HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College men's soccer coach Paul Leese announced today that Austin Blaschke, Calvin Blaschke, Chris Bordelon, Daniel Perry, Grant Shadwell, Aqib Sharif and Sean Siehl have agreed to play for the Cobras. Austin Blaschke, Shadwell and Sharif enrolled in January at Coker, while the rest of the recruiting class will join the Navy and Yellow in the fall.

"I am very pleased with the level of student-athlete that we have attracted and recruited to play at Coker," said Leese. "Not only are we adding good soccer players, but the leadership and character of this new group will help our program to grow over the next four years. The Coker men's soccer program is now at a level where new players are asked to raise their standards when they join us. We ask them to accept responsibility for team achievement and to represent the program with pride and respect."

Calvin Blaschke is a defender from Tega Cay, S.C., where he attended Fort Mill High School. He lettered three years in soccer and was a member of the 2012 3A state championship team.

"Calvin has a sharp soccer brain and tremendous work ethic," said Leese. "I can see Calvin developing very quickly at Coker, and he is versatile enough to play a number of positions."

Calvin is the son of Bob and Charlene Blaschke.

Bordelon, a midfielder, is from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, La. He lettered four years in soccer, earning all-district honors and winning three district championships.

"Chris is a very creative and skillful player who thrives in a possession-oriented passing team," said Leese. "I believe Chris will grow into a very strong college player and will fit in well with our style of play here at Coker."

Chris is the son of Steven and Geraldine Bordelon.

Perry is a defender from Boiling Springs, S.C., where he attended Landrum High School. A team captain, Perry was also named 1A all-region and team MVP during his four-year career for the Cardinals.

"Daniel is a very aggressive and dynamic defender," said Leese. "I believe Daniel will excel in our tactically strong training environment and become a valuable piece of our back four."

Daniel is the son of Dan and Beth Perry.

Shadwell is a midfielder from Wilson Hall High School in Lexington, S.C. He lettered four years in soccer for Wilson Hall, where he was a four-time all-conference and three-time all-state selection.

"Grant has a tremendous engine and can be a strong presence in our midfield," said Leese. "Being here this spring to develop and familiarize himself with our current players is extremely valuable, and we will see the benefit in the fall."

Grant is the son of Hank and Christina Shadwell.

Sharif, a defender, is from the Qatar International School in Walthamstow, London, UK. He lettered four years in soccer and was the team captain.

"Aqib is a strong defender who reads the game extremely well," said Leese. "He will add leadership and maturity to our back line and will also benefit from establishing himself with our current players during the spring season."

Aqib is the son of Rashid and Beena Sharif.

Siehl hails from Summerville, S.C., where he attended Ashley Ridge High School. A midfielder, Siehl led his team in goals in 2013.

"Sean is another tenacious player who can play multiple positions," said Leese. "His speed and vision will make him a dynamic attacking player."

Sean is the son of Chris and Alicia Siehl.

Release written by sports information graduate assistant Sharod Williams '13.