WILMINGTON, North Carolina - UNCW head men's soccer coach Aidan Heaney has announced the signing of nine student-athletes to play for the Seahawks in the 2011 season.

Joining the Seahawks will be Brandon Bolen, Josh Boone, Jeff Degen, Jamie Dell, Matt Feigler, Mark Harris, Andrew Joyce, David Sizemore and Jacob VanCampernolle.

"This is a diverse group of freshmen, arguably one of our most technically gifted, with an emphasis on creativity," said UNCW Head Coach Aidan Heaney. "The key will be how they prepare between now and preseason in August, and how quickly they can adapt to the college game. They are coming from good clubs and are used to winning - we expect that mentality from them when they step up to this level as they are replacing our most successful senior class to date. Competition for playing time should be stiff, which is what we want."

Brandon Bolen (North Stafford, Va./North Stafford) plays for the DC United Academy U18 squad and put himself on the UNCW radar screen with a tremendous performance at UNCW's summer camp.

"Brandon impressed me last summer at our camp with his ability and work ethic. He is a young goalkeeper who is hungry to develop his career here working with senior goalie Brandon Miller and myself. He is a good shot stopper, very agile and athletic, who commands his box well."

Josh Boone (Greer, S.C./Eastside) made his impact on the club level, playing with national champion Alpharetta Ambush 93 Red. Boone has gained international experience with the Dutch football club SC Cambuur Academy team. In addition to Cambuur, Boone has also trained with Empoli FC Youth Academy, Real Madrid Youth Academy and was invited to train with West Ham United Youth Academy. While playing for Cambuur, Boone notched a pair of goals and posted seven assists.

"Josh is a technically gifted player, with the ability to play a number of positions in midfield. He is quick, reads the game very well and has excellent vision. He was instrumental in his club team, Alpharetta Ambush, winning the U17 National Championship last summer. Josh loves to play and has the desire and determination we are looking for in our players."

Jeff Degen (Johns Creek, Ga./Northview) is a teammate of Boone's on the Alpharetta Ambush, where he captained the national championship club program. Degen also helped Northview High School to a Region 7 championship and No. 2 ranking in the state. In three seasons with the Titans, Degen compiled 22 goals and 22 assists, including a career-high 16 goals in 2010.

"Jeff is a member of the same club team as Josh Boone, 2010 National Champion Alpharetta Ambush, and plays right midfield or right forward, as well as some centrally. He is technically strong and can impact games with his size and strength."

Jamie Dell (Chapel Hill, N.C./Chapel Hill) is a talented offensive player who concluded his career at Chapel Hill High School with 49 goals and 50 assists in 80 games. As a senior, he earned All-South Region honors as well as 3A All-State recognition. Dell was invited to play in the prestigious North Carolina East vs. West All-star game this spring.

"Jamie is an exciting wide player, almost an old fashioned winger if you like.  He is very good with both feet, loves to run at players and take players on. He is very tough to defend as he has excellent 1-vs-1 ability and is a good crosser of the ball. He can cause the opposition some problems. "

Mark Harris (Durham, N.C./C.E. Jordan) helped guide the Falcons of C.E. Jordan High School to the 2010 4A State title and a number national ranking. In 2009 and 2010, Harris was named All-Pac 6 Conference and in 2010, he collected a pair of goals and added 10 assists.

"Coming off a state championship winning season with Jordan High School, Mark continues to impress me with his play. He can play wide either side, as a fullback or wide midfielder and is comfortable with both feet. Like Jamie (Dell), once he adjusts to the physicality of the college game, he will give us an added option with his ability to take players on."

Andrew Joyce (Raleigh, N.C./Athens Drive) comes to the Seahawk program following a four-year career at Athens Drive, where he helped the Jaguars to four consecutive state tournament appearances. Joyce was honored all four season, being named All-Tri 9 and All-Region each season. As a defender, he notched seven goals and added 12 assists while playing 110 games. Joyce played for U18 CASL Chelsea Academy and helped the club to a fourth-place finish in the 2010 national tournament.

"Andrew will compete for the center back position. He is a strong, physical defender who will bring added size to our squad. He continues to develop with CASL U18 Academy and is a welcome addition to our team."

Matt Feigler (Durham, N.C./C.E. Jordan) is another talented player from Jordan's 2010 state championship squad, where he earned All-Pac 6 conference honors. As a senior, Feigler notched 14 goals and added seven assists.

"'Figgy' is a crafty, left-sided midfielder who can get to the end line and provide quality service. He had an excellent high school season with Jordan, going undefeated and winning the state championship, scoring some important goals along the way."

David Sizemore (Fuquay Varina, N.C./Fuquay Varina) was a 4A All-State selection for Fuquay-Varina and helped the Bengals to the state tournament in each of his four seasons. He also earned 4A All-Region honors in 2009 and 2010. An accomplished scorer, he finished his prep career with 38 goals and 43 assists, including a school-record 20 assists as a senior. Sizemore plays for the prestigious CASL Chelsea Academy club team.

"A talented goal scorer with CASL Academy, David has great variety in his finishing around the box and will add a different dimension to our attack. He can play several positions, but I feel his best position is as a shadow striker. David has tremendous vision and ideas and is an exciting attacking player. "

Jacob VanCompernolle (Dallas, Texas/R.L. Turner) continues the Lone Star state pipeline that Heaney has developed over the years. While playing for R.L. Tuner High School, Jacob was a four-time first-team all-district midfielder for the Lions. As a junior, he notched 12 goals and 16 assist and was named Midfielder-of-the-Year. VanCompernolle also plays for the highly-regarded Dallas Texans club program, where he captained the U16 Academy team.

"A product of the highly successful Dallas Texans club, Jacob can play as a left back or left center back, and is a consistently good defender. He is tactically astute and physically ready for the college game now. He is excellent in the air. After serving as captain for his club, he will bring valuable leadership qualities and a winning mentality to our squad."