Hyndman announces class of 2016

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon men's soccer team continues to build its roster and head coach Schellas Hyndman and his staff continue to bring in some of the top talent across the country. GCU has signed six players to the class of 2016 all across the world. GCU was able to sign guys that have played on the Canadian and United States National teams.

"We are very happy with this recruiting class. The young men who we have added to our program a great examples of how we want to represent GCU," Hyndman said. "Our entire staff has worked very hard to make sure we build a program that can compete with anyone in the nation, and the addition of these young men is yet another big step in the that direction. This group of players have represented the US Youth National Teams, won Championships, been All-Americans and Gatorade Player of the Year. They all bring great talent, but also a great desire to work and improve."

One major key in all the recruit's decision to choose GCU is now only the influence of Hyndman and his staff but also the excitement that surrounds Grand Canyon University. It is an exciting time to be a part of GCU soccer as the new GCU Soccer Stadium is nearing completion this year.

"The winner on a day like today is GCU. We have a wonderful group of student athletes, a vibrant campus, engaged student body and leadership in our athletic department and University as a whole that is committed 100 percent to men's Soccer and the growth of our sport in NCAA Division I" Hyndman added. "Our new stadium is only a month or so away from completion, and our fan support from our students is amongst the top in the country. These new players will join a great group we already have on campus and we can't wait to get everyone on the field this fall."

After coaching at FC Dallas in the MLS from 2008-13, Hyndman was able to recruit players from the state of Texas and GCU was able to sign two players from the Lone Star state. The first Texan signed in the class of 2016 is Austin Day from Frisco, Texas. Day played for FC Dallas Premier where he was a team Dallas Cup Champion and made an appearance in the National Championship Finals Tournament. As a defender, Day was a Second Team All-State selection and was also named District Offensive Player of the Year.

Up next is Austin Day, a defender from FC Dallas Premier! @TopDrawerSoccer #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/gnvoHOJJ0V
— GCU Men's Soccer (@GCU_MSOC) February 3, 2016

The other Texan that will join Day in Phoenix is Hector Montalvo after having played for the FC Dallas Academy. Montalvo is well known across the country as the native of El Paso, Texas played for the United States U-19 National team and was a 2015 US Soccer Development Academy National Champion. As a central defender, Montalvo also trained with the full Mexican National Team while the squad was in Dallas.

From Texas to Arizona! Welcome Hector Montalvo from @FCDallasYouth! @TopDrawerSoccer #LopesRising pic.twitter.com/CrluSkM7UH
— GCU Men's Soccer (@GCU_MSOC) February 3, 2016

The Lopes were able to recruit outside of the United States and find quality talent as they were able to add Corey Marques to the roster. Marques played for Sigma Soccer club of the Ontario League 1 and is also a member of the Canadian U-20 National Team pool. As one of the top goalkeepers out of Canada, Marques was invited to trail with KRC Genk of the Belgian First Division.

Corey Marques played for FC Sigma and is a member of the Canadian U-20 National Team Pool! @TopDrawerSoccer pic.twitter.com/TJp5ISefsM
— GCU Men's Soccer (@GCU_MSOC) February 3, 2016

GCU was able to find local talent within the state of Arizona by signing Davis Peck, a midfielder from Seton Catholic Preparatory. Playing for SC Del Sol, Peck was named to the East Valley All-Tribune Team.

Final member to our Class of 2016 is Davis Peck! Welcome to the Lopes Davis from Seton Catholic! #LopesRising pic.twitter.com/HPptnYCSCq
— GCU Men's Soccer (@GCU_MSOC) February 4, 2016

Musa Morris Demos comes to GCU after a prep career at Sandra Day O'Connor High School where he was named Gatorade Arizona Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Demos was recognized as the 2015 Arizona Tribune All-Arizona Big School Player of the Year as well as 2015's Section IV Player of the Year. Born in Liberia, Demos lost both of his parents during the civil war and as a result, he lived in a refugee camp with five siblings and his stepmother. Demos moved to camps from Liberia to Nigeria but when he and his stepmother had the chance to move to the United States for asylum, they took the opportunity. Now, Demos has been able to make the most of his opportunity by excelling on the field and in the classroom. Being grateful for what he has in Arizona, Demos continues to give back by participating in his church and has helped build houses in Mexico. Morris was rated as a three-star player by Top Drawer Soccer and ranked as the 74^th best player in the country.

Welcome to GCU Musa Morris Demo from Sandra Day O'Connor! @TopDrawerSoccer #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/Rr4tpfFjaX
— GCU Men's Soccer (@GCU_MSOC) February 3, 2016

Khadim Seye is coming off an appearance in the XV Region Championship this season at Monroe College and in 2014 he was a part of the team that made it all the way to the NJCAA National Championship. In 2014, Seye earned NJCAA All-American honors and was named to the All-Tournament team for his play during the NJCAA tournament. Seye is a native of Senegal and as a central midfielder, he is known his calm demeanor and steady play throughout 90 minutes.

Another member of our @TopDrawerSoccer Class of 2016 is Khadim Seye! A JUCO All-American! #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/xjyaOKpF06
— GCU Men's Soccer (@GCU_MSOC) February 3, 2016

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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