Five Added From Across NAIA
The signings continue with five new additions from the NAIA. After two straight weeks of Division II signings, the Otters now turn to some of the top schools at the NAIA level, looking to continue their tradition of finding top contributors from that level. The group features two outside backs and three attacking players from North Carolina to Nebraska, all coming from teams that made the NAIA Tournament this fall. Fan jersey orders are due THIS SUNDAY! Be sure to get your order in and have it by the Otters home opener on June 1st. You can place your order here or on ottersoccer.com under SHOP!
Ant Cox, LB, Bellevue
The first signing is English wingback, Ant Cox from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. As a true freshman, Cox started in 17 of his 21 appearances, scoring three goals and ten assists. After winning their conference tournament 1–0, Bellevue hosted their regional round of the NAIA Tournament. In the first game, Cox scored a goal in the 30th minute to level the game at 1–1 and then assisted just before halftime on the game winner. In the regional championship, Cox recorded another assist, but the Bruins fell short, losing 2–1 to #18 MidAmerica Nazarene, finishing with a 16–3–2 record.
William Stallworth, D, Montreat
From just over the mountains in North Carolina, William Stallworth joins the Otters after impressing in open tryouts this winter. The Harrogate, Tennessee native just concluded his career with Cavaliers after four seasons. Making 64 appearances and 51 starts, he recorded four goals and six assists. This fall, Stallworth captained the Cavaliers to a winning record in-conference, leading them to a AAC Tournament quarterfinal upset of #14 Milligan University in penalty kicks. Stallworth was named to the AAC All-Tournament Team.
Sebastian Borquez, W, Rio Grande
From Chile, Sebastian Borquez just completed his second season with one of the most prolific programs at the NAIA level. The Chilean attacker made 15 appearances, scoring four goals and four assists. In the 2020–21 season, Borquez started 16 of 18 matches, netting 12 goals and six assists, leading the team in total points and being names the River States Conference Offensive and overall Player of the Year. As a team this fall, the Red Storm went undefeated in conference play, going 17–3–1 before falling in the regional final of the NAIA Tournament.
David Panter, F, Hastings
Another player from a Nebraska school, David Panter will make his way to Johnson City this summer after completing his senior season with the Broncos. In four seasons, Panter played in 76 games tallying 21 goals and 11 assists. In 2019, Panter and the Broncos reached the NAIA National Championship, ultimately falling 3–1 to Central Methodist. The Broncos again qualified for the NAIA Tournament this past fall after winning their conference tournament before bowing out in the first round to 7th ranked Missouri Valley.
Oumar Sissoko, F, Bellevue
Another Bruin to join the Otters is striker Oumar Sissoko. After transferring from Western Nebraska Community College, he scored five goals and five assists last season, before exploding for 17 goals and two assists this past fall, leading the team in all offensive categories. Originally from Mali in West Africa, Sissoko scored seven game-winning goals this fall to lead the Bruins to their second straight NAIA Tournament. In addition to being named the CAC Player of the Year and to the CAC First Team, he was named a Third Team NAIA All-American.
*All signings pending league and federation approval*
If you have missed any previous signings, you can see them all here! For more announcements both on and off the field head over to ottersoccer.com and follow @ottersoccer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! #FearTheFur #Path2Pro
