MURFREESBORO, N.C. - As the Chowan University men's soccer arrives on campus this week, so begins another year of what is sure to be exhilarating action on the Hawks soccer pitch. Chowan's renaissance on the pitch began 11 seasons ago when native Englishman, Chris Whalley, took over a men's soccer program failing to fully launch. Whalley, who is entering his 12th season at the helm of the Hawks program, has whittled together a program featuring a balance of both European and stateside influences. His strategy of putting together a roster of both American power and International finesse has worked. Whalley has an impressive 108-56-29 record as head coach at Chowan along with a 53-12-15 Conference Carolinas record. The pitch captain has led the Hawks to two Conference Carolinas Regular Season Titles (2019, 2023) and two Conference Carolinas Championships (2021, 2023).
He has coached the likes of Harrison Ardron, Toby Sims, Sam Hall, Tren Drexage, Junior Smith, and Harri Lovett to name more than a few. Many of these players were a part of one or both NCAA appearances, their first coming in 2021 after claiming a conference tournament title to earn an automatic bid to the playoffs. That year the Hawks beat West Florida in thrilling fashion to advance to the NCAA Sweet 16. The 2021 squad was special, tallying a 13-2-4 overall record and a 9-1-1 league record. After claiming the regular season title in 2023, the Hawks returned to the program's second NCAA appearance after beating Converse in penalty kicks (3-0). With their second championship on tap, the Hawks suffered a tough overtime loss on penalty kicks to Lynn University to end another historic season run.
Whalley and his staff, led by assistant Josh Baker, have worked hard in the off season putting finishing touches on a solid 2025 roster as well ensuring progress is made in the way of facility upgrades for four of the teams that call Hawks Field home. Their work was cut out for them as having to replace last year's Conference Carolinas Offensive Player of the Year in Junior Smith. Whalley feels good about where the roster is heading into preseason camp.
"A lot of the players and staff were involved with summer leagues," said Whalley. "We all stay busy that way, winning numerous championships and playoff matches. As a group we had a fantastic summer."
The Returners
The Hawks return a stout 18 players from last season's roster that finished 9-5-3 overall and 7-2-2 in league play. Sam Deacon headlines the returning offensive leaders. He turned in 4 season goals and 5 season assists a year ago and has the potential to find ways to get open around the goal with his foot speed and striking ability. Matty Doyle, a backline staple, also returns to not only sure up the defensive stop but is ready to score when called on by Whalley for special situations. The towering 6'2" frame put up 3 scores and 2 assists a year ago. Two versatile players, Brandon Hill and Jeevan Purwal, provide offensive opportunities for the Hawks after scoring a combined five goals a year ago. Robbie Deighan made a name for himself as a hard nosed middie who wouldn't quit. The Bolton, England native earned Conference Carolinas Freshman Player of the Year honors after scoring 2 goals and getting 4 assists in 14 games started. Deighan kept his talents stateside this summer, helping Hickory FC to a NPSL National Championship. Teammate Calvin Smith was also a part of the history-making season for Hickory FC. Smith returns to help the Hawks backline this season after appearing in 11 matches a year ago. Bradley Binns and Jamie Moore return with three years of solid playing experience that will translate well for each of them playing in their final seasons on the pitch in the CU Blue and White. Binns netted a goal and notched three assists a year ago from the midfield position. Captain and senior Harry Baker will be a part of the solid backline defense in 2025. Baker notched four assists a year ago as a defender and earned the Conference Carolinas Elite 23 Award, an award that recognizes the top-performing academic student-athlete at a Conference Championship site. Hylnur Fridricksson returns for his junior year after playing in 16 matches a year ago. The Iceland native scored once and had an assist in his sophomore year.
The goalkeeper position will be up for grabs this season with several returning players and newcomers vying for the coveted position. David Agudelo and Alexis Enriguez each return with a season of competition under their belts and a spring season to develop in their position.
Also making strides on the field are returners Luke Wilson and Arath Jaimes. The defenders from England and Asheboro, North Carolina respectively hope to make an impact defensively for the Hawks in 2025. Finley Scott, Bryan Martinez, and Nesuwo Mavindidze round out the returning Chowan contingent. Scott played in 12 matches a year ago as a defender and will see time in that role this season. Martinez and Mavindidze will add clout to both the midfield and forward positions respectively as two more players with veteran field experience.
The Newcomers
Seventeen newcomers will don the blue and white this fall, a mix of transfer students and freshman talent. While all will have the chance to prove themselves throughout preseason camp and the playing season, Whalley feels one will make an impact straight away.
"Dillon Rajkovic is a transfer from West Virginia Wesleyan, where he had a good two-year career," said Whalley. "He has also had two very successful summers so we think he'll make an impact straight away." Rajkovic contributed seven goals and seven assists for WVWU in two seasons.
Along with Rajkovic, Twan Kuiper comes in with international playing experience as a graduate student. The Netherlands native will vie for a spot on the backline. Clay Verdin also comes in as a transfer with semi-professional experience having played for Burlington FC this past summer. The forward from Burlington will help firm up the striker position. Ricky Betancourt also transferred from Sandhills Community College. The Robbins, North Carolina native will add depth to the midfield position.
Thirteen freshmen will take the field this preseason, all fitting the bill of Whalley's characteristic recruiting tactics that include a solid mix of stateside and international players. The new recruiting class features 3 students from Virginia, 6 students from North Carolina, 2 students from Columbia, 1 student from Maine, and1 student from England.
Virginia: Caron Hill (Suffolk, GK), Nick Dubeck (Chesapeake, GK), KJ Coleman (Portsmouth, F)
North Carolina: Bradley Williams (Hickory, D), Cameron Letterlough (Asheboro, F), Diego Bustamante (Asheboro, F), Tinaye Mavindidze (Apex, F), Bryden Glick (Raleigh, D), Hunter Midgett (Camden, D/F)
Maine: Owen Sweeney (Easton, F)
England: Lukas Kibrya (Birmingham, GK)
Columbia: Edwin Stiven Garcia (Columbia, F), Juan Jose Torres (Columbia, D)
The Schedule
As they have for the last six seasons, the Hawks will look to be serious contenders for the regular season and conference tournament titles. The quest begins on September 4th when the Hawks open the playing season on the road against Concord University at the Lees-McRae College Tournament. They will follow that up with a trip to Emory, Virginia to take on Emory and Henry University in a non-conference match.
The Hawks will host Virginia State on September 10th in their season home opener under the newly installed field lights. First strike is set to begin at 7:00pm at Hawks Field. Chowan has developed a top tier rivalry with Francis Marion and will travel to Florence, South Carolina on September 13th for a 7:00pm match up before returning home to host Conference Carolinas rival, Barton College, at 7:00pm on September 17th. This night will serve as the Smithfield Youth Soccer Association Night, where members of the youth league will serve as honorary captains and ball runners during the match. The Hawks will close out September with back-to-back conference matches against the University of Mount Olive (9/24) and Ferrum (9/27). The Hawks will host Alumni Appreciation Night on the 27th at 5:00pm.
The month of October the Hawks hit the road for five road games and will defend their home field just two times. The Hawks will host Southern Wesleyan on October 11th at 4:00pm and Lees-McRae on October 18th. The Lees-McRae game will serve as a BLUE OUT match in conjunction with the women's match being held earlier in the day. Chowan will close out their home season in high fashion with Francis Marion coming to town for a 7:00pm night show down. This match up with be an epic rivalry with two of the best year-in and year-out teams in the league. The Hawks seniors will be honored prior to the home contest with FMU.
