SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Wofford College head men's soccer coach Ralph Polson announced Wednesday the Terriers had nine players sign National Letters of Intent or letters of commitment for the incoming freshman class of 2020.
 
The group includes two forwards, two defenders, and five midfielders, representing four different states including Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
 
"While we lost an outstanding group with this year's seniors, we are excited about this group of young men," Coach Polson said.  "This group brings a wealth of talent and experience to our program. They possess skill, athleticism, and a competitive attitude that will help us to compete for a Southern Conference Championship in 2016."
 
The two forwards signing with the Terriers are Lucas Altman and Ben Nickol. The two defenders are Chandler Compton and Christian Womeldorph, and the five midfielders are Jack Lesesne, Young Perry, Sam Ross, Walt Stevens and Austin Tuggle.
 
   
Chandler Compton is a defender from Cedar Grove, NC. Chandler attends Orange High School where he has shown his athleticism by lettering in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball.  As a soccer player, he was selected to both the All-Conference and All-Region teams in 2014 and 2015.  During that same two year span, Chandler served as the team's Captain and was selected as the team's Most Valuable Player.  This well rounded student athlete has served in Student Government, Beta Club, and FCA. He has been member of the "A" Honor Roll for four years. He received the distinction of being an Honor Graduate and a Ben Wofford Scholar.
 
"Chandler is clearly one of the most athletically gifted players on our team," Coach Polson said. "He has a tremendous upside. We believe he has a very bright future at Wofford."
 
 Jack Lesesne is a midfielder from Beaufort, SC. Jack will join the Terriers in the spring of '16. Previously from Decatur, GA, he moved to Beaufort, SC following his freshman year and excelled in his two seasons at Beaufort High School.  Jack was selected to the All-Region Team while earning Most Valuable Player after leading his team in both assists and goals scored.  In addition to his high school team, Jack had a standout career as a member of the Storm Soccer Academy in Savannah, Ga. His father, Frank, was a standout for the Terriers from 1985-1988.
 
"We're happy to have Jack on campus this spring," Coach Polson said. "It will allow him to make the transition to the college game, thus preparing him to challenge for playing time next fall."
 
Ben Nickol is a forward from Waynesville, NC.  Ben has made a name for himself as a prolific goal scorer.  During his accomplished scholastic career, he recorded 84 goals while leading his team in scoring both his junior and senior year.  During his time at Tuscola High School, he was selected as the Conference Offensive Player of the Year three times, All-Region twice. As a senior, he was selected to the North Carolina All-State team.  Ben plays for Highland Football Club '98 Red.
 
"Ben is a goal scorer," Coach Polson said. "We hope he can continue his goal scoring ways at the next level. We fully expect him to contend for playing time early on. We are very excited Ben is coming to Wofford College."
 
Young Perry is a midfielder from Hendersonville, NC.  Young, a 6'2 midfielder, was an integral part of the lineup since arriving at Christ School in Arden, NC.  He was named to the CAA All-Conference team (four years), All-Region Team (three years), and NCISA All-State as a senior.  HE served as team captain for four years.  Following an outstanding senior year, where he helped the team to the Conference Championship, Young was named the 2015 CAA Conference Player of the Year.  He plays club soccer for ABYSA/HFC '98 Red where he also excels as a defender.
 
 "Young has successfully played a number of positions," Coach Polson said. "His versatility should aid him as he battles for playing time".
 
Sam Ross is a midfielder from Mount Pleasant, SC. Sam plays for Wando High School and USA – Mount Pleasant.  He has been an integral part of Wando High School's success (a 76-4-1 record) over the past three seasons, which includes two State Runner Up finishes, and a State Championship.  Individually, Sam has been named to the Region 7-AAAA All-Region team, SCHSL AAAA All-State, and was a finalist for Gatorade Player of the Year. He was named the team's Offensive MVP following the 2015 season.  While playing for MP-USA, Sam led his team to two SCYSA State Championships. Sam received the Golden Warrior Award for working with special needs students as a volunteer.
 
"Sam is a solid player that can make things happen and open up the game," Coach Polson said. "He is a very technical player and reads the game well. His ability to support his teammates and connect passes will make him a solid asset to Wofford soccer."
 
 Walt Stevens is a midfielder from Greenwood, SC.  Walt plays scholastically for Greenwood High School.  During his time with the Eagles, Walt was selected to the All-Conference and All-Region teams following both the 2014 & 2015 season and the SCHSL 4A All-State Team in 2015.  In addition to his accomplishments on the field, he is serving as the current Student Body President and is a member of the National Honor Society.  He currently plays for the SC United Last summer, he was the only high school player selected to the South Carolina Bantams U-23 PDL team.
 
"Walt epitomizes hard work," Coach Polson said. "He is an outstanding student-athlete that possesses skill, confidence, and athleticism. We are excited to have him join our team this spring."
 
Austin Tuggle is a midfielder from Simpsonville, SC. Austin played high school soccer his freshman year for Mauldin High School and club for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA).  Austin decided to join the United States Soccer Development Academy via the Charleston Battery Academy for his sophomore, junior, and senior years.  During his time with the Battery, Austin has helped his team to two top four league finishes and the National Playoffs.  He has been a member of the Mauldin High School "A/B" Honor Roll. He also volunteers his time with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
 
"Austin possesses outstanding athletic ability and he can play a number of positions," Coach Polson said. "We believe Austin can contend for playing time early in his career."
 
Christian Womeldorph is a defender from Sarasota, FL. Christian joins the Terriers from IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.  During his four years at IMG, he helped anchor the back line for the US Soccer Development Academy program.  During the 2014-15 season, Christian was an integral part of a team that was the # 1 defense in the Southeast.  A three-year team captain, he led his IMG team to the US Soccer Academy National Championships. In 2015, Christian was invited the US Soccer National Training Center.  Even with his success on the field, he has maintained a 3.94 GPA while being a part of the Honor Roll and National Honor Society.
 
"Christian possesses outstanding athletic ability which allows to be a special 1v1 defender," Coach Polson said. "We fully expect him to contend for playing time early on. We are very excited Christian is coming to Wofford College."
 
The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to Wofford College and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center.