete from day one."
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​​​​​​​Akean Shackleford
Forward | 6-0 | Savannah La Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica (Indian Hill Junior College)
Athletics: Played club soccer for Sandals Southcost under Aaron Lawrence… Was named the MVP after leading the team in scoring… Played for Jon Fridal at Indian Hills Junior College… Helped his team win the ICCAC league and Tournament Championships… Has earned All-American First- and Second-Team Honors… Earned an All-Conference First Team nod… Named Conference Player of the Year.
Academics: Was named to the Dean and President's lists… Earned Second-Team All-Academic honors.
Personal: Mother is Alisa...Has a sister Ashara...Anticipated major is Sport Management.
Hudson on Shackleford: "Akean is an elite goalscorere. For the last two years he wa at the top of the nation in goals scored in the NJCAA. He has wonderful instincts around goal and constantly creates chances to score."
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Tobin Shanks
Midfielder | 6-2 | Scottsdale, Ariz. (Brophy College Preparatory)
Athletics: Plays club soccer for SC DEL SOL under the direction of Tony Colavecchia… Helped his team to four-straight State Cup Championships (2012-15)… Helped secure five Regional Championships (2012-15, 2017)… Advanced to 2016 Dallas Cup Quarterfinals… Was the 2015 NPL National Championship Semifinalists… Won the 2015 NPL Regional Championship… Played under Paul Allen at Brophy College Preparatory… Is a four-year letterwinner… 2018 North Texas Elite Showcase Champion… 2017 AZ Showcase Champion… Team reached the State Championship semifinals … High School team is ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in Arizona… Awarded the 2017 Best XI in Arizona Showcase.
Why SMU:Â "SMU attracted me due to the right combination of two great opportunities, the academics and the soccer. SMU has an excellent academic reputation, it provides fantastic facilities in a beautiful campus and this was a key factor. This combined with the great staff and great resources the soccer program has attracted me. I also really like the way that the team plays. I knew very early that SMU was the place for me."
Personal: Parents are Anna and Derek… Has two older brothers, Oliver and Fergus… Anticipated major at SMU is business.
Hudson on Shanks: "Tobin is a tall, smooth and competitive central midfielder. He possesses very good passing range combined with a ball winning mentality. His growth as a player over the last few years has been outstanding and he projects to be an important player for the Mustangs."
Carlos Vargas
Defender | 6-5 | Greeley, Colo. (Aims Community College)
Athletics: Played for Colorado Rapids U19 Academy team… Joined Colorado Rapids USSDA Academy Team prior to 2017-18 season… Led Rapids to a 14-3-8 record and playoff appearance… Played for youth academy of C.F. Pachuca in Mexico from January 2016 – May 2017, where he was selected from a pool of 7,000 trialists of the top 48 players in the U.S.
Hudson on Vargas: "Carlos possesses a rare blend of technical ability and size. He is calm and composed on the ball and passes well into midfield. Carlos played two years in Mexico with Pachuca and consistently trains with the Colorado Rapids first team. His size also makes him a threat on all set pieces."
Lane Warrington
Midfielder | 6-0 | Lawton, Okla. (Lawton High School)
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Athletics: Plays club for Oklahoma Energy FC 99 under head coach Jesse Faily… Helped lead his team to the Oklahoma State Cup Championships in 2016 and 2017… The team was also crowned the 2017 SRPL Champions… During high school was a three-time letterwinner in soccer at Lawton High School under Adam Tasca… Was named All-District and All-Conference each season… Scored 25 goals over three seasons… Outside of soccer, lettered in golf (two years) and football (one year).
Academics: Earned a spot on the Academic Bar after maintaining a 3.5 GPA all four years… Was a member of the student council during the 2017-18 school year.
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Why SMU:Â "I was attracted to SMU because of the great soccer tradition and the opportunity to get a degree from such a renowned school."
Personal: Parents are Kelly and David… Mother Kelly played softball at Cameron University… His grandfather Oscar Pickering played football at Cameron University and baseball for the New York Yankees (1960-63)… Has three older siblings, sisters Taylor and Samantha, and Brother Alex… Anticipated major at SMU is Business.
Hudson on Warrington: "Lane is an attacking player who has the ability to play numerous positions. He is a creative dribbler who can unbalance an opponent with his agressive running. He played for Jessy Faily at OKC Energy so we know he has the ability to adapt to the college game quickly."
