Men’s Soccer Announces 2018 Signees
2/13/2018 12:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer
DavidsonPhotos.com
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson head men's soccer coach Matt Spear recently announced the addition of nine newcomers to join the team this fall.
"We welcome these young men and their families to the Davidson tribe," said Spear, who is entering his 18th season at the helm. "It's a smart, talented group that will push us forward as we build on last fall's winning season. And the newcomers are getting a lot of counsel on our program's focus on striving, intentionality, grit, resilience and making the team better."
Mateo Alzate
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Huntington, N.Y.
High School: Huntington
Club: BW Gottschee
Parents: Pedro and Cristina
Siblings: Santiago and Daniel
Coaches' Comments
Mateo comes from a driven, successful club in a competitive region in the country. He's their team captain and leads with a balance of humility and intensity. Mateo's style is not fancy – he does the tackling and hard work that enables others to flourish.
Why Davidson?
I felt it gave me the best opportunity to be the best student, soccer player, and man that I could be. The family/friendly environment of the team is important. And I believe that the program is gaining momentum to become a prolific contender and I want to be a part of that.
Notes
11th best player in State of New York according to TopDrawerSoccer.com… Also lettered in basketball… Member of honor roll… Parents are from Colombia.
Favorite musical artist: Drake
Favorite pro team: FC Barcelona
Favorite sports figure: Carlos Valderrama
Greatest influences in my life... Mom, Dad, Barack Obama
Jackson Bracy
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Position: Forward
Hometown: Johns Island, S.C.
High School: Academic Magnet
Club: USA Mount Pleasant
Parents: John and Rebecca
Siblings: Bryan
Coaches' Comments
Jackson is a talented, persistent attacker that pressures well, fights for everything, and scores goals. He will bring a work rate to our group that will lift the level of our team in training, games, and desire to compete daily.
Why Davidson?
I chose Davidson because of the incredible academic opportunity, Division I athletics, the beautiful campus setting, and the strong sense of community that the college fosters. The players all seem like great guys to be teammates with as well.
Notes
2016 and 2018 Club State Champions… 25 goals in 24 games of junior year club soccer season… 2017 High School State Champions… Great Uncle William Bryan attended Davidson.
Favorite TV show: Impractical Jokers
Person I most admire: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Person in history I would like to meet: George Washington
Advice to kids today: Get off your phone and enjoy the world around you.
Tavis Braithwaite
Height: 5-11
Weight: 155
Position: Defender
Hometown: Concord, NC
High School: Cox Mill
Club: Charlotte Soccer Academy
Parents: Trevor and Sandra
Siblings: Tayna
Coaches' Comments
Tavis is difficult to break down defensively with his athleticism, work ethic, and determination to win 1v1 battles. Not only is Tavis a lefty and a lock down defender, he loves to join in the attack and get forward as a fullback to pose a threat on other teams.
Why Davidson?
They chose me! I love the campus, the academic opportunities, and the ability for me to challenge myself both on and off the soccer field. Being able to do that with the guys I've already met and made connections with.
Notes
National Honor Society and Beta Club… Dad from Guyana (adjacent to Venezuela) and Mom from Trinidad and Tobago (off the coast of Venezuela)
Favorite actor: Will Smith
Favorite TV show: That 70's show
Person in history I would like to meet: Abe Lincoln
People would be surprised to know... I play guitar and am artistic
Lucas Hauth
Height: 6-3
Weight: 175
Position: Forward
Hometown: Fleming Island, Fla.
High School: Fleming Island
Club: Clay County
Parents: Grant and Susan
Siblings: Sydney, Samantha, and Victoria
Coaches' Comments
Lucas causes defenders problems in multiple ways: size, pace, well-timed runs, ability to get in goal scoring positions, and quality finishing. Lucas has the tools to progress into an impact college striker.
Why Davidson?
It's fantastic fit in terms of athletics and academics. The campus felt like home on the several occasions that I visited. Dedication, intensity, and family are all values that are emphasized.
Notes
Club – 2016 State Cup Champs… 2018 State Cup Finalists…Kicker for high school football team… National Honor Society President
Favorite TV show: The Walking Dead
Favorite pro team: Bayern Munich
My pet peeve is: Poor manners
Greatest influences in my life... My club coach and my dad
Henry Howell
Height: 5-9
Weight: 140
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
High School: Saint Stephen's
Club: Chargers
Parents: Eric and Cheryl
Siblings: Hannah and Toby
Coaches' Comments
Henry's fitness and skill capacities are excellent and it has allowed him to be an impact player and score goals at the top level from multiple positions. He loves to pressure opponents and to take players on in the final third.
