Apr. 2, 2015
Team Site | Twitter | Signing Day Central | December Release
SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State men's soccer team signed three high school seniors on National Signing Day (Feb. 5, 2015). The Bears announced at the beginning of March the addition of a fourth signee, and two more have been added at the beginning of April. The six additions, two forwards, a forward/midfielder, a midfielder/defender, a defender, and a goalkeeper will be key additions to a roster which lost eight from its 2014 back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference championship team. The student-athletes are Jon Hambrick, Austin Early, Kyle Hiebert, Harry Lewis, Jack Buckle, and Addison Garnett.
2015 Men's Soccer Commitments:
Jon Hambrick, Forward, Kennesaw, Ga., Harrison High School, NASA B16 Elite
A forward or left winger on the pitch and a sprinter on the track, speedster Jon Hambrick will join Missouri State in the fall. The 6'2'' forward out of Georgia scored ten goals his senior season, and was an integral part of a team that won the Disney Showcase. Hambrick plans to either become a professional soccer player, or a pharmacist, after his days as a Bear.
Associate head coach Michael Seabolt on Hambrick:
"Jon is a really talented and athletic striker from Georgia. He's from the same club that we've had a number of players sign including Thomas Vania, Gerard Barbero III, Brandon Barbero, and Jarred Clark. He's going to be receiving an academic award from Missouri State. We feel like he will be a presence at the forward position and can create and score goals."
Austin Earley, Goalkeeper, Norman, Okla., Norman High School, NYSA Celtic 97
The Missouri State tradition of strong goalkeeping will continue with the addition of Austin Earley. The 6'3'' goalkeeper posted a remarkable 0.93 goals against average his junior year after earning seven shutouts in fifteen starts. The performance earned him All-City Honorable Mention accolades. Earley is nearing the start of his senior season on the field, then will attend MSU in the fall with plans to study finance.
Associate head coach Michael Seabolt on Earley:
"Austin is another recruit from an area we've had great success from in Oklahoma. He's a top goalkeeper prospect and he's been coming to our camp for years and has always wanted to be a Bear. He'll compete for with the goalkeepers right away. Austin is another strong student, and will be receiving an academic award from MSU as well."
Kyle Hiebert, Midfielder/Defender, La Salle, Manitoba, Canada, Glenlawn Collegiate, WSA Winnipeg
Kyle Hiebert joins Missouri State as a top defender out of Canada. With U-18 national team and USL-PDL experience, Hiebert will look to step in to the college game with ease. The Honor Roll student comes in at 5'11'' and has a knack for getting his team out of danger in the defensive third. Hiebert plans to student Business at MSU.
Associate head coach Michael Seabolt on Hiebert:
"Kyle is a top player from Canada. He's a member of the Canadian under-18 national team, where he played games against top nations such as Mexico and France. We feel like he can come in and make an immediate impact competing for time at the midfield or defense. He is a technical and skilled player. He is equally talented with his academics and will qualify for an academic award from Missouri State.
Harry Lewis, Forward, Chipping Norton, Oxon, United Kingdom, Cotswold School, Aston Villa Academy
Harry Lewis brings tremendous talent to Missouri State, and is a welcomed edition to an already strong signing class. At the age of 16, Lewis was invited to join the Academy at English Premiership side Aston Villa, where he has had the opportunity to learn under top coaching in England.
Associate head coach Michael Seabolt on Lewis:
"Harry is a strong attacking player that we feel can come in with the proper preparations and make an immediate impact. He has spent the last two years with the prestigious Aston Villa Academy training and playing with some of the best young players in England. Harry has technical ability, good speed and quickness, and the ability to create and score goals for us."
Jake Buckle, Midfield/Forward, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England, Tadcaster Grammar, Hull City A.F.C.
Jake Buckle will join Missouri State in the fall after an impressive youth career. Buckle can play the wing or as an attacker and has experience playing in a F.A. Youth Cup at storied Old Trafford vs. Man United. Buckle won his league at Tadcaster Grammar, while also playing in the Hull City youth academy.
Associate head coach Michael Seabolt on Buckle:
"Jake is a technical and dynamic wide player. We feel he can strengthen our attack straight away and compete for playing time."
Addison Garnett, Defender, Middlesex, England, Queens Park Rangers F.C.
The Missouri State back line added tremendous size with the addition of 6'4'' center back, Addison Garnett. While playing in England, Garnett anchored the back line for QPR's youth side, making it to Wembley Stadium to play. Garnett plans to study business at MSU.
Associate head coach Michael Seabolt on Garnett:
"Addison is an athletic and technical central defender that also brings a great presense and leadership qualities. We expect him to compete for a starting job and be an integral part of the program."
