HAMILTON  —  The men's soccer team will add six new first-years to the squad for the upcoming 2024 season, John W. Beyer Head Men's Soccer Coach Erik Ronning announced on Friday. 

The incoming class hails from five different states and provinces, with one winger, one center back, a midfielder, a forward, and a goalkeeper joining the fray this fall. 

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of six talented scholar-athletes to the Colgate University Men's Soccer Team," Ronning said. "As a staff, we have attracted not only great soccer players, but also ambitious students and, most importantly, great people who share the value set that has been established within the program." 

"This balanced class will add quality depth to an already strong group of returning players, and many will challenge for starting positions. We expect great things to come with this deep and talented class and cannot wait for this group to arrive on campus for fall camp."

The six members of the Class of 2028 are listed below: 

Julian Di Lucia
Center Back
Markham, Ontario
Scarborough Academy

Before Colgate
Played four years at The Scarborough Soccer Academy in Ontario… Captained the team all four years. 

Julian on Choosing Colgate:
"I chose Colgate because they uphold a standard of excellence both in the classroom and on the field. By choosing Colgate, it is certain that I will become not only a better athlete and student, but a better person as well."

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Adam Ethridge
Goalkeeper
Troy, Mich. 
Vardar MLS Next
Troy Athens High School

Before Colgate
Played one year of varsity soccer at Troy Athens High School… Logged 15 clean sheets in 24 games his senior year… Finished the 2023-24 season with a .52 GAA… Made 14 saves when Troy Athens won the 2024 MHSAA D1 State Championship… Named First-Team All-State and an Academic All-American… Also captained Vardar Academy at the U17 level. 

Adam on Choosing Colgate:
"I chose to play at Colgate because of the sense of belonging I felt in the program and on campus. I feel that the exceptional coaching and competitive environment held at Colgate can do great things for me as a player and a person, and I hope to do great things for the program in return."

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Connor Hearn
Midfielder
Tampa, Fla.
Tampa Bay United MLS Next

Before Colgate
Was a starter on a stout Tampa Bay United MLS Next squad… Led the team in assists in 2023-24. 

Connor on Choosing Colgate:
"The relationships I built with the coaches during the recruitment process assured me that this is the University for me. I chose Colgate University because I wanted to immerse myself in an environment designed for success on and off the field."

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Gavin Krauss
Midfielder
Weston, Conn. 
Beachside Soccer Club MLS Next
Weston High School

Before Colgate
Played one year of varsity soccer at Weston High School… Also played abroad in Spain in the 2023 Preferente Division for Marcet A… Spent four years with Beachside Soccer Club… Won the MLS Next Northeast Conference in 2022 and the MLS Next Fest Group in 2021… Captained the squad his junior year.

Gavin on Choosing Colgate:
"I am excited to play for Colgate because I believe that they have a very bright future ahead. With a strong incoming class, and experienced returning players I think the program has what it takes to be a very successful team."

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Blake Pipkin
Winger/Outside Back
Houston, Texas
Rise Soccer Club MLS Next
Ridge Point High School

Before Colgate
Played three years of varsity soccer at Ridge Point… Captained the 2023-24 squad and scored 32 goals with 24 assists… Set the program record for most assists in a season… Named as an All-State runner-up… Also captained the 2021-22 and 23-24 Rise FC squads… Named to two MLS Next All-Star teams. 

Blake on Choosing Colgate:
"I am excited to play for Colgate because of the strong sense of community and the opportunity to be part of a team that values both academic and athletic excellence."

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Alex St. John 
Forward
Needham, Mass. 
New England Revolution MLS Next
Noble and Greenough School

Before Colgate
Played four years of varsity soccer at the Noble and Greenough School… Scored 23 goals and added six assists in 18 games his senior year… Named All-NEPSAC (Class B), ALL-ISL First Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-State… Also played for the New England Revolution… Scored the game-winning goal in the MLS Next U19 National Final. 

Alex on Choosing Colgate:
"I'm excited to play alongside new teammates and challenge myself in a new environment at Colgate. There are a wide variety of opportunities that Colgate presents and I can't wait to get started."