ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men’s soccer team has added two more members to its incoming 2014 recruiting class as announced on Monday, July 7, by head coach Chris Little. Defender Jared Bishop (Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta High School) and midfielder Josh Ruckdeschel (Auckland, New Zealand/Manatee High) will join the Phoenix this fall, giving the maroon and gold seven first-year players for the 2014 season.
“We’re very excited to add both Jared and Josh to our program as the latest members of our signing class,” said Little. “Both Jared and Josh comes to us from some great clubs in GSA and the Clearwater Chargers, respectively. Jared is an athletic center-back with good presence and leadership qualities from the backline while Josh is skillful left-footed wide player who provides good delivery on crosses and can score goals. As we move forward into the Colonial Athletic Association, these young men will help us going against the high quality competition of the league.”
Jared Bishop | 6-0 | 170 | Defender/Center back | Alpharetta High School | GSA Phoenix 97 Red
Prep/Club Team Honors
• Played on his club team under head coaches Bruno Kalonii and Nuno Piteira
• Two-time Georgia State Cup Champions with club team (2012, 2014)
• 2013 Region III Champions
• Led high school team to first winning season
Personal: Son of Thomas and Felicia Bishop…Father played football at the University of Alabama…Intends to major either in engineering or physical therapy.
Why Jared chose Elon: “I chose Elon because it has a great history for academic excellence as well as an outstanding soccer program. On my visit to Elon, it felt like a place I could call home and I knew it was the right place for me to be. I knew at Elon I would be surrounded by great people that would help and encourage me to succeed.”
Josh Ruckdeschel | 6-1 | 175 | Midfielder | Auckland, New Zealand | Manatee High School | Chargers USDA
Prep/Club Team Honors
• Played under head coach Roberto Lopez on his club team
• Played under head coach Marc Jones in high school
• Academy Top 150 Player Pool
• Top 25 Regional Ranking on club team
• Region ODP Champion
Personal: Son of William and Ayako Ruckdeschel…Is currently undecided on a major.
Why Josh chose Elon: “I chose Elon to further my aspirations both academically and athletically as it offers both these qualities through an exceptional tertiary system and a highly ranked soccer program. Elon also has a gorgeous campus and a great community environment in which I know I can be successful in.”