Why Davidson?
After coming on my visit, I made a list of pros and cons and the con column was completely empty. It's an improvement of my soccer career in every way – coaches, teammates, culture, quality, and mindset. Davidson will surround me with quality people doing quality things.
Notes
Club team's leading scorer during sophomore and senior years… Played high school one season as a ninth grader – 29 goals, 31 assists… Ranked 11th in State of Florida by TopDrawerSoccer.com… Four-time MVP of cross-country team… Parents were college athletes as are older siblings.
Favorite book: Boys in the Boat
Favorite pro team: Manchester United
My earliest memory of sports was… being dropped off a mile from home and having to run home as a kindergartener
Jacob Myers
Height: 6-1
Weight: 170
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Saint Simons Island, Ga.
High School: Frederica
Club: Southern Soccer Academy
Parents: Randy and Pam
Siblings: Maddie and Colton
Coaches' Comments
We love finding players at our ID camps and Jacob was a great discovery last summer. Jacob is a lefty and a determined, intentional athlete that can play several positions. He's hungry to grow and we can't wait to see him develop and blossom at Davidson.
Why Davidson?
It will challenge me both academically and athletically. The immense challenge of juggling school and soccer will pay dividends in my life after college. Davidson soccer brings forth many exciting opportunities, such as the ability to play against some of the top schools in the nation, play under a great coaching staff, and to play on a team with a terrific soccer culture.
Notes
Led high school team to state championship as a junior… Three-time All-State selection… Recorded 76 goals and 54 assists through three seasons… President of school's FCA… Father played college football and is Director of Nike Golf Performance… Father was also 2016 Ryder Cup Team Director of Fitness.
Favorite pro team: Chelsea F.C.
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Favorite Quote: "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
Advice to kids today: Habits beat talent almost every time.
Finnur Vidarsson
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Hometown: Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Previous School: Commercial College of Iceland
Club: Throttur Vogum
Parents: Vidar and Lovisa
Siblings: David, Petur, and Sigridur
Coaches Comments
Finnur's a striver and adds a mature, ambitious component to this class. His experience playing with older players provides some savvy. He's a technical, tough player that will strengthen us both in midfield and defense.
Why Davidson?
The school's academic strength along with its great soccer program is the main reason why I chose Davidson. The challenge of playing Division I soccer at a very high level along with training in outstanding facilities.
Notes
Two-Time Icelandic National Champion including recent U19 season… Top five percent academically in his grade… Brother Petur played for Northeastern University (Boston) and then for FH Hafnarfjordur (including in the UEFA Champions League).
Favorite actor: Tom Hardy
Favorite TV show: Last Chance U
Favorite pro team: Manchester City
Favorite Quote: Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you are right.
Jack Wilson
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170
Position: Defender
Hometown: Savannah, Ga.
High School: Savannah Country Day
Club: Tormenta FC
Parents: James and Erica
Siblings: Emma and Grace
Coaches' Comments
We've seen Jack over the last 3 years in club play and at our ID camps. He's tough and will contribute to our culture of fiercely engaging and competitive excellence. Jack enhances our strong pool of defenders.
Why Davidson?
It's a great education alongside Division I athletics that captivated my attention.
I am most excited to be a part of highly competitive team where all my teammates are striving and pushing each other to success.
Notes
Led club team to Georgia state championship… Grandfather (James Wilson) and Great Grandfather (Hugh Wilson) attended Davidson... Dad was an All-American wrestler at UNC.
Favorite pro team: Manchester City
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: Australia
A sport I would like to try but never have is: Lacrosse
Hobbies: Fishing and boating
Stefane Zemmali
Height: 6-2
Weight: 184
Position: Defender
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: North Atlanta
Club: Concorde Fire
Parents: Mounir and Kim
Siblings: Eric and Lydia
Coaches' Comments
Stefane is an athletic, cerebral passing center back. He has a good feel for the game and is excellent at picking his entry passes to help move the game forward. Stefane moves well with good size, and that's a key combo for a college central defender.
Why Davidson?
I felt very at home on my visits and I appreciated the strong bond and fun the team seemed to have. I am excited to play for a coach who has such a strong commitment to the Davidson community and to player development.
Notes
Principal's List Honor Roll… National Honor Society… Dad is French and grew up playing near the stadium where Zidane started his soccer career outside of Cannes.
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite pro team: Atlanta United
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: Bora Bora
Advice to kids today: You don't need a phone!
