Men's Soccer 2020 Recruiting Class: Part 1 - La Verne

May 15, 2020

The University of La Verne Head Men's Soccer Head Coach Trevor Persson has announced the first 11 players of the 2020 recruiting class.

William T. Carney IV

Philadelphia, PA/Central High School

Coach Persson on Carney

"Will is an exciting player who has the potential to help us both defensively and offensively. We are pumped about his dynamic playing style and speed in transition."

From Carney

"My name is William T. Carney IV. You can call me CIV. I'm from Uptown Philadelphia. I'm coming from Central High School and Unity FC. Between having a great kinesiology program, a sturdy team culture, and a wonderful location, the University of La Verne was always the best school for me. I'm super excited to join the Leopards soccer program. I'm ready to bring something different."

Cole Davis

Sammamish, WA/Eastlake High School

Coach Persson on Davis

"Cole comes to us from Seattle as a CB with good knowledge of the game and an ability to use his lengthy frame to his advantage. We are beyond excited for Cole and his decision to become a Leopard."

From Davis

"I'm Cole Davis and I am a center back from Seattle, Washington. I am in the graduating class of 2020 and have been playing premier or higher level soccer since age 10. I have played for Eastside FC Premier Soccer club since I was 10. My last year I was on the Eastside FC ECNL U19 team and was competing all over the country. I also played varsity soccer throughout my four years at high school at Eastlake High School. "

Luis Delgado

Glendora, CA/Glendora High School/Citrus College

Coach Persson on Delgado

"Luis brings in additional support in our GK position. We feel Luis can come in and help us immediately."

From Delgado

"Soccer has been a part of my family's lives as long as I can remember. I am majoring in psychology and plan on pursuing my masters here at ULV." Luis grey shirted at Mt. SAC before joining the Owls. He played two years at the club level where he served as a team captain, won the 2015 State Cup, the Region lV Presidents Cup, the National Presidents Cup, and was awarded "the most outstanding goalkeeper" for US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup.

Ernesto Garcia

Covina, CA/Servite High School

Coach Persson on Garcia

"Ernesto brings a ton of experience in the midfield. Ernesto is a solid two-way player who works hard in both the offensive and defensive halves with an obvious burning desire to win."

From Garcia

"My name is Ernesto Garcia and I have been playing soccer for ten years. I have been lucky enough to go to competitive tournaments like Manchester City Cup, Surf Cup, and Dallas Cup. I attended Servite High School and won a CIF Championship and I am ready to keep winning. I chose the University of La Verne because of how great the school is academically and also because it was a dream to play soccer in college."

Michelangelo Harte

San Diego, CA/Mission Hill High School

Coach Persson on Harte

"Michelangelo is a strong, athletic, driven student-athlete who has a desire to be extremely competitive and productive on and off the field. Our staff is excited for Michelangelo and his future here at ULV."

From Harte

"My name is Michelangelo Harte and I am an incoming freshman from Mission Hills High School located in San Diego. I chose La Verne due to the various academic opportunities that were given to me, the beautiful area and campus, and of course because of the great soccer program."

Christian Ibarra

Pasadena, CA/St. Francis High School/Pasadena City College

Coach Persson on Ibarra

"Christian comes to us from Pasadena City College and St. Francis High School. Christian is a two-way player who will help us defensively with the potential to push forward in the attack."

From Ibarra

"I'm excited to transfer to the University of La Verne to be able to study and play soccer." Ibarra says his biggest dreams are to be a doctor to help pediatric patients and that his hard work ethic and drive for success help him in anything he does.

Brian Martinez

Anaheim, CA/Fullerton College

Coach Persson on Martinez

"We are excited to add an experienced CB to our roster. Brian is an All-Conference player from Fullerton College who brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and commitment."

From Davis

"I am excited to join the Leo family. I can't wait to be out on the soccer field as well in the classrooms." Martinez plans to major in kinesiology and become a physical therapist.

Nic Navarro

Portland, OR/Cleveland High School/Willamette University

Coach Persson on Navarro

"Our coaching staff is excited to add Nic to our roster as he will immediately provide our roster with some much-needed support on the left side of the field. Nic has D3 soccer experience and will make the jump to ULV an easy and smooth transition."

From Navarro

"I chose the University of La Verne because of the diversity of the student body and I love the location."

Jonathan Ortiz

Ontario, CA/Nogales High School/Rio Hondo College

Coach Persson on Ortiz

"Jonathan is a great addition to our defensive unit. He is a very composed, experienced, and passionate player who will make an immediate impact with our roster."

From Ortiz

"I graduated in 2017 from Nogales HS. I grew up in La Puente, CA but my current hometown is Ontario, CA. I'm the youngest of three brothers. I am the first to attend college in my family. I chose La Verne because it felt welcoming from the start, and I knew in my visit that it would be a great fit for me. Also, it is close to home."

Christian Rios

Eastvale, CA/Mt. San Antonio College

Coach Persson on Rios

"Christian is a very hard working left-footed player. His commitment, passion, and burning desire to compete make him a great fit in our program."

About Rios

Rios enjoys spending time with friends and family, has been playing soccer for 14 years, and plans to pursue a career in biological sciences.

Andrew Salcedo

Moreno Valley, CA/Valley View High School

Coach Persson on Salcedo

"Andrew will be a solid addition to our roster. He is a passionate competitor with a strong desire to get better every single game."

From Salcedo

"I chose La Verne because once I stepped foot on campus I felt comfortable and I knew at that moment, it was the right place to be. It is also close to my family and my family is really important to me. Also, the soccer program is really good and competitive, I am excited to play as a Leopard this coming season!"