WILMINGTON, North Carolina – UNCW Head Men's Soccer Coach
Aidan Heaney has announced the addition of three players to the Seahawks' roster for the 2021 season.
Adam Hillis and Finn O'Connor of Wellington, New Zealand, will join Bachir Ndiaye from Jacksonville, N.C., to form the new group of Seahawks.
"This group of young men will enhance our team with their specific qualities as well as increase competition on the squad," said Heaney. "They have the ability, commitment and passion for the sport that we look for from our players and that is needed if you want to be really good. We're excited to have them join our Seahawk Soccer family."
2021 UNCW Men's Soccer Recruits
Adam Hillis
Position: Midfield
Height: 6-1
Hometown: Wellington, New Zealand
High School: Scots College
Club Team: Wellington Phoenix Academy
Highlights: Member of 2017-18 Auckland U-17 National Tournament champion team … competed for New Zealand U-17 World Cup Team in Brazil.
Coach Heaney Says: "Adam played on the New Zealand Under 17 World Cup team in Brazil as a center back and started all of the team's games. He will bring an added presence that we like, along with a comfort level to bring the ball out of the back. He also has the capability of playing as a defensive midfielder as well. Adam has a driven personality to keep improving and is someone who we believe will thrive in the college game in the United States."
Bachir Ndiaye
Position: Midfield
Height: 6-3
Hometown: Jacksonville, N.C.
Previous School: Louisburg College
High School: Northside
Club Team: OCSA
Highlights: Transfer from Louisburg College … First-Team All-Conference selection as a freshman who scored six goals with three assists while starting 16-of-17 games … earned 3A All-State distinction while playing at Northside High School.
Coach Heaney Says: "We're excited to have Bachir join the Seahawk family, We have known about him for some time from his high school days and having attended camp here. After two years at Louisburg College, we welcome him to Wilmington. Bachir is a talented central midfielder with a lot of range to his game. He is skillful and smooth on the ball, can get out of tight spaces well, has good vision and awareness, and can cover a lot of ground on the defensive side of the ball."
Finn O'Connor
Position: Defense/Midfield
Height: 6-0
Hometown: Wellington, New Zealand
High School: Scots College
Highlights: Member of 2018 U-16 Oceania championship team … also won 2018 national U-17 tournament with Wellington United and 2019 U-17 tournament with Lower Hutt … participated in 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup with New Zealand … competed on track and field team.
Coach Heaney Says: "Finn joins us from New Zealand after a successful youth career. He competed for his country in the last Under 17 World Cup in Brazil, so he has played at the very highest level of the game at his age. We see Finn helping as a right-sided fullback or wing back. He is composed on the ball, can play with either foot and has the type of athleticism to play the position. We look forward to seeing him make the jump to the college game."
