TicketsJune 23, 2008
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team has added three student-athletes to its 2008 recruiting class, head coach Hylton Dayes announced. Joey Barnard (McKinney, TX/McKinney High School), Chris Mitchell (Ajax, Ontario/SUNY Plattsburgh) and Jabari Shaw (Lawrenceville, GA/Brookwood) will continue their athletic and academic careers with the Bearcats in the fall.
"We are extremely pleased to add these three outstanding student-athletes to our team," said Dayes. "They are not only good soccer players but also excellent students and will fit in well here at Cincinnati."
Barnard, a 6-2 goalkeeper, was a four-year starter at McKinney High School where he was named District Goalkeeper of the Year after his junior campaign. A two-time all-district selection, he was the first freshman in school history to record a shutout and led the team to a 65-11-6 mark over his four years between the pipes. Named Dallas Morning News Player of the Week on March 20, 2007, Barnard played club soccer for Blackwatch SC and Solar SC where he served as captain for a combined eight years. Barnard plans to major in civil engineering.
"Joey is a very talented goalkeeper and a great fit for us," said Dayes. "He has good size, technical ability and a strong desire to excel at the college level."
A 5-9 midfielder, Mitchell joins the Bearcats after starting 19 matches and posting five goals and four assists as a freshman at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2007. The Canadian was a captain for his Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School squad for four years, while also a member of the Olympic Development Program and the Toronto Lynx of the United Soccer Leagues. Mitchell plans to major in international business.
"Chris is a player that we have been tracking for some time," Dayes commented. "He can play on either flank and brings speed, athleticism and international experience to our team."
Shaw, a speedy 5-9 midfielder, was a two-year starter at Brookwood High School, where he scored seven goals and added six assists and led the squad to a 29-12 mark during his final two seasons including runner-up finishes in the regional playoffs both years. He played five seasons with the Georgia Futbol Club, leading the club with nine goals in 17 matches in 2006. Shaw intends to major in engineering.
"We had the opportunity to work with Jabari at our Prep Camp and really liked his potential," said. Dayes. "He is a versatile left-footed player, which is a plus."
The three join the 14 student-athletes signed earlier this spring to create a 17-member 2008 recruiting class. The Bearcats return 11 letterwinners from 2007 and will rely on the strong incoming class to fill some of the voids left by all-BIG EAST selections Kenny Anaba and Amir Ikner.
UC opens preseason play on Aug. 17 at Gettler Stadium against Butler.