Campus News
May 27th, 2025
Price quickly builds GC's 1st men's soccer squad
Recruits include quintet of county players, 10 internationals
Coach Jonathan Price, Garrett College Men's Soccer
The Lakers will feature both a quintet of local stars and players from nine different countries after head coach Jonathan Price recruited far and wide for Garrett College's first men's soccer team.
"It's a pretty cool opportunity – an opportunity not many people have," Price said of building what's currently a 26-player soccer roster from scratch. "I'm excited just to get this whole group of guys together and see them grow as a unit."
The local contingent includes four decorated players from Price's last Southern Garrett High squad. Area Offensive Player of the Year Benjamin Lohr, all-Area defensive midfielder JM Holland, all-conference attacker Kade Savage, and all-conference defender Nathaniel Argrabrite are all following Price to GC.
"That's a big advantage," Price said of the Southern Garrett influx. "They're going to know how to lead right away. They'll know the drills and know what to expect from me."
Northern Garrett High's Wyatt Hall, an all-area goalkeeper, will also suit up for the Lakers. Other players from around the region include Frankfort (WV) High all-State midfielder Caden Vaughan, Fort Hill High midfielder Lucas Evans, Clear Spring High's Hunter Elwood (defender) and Logan Mowen (defender/midfielder), Hampshire (WV) High defender Collin Hall, and Williamsport High goalkeeper Gavin Sprout.
Darius Hamilton, an Owings Mills resident who was homeschooled, "may be our best player," according to Price.
"I found him playing club soccer," added Price, noting Hamilton has an aunt who plays soccer professionally in Iceland.
Hot Springs (VA) High goalkeeper Jimmy Quantz, forward/midfielders Macdiel Marquez (Laurel) and Christian Argueta (Laurel), and Roxbury Central (NY) High utility player Julian Greico – whose twin sister will be playing for GC's women's soccer team – round out the current roster of U.S. players.
Colombia midfielder Jeronimo Valencia leads the Lakers' 10-player international contingent.
"He's a playmaking midfielder," Price said of Valencia. "I think he's the one who's really going to make things go for us."
Holding midfielders Max Hinchy and Harry Officer are both from Manchester, England, and midfielder Joys Massamba is coming from Paris to join the Lakers. Defenders Benjamin Guerra (Chile), Adrian Laba (Dominican Republic), and Dennis Kimutai (Kenya), attackers Lucas Alonso (Spain) and Lucio Bianchi (Uruguay), and forward/midfielder Luis Botelho (Brazil) are other international recruits.
"I think having lots of international kids will be good for the community," said Price, noting the College's international community outreach program with Garrett County Public Schools has enriched both the College and GCPS.
Price said his first goal for the team is for each student athlete to reach his potential.
"I want them to all be the best version of themselves," said Price.
Price called Director of Admissions and Recruitment Melissa Wass the MVP of the international recruitment cycle.
"It was not an easy process, that's for sure," said Price, noting the incredible amount of documentation Wass processed for the international recruits.
Price said recruiting on the international stage requires considerable perseverance.
"I had some connections with some international recruiters," said Price. "There are lots of recruiters in soccer – you have to find guys you trust.
"It's just connections and then talking to the kids," continued Price, adding, "The opportunity to come to America is always enticing. It takes a special kid to make that commitment. They've got to fit in Garrett County."
The Lakers will play an 18-match regular-season schedule that includes competing in NJCAA Division II Region 20 as well as the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. Price is looking forward to fielding a competitive team in the program's inaugural season.
"I think there is a sense of accomplishing something as the College's first men's soccer team," said Price. "We've got guys that want to be here – now let's get off to a great start in Season 1.
"We might not be the most physically talented team," added Price, "but I expect us to show fight and heart, be disciplined, and field a team that can earn respect and get better as we build the program."
Notes: Marquez and Botelho are returning dual athletes, having played on GC's wrestling and men's basketball teams, respectively, during the 2024-25 academic year. Argueta will wrestle in addition to playing for the men's soccer team as a freshman.