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson head men's soccer coach Matt Spear recently announced the addition of nine newcomers to join the team this fall.
"We welcome these young men and their families to the Davidson tribe," said Spear, who is entering his 18th season at the helm. "It's a smart, talented group that will push us forward as we build on last fall's winning season. And the newcomers are getting a lot of counsel on our program's focus on striving, intentionality, grit, resilience and making the team better."
Mateo AlzateHeight: 6-1
Weight: 180
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Huntington, N.Y.
High School: Huntington
Club: BW Gottschee
Parents: Pedro and Cristina
Siblings: Santiago and Daniel
Coaches' Comments
Mateo comes from a driven, successful club in a competitive region in the country. He's their team captain and leads with a balance of humility and intensity. Mateo's style is not fancy – he does the tackling and hard work that enables others to flourish.
Why Davidson?
I felt it gave me the best opportunity to be the best student, soccer player, and man that I could be. The family/friendly environment of the team is important. And I believe that the program is gaining momentum to become a prolific contender and I want to be a part of that.
Notes
11th best player in State of New York according to TopDrawerSoccer.com… Also lettered in basketball… Member of honor roll… Parents are from Colombia.
Favorite musical artist: Drake
Favorite pro team: FC Barcelona
Favorite sports figure: Carlos Valderrama
Greatest influences in my life... Mom, Dad, Barack Obama
Jackson BracyHeight: 5-10
Weight: 170
Position: Forward
Hometown: Johns Island, S.C.
High School: Academic Magnet
Club: USA Mount Pleasant
Parents: John and Rebecca
Siblings: Bryan
Coaches' Comments
Jackson is a talented, persistent attacker that pressures well, fights for everything, and scores goals. He will bring a work rate to our group that will lift the level of our team in training, games, and desire to compete daily.
Why Davidson?
I chose Davidson because of the incredible academic opportunity, Division I athletics, the beautiful campus setting, and the strong sense of community that the college fosters. The players all seem like great guys to be teammates with as well.
Notes
2016 and 2018 Club State Champions… 25 goals in 24 games of junior year club soccer season… 2017 High School State Champions… Great Uncle William Bryan attended Davidson.
Favorite TV show: Impractical Jokers
Person I most admire: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Person in history I would like to meet: George Washington
Advice to kids today: Get off your phone and enjoy the world around you.
Tavis BraithwaiteHeight: 5-11
Weight: 155
Position: Defender
Hometown: Concord, NC
High School: Cox Mill
Club: Charlotte Soccer Academy
Parents: Trevor and Sandra
Siblings: Tayna
Coaches' Comments
Tavis is difficult to break down defensively with his athleticism, work ethic, and determination to win 1v1 battles. Not only is Tavis a lefty and a lock down defender, he loves to join in the attack and get forward as a fullback to pose a threat on other teams.
Why Davidson?
They chose me! I love the campus, the academic opportunities, and the ability for me to challenge myself both on and off the soccer field. Being able to do that with the guys I've already met and made connections with.
Notes
National Honor Society and Beta Club… Dad from Guyana (adjacent to Venezuela) and Mom from Trinidad and Tobago (off the coast of Venezuela)
Favorite actor: Will Smith
Favorite TV show: That 70's show
Person in history I would like to meet: Abe Lincoln
People would be surprised to know... I play guitar and am artistic
Lucas HauthHeight: 6-3
Weight: 175
Position: Forward
Hometown: Fleming Island, Fla.
High School: Fleming Island
Club: Clay County
Parents: Grant and Susan
Siblings: Sydney, Samantha, and Victoria
Coaches' Comments
Lucas causes defenders problems in multiple ways: size, pace, well-timed runs, ability to get in goal scoring positions, and quality finishing. Lucas has the tools to progress into an impact college striker.
Why Davidson?
It's fantastic fit in terms of athletics and academics. The campus felt like home on the several occasions that I visited. Dedication, intensity, and family are all values that are emphasized.
Notes
Club – 2016 State Cup Champs… 2018 State Cup Finalists…Kicker for high school football team… National Honor Society President
Favorite TV show: The Walking Dead
Favorite pro team: Bayern Munich
My pet peeve is: Poor manners
Greatest influences in my life... My club coach and my dad
Henry HowellHeight: 5-9
Weight: 140
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
High School: Saint Stephen's
Club: Chargers
Parents: Eric and Cheryl
Siblings: Hannah and Toby
Coaches' Comments
Henry's fitness and skill capacities are excellent and it has allowed him to be an impact player and score goals at the top level from multiple positions. He loves to pressure opponents and to take players on in the final third.
Why Davidson?
After coming on my visit, I made a list of pros and cons and the con column was completely empty. It's an improvement of my soccer career in every way – coaches, teammates, culture, quality, and mindset. Davidson will surround me with quality people doing quality things.
Notes
Club team's leading scorer during sophomore and senior years… Played high school one season as a ninth grader – 29 goals, 31 assists… Ranked 11th in State of Florida by TopDrawerSoccer.com… Four-time MVP of cross-country team… Parents were college athletes as are older siblings.
Favorite book: Boys in the Boat
Favorite pro team: Manchester United
My earliest memory of sports was… being dropped off a mile from home and having to run home as a kindergartener
Jacob MyersHeight: 6-1
Weight: 170
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Saint Simons Island, Ga.
High School: Frederica
Club: Southern Soccer Academy
Parents: Randy and Pam
Siblings: Maddie and Colton
Coaches' Comments
We love finding players at our ID camps and Jacob was a great discovery last summer. Jacob is a lefty and a determined, intentional athlete that can play several positions. He's hungry to grow and we can't wait to see him develop and blossom at Davidson.
Why Davidson?
It will challenge me both academically and athletically. The immense challenge of juggling school and soccer will pay dividends in my life after college. Davidson soccer brings forth many exciting opportunities, such as the ability to play against some of the top schools in the nation, play under a great coaching staff, and to play on a team with a terrific soccer culture.
Notes
Led high school team to state championship as a junior… Three-time All-State selection… Recorded 76 goals and 54 assists through three seasons… President of school's FCA… Father played college football and is Director of Nike Golf Performance… Father was also 2016 Ryder Cup Team Director of Fitness.
Favorite pro team: Chelsea F.C.
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Favorite Quote: "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
Advice to kids today: Habits beat talent almost every time.
Finnur VidarssonHeight: 6-1
Weight: 165
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Hometown: Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Previous School: Commercial College of Iceland
Club: Throttur Vogum
Parents: Vidar and Lovisa
Siblings: David, Petur, and Sigridur
Coaches Comments
Finnur's a striver and adds a mature, ambitious component to this class. His experience playing with older players provides some savvy. He's a technical, tough player that will strengthen us both in midfield and defense.
Why Davidson?
The school's academic strength along with its great soccer program is the main reason why I chose Davidson. The challenge of playing Division I soccer at a very high level along with training in outstanding facilities.
Notes
Two-Time Icelandic National Champion including recent U19 season… Top five percent academically in his grade… Brother Petur played for Northeastern University (Boston) and then for FH Hafnarfjordur (including in the UEFA Champions League).
Favorite actor: Tom Hardy
Favorite TV show: Last Chance U
Favorite pro team: Manchester City
Favorite Quote: Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you are right.
Jack WilsonHeight: 5-11
Weight: 170
Position: Defender
Hometown: Savannah, Ga.
High School: Savannah Country Day
Club: Tormenta FC
Parents: James and Erica
Siblings: Emma and Grace
Coaches' Comments
We've seen Jack over the last 3 years in club play and at our ID camps. He's tough and will contribute to our culture of fiercely engaging and competitive excellence. Jack enhances our strong pool of defenders.
Why Davidson?
It's a great education alongside Division I athletics that captivated my attention.
I am most excited to be a part of highly competitive team where all my teammates are striving and pushing each other to success.
Notes
Led club team to Georgia state championship… Grandfather (James Wilson) and Great Grandfather (Hugh Wilson) attended Davidson... Dad was an All-American wrestler at UNC.
Favorite pro team: Manchester City
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: Australia
A sport I would like to try but never have is: Lacrosse
Hobbies: Fishing and boating
Stefane ZemmaliHeight: 6-2
Weight: 184
Position: Defender
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: North Atlanta
Club: Concorde Fire
Parents: Mounir and Kim
Siblings: Eric and Lydia
Coaches' Comments
Stefane is an athletic, cerebral passing center back. He has a good feel for the game and is excellent at picking his entry passes to help move the game forward. Stefane moves well with good size, and that's a key combo for a college central defender.
Why Davidson?
I felt very at home on my visits and I appreciated the strong bond and fun the team seemed to have. I am excited to play for a coach who has such a strong commitment to the Davidson community and to player development.
Notes
Principal's List Honor Roll… National Honor Society… Dad is French and grew up playing near the stadium where Zidane started his soccer career outside of Cannes.
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite pro team: Atlanta United
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: Bora Bora
Advice to kids today: You don't need a phone!
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