ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis men's soccer announced its 2025 incoming class today ahead of preseason training, which begins next month.
The 17-man recruiting class consists of four transfers and 13 freshmen. Three of the players joined the program in January and took part in team activities during the spring season.
"We are thrilled to welcome our 2025 recruiting class to Saint Louis," Kalish said. "We are bringing in a group of talented young men who possess both the athletic ability and the character to make a significant impact on our program for years to come. This class represents a great blend of freshmen and incoming transfers comprised of the top players from St. Louis, the United States, and different parts of the world.
"Kevin Stoll, Jack Roberts and Carlos Tofern have done an outstanding job of identifying and recruiting this class to Saint Louis," Kalish said. "These players reflect the pillars of our program: character, teamwork and fighting spirit, and will add to our team culture on and off the field. We believe we've laid a strong foundation for continued success. We are excited to welcome each of them and their families to the Billiken family."
Kavi Badh
Midfielder
Seattle, Wash.
Eastlake
• ECNL North West Conference Champions in 2023-24
• 2025 ECNL Player Of The Year Watchlist 2025
• ECNL National Selection Game Participant in 2025
Kalish on Badh:
"Kavi is a dynamic winger who brings pace and creativity in wide areas. His ability to create space for service and beat defenders in 1v1 moments stood out from the first time we saw him play. Kavi comes from a soccer-rich community in Seattle and we are excited to bring his talents to the Midwest."
Badh on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because it was the perfect balance of a competitive environment and a nurturing place for me to excel both on and off the field!"Â
Kavi Badh Highlight Video
Braden Benyr
Midfielder
Swansea, Ill.
Belleville EastÂ
• St. Louis CITY SC Academy U18 co-captain
• UPSL 2024 National Championship runner-up
• MLS Next Midwestern League champions in 2023
Kalish on Benyr:
"We are thrilled to add Braden to our roster from St. Louis CITY's academy. He is a tenacious competitor and his ability to play multiple roles across the midfield and defense will be invaluable to our team in the years to come. Braden possesses many intangibles that we value – resilience, a growth mindset, and a genuine desire to make those around him better"
Benyr on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because of the soccer culture both here at SLU and in the city of Saint Louis. This, alongside the warmth and friendliness of the people within the program made it feel like home."Â
Quinten Blair
Defender
Shawnee, Kan.
Loyola Chicago
• Loyola Chicago captain in 2024
• Appeared in 47 matches (33 starts) in three years with the Ramblers
• Played in the 2022 A-10 Championship match against the Billikens
Kalish on Blair:
"We always have been extremely impressed with Quinten, when we have played against some quality Loyola teams over his years in Chicago. Â Quinten's blend of defensive stability and technical skill is everything we were looking for in a center back. Â His aerial presence, leadership, and composure on the ball are exactly what we need to solidify our defense for our 2025 team. Quinten is a true competitor, leader, and he knows how to win college soccer games."
Blair on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because it is such a prestigious and professional program that has created a championship culture that I can't wait to contribute to."
JC Cortez
Defender
Ridgewood, N.J.
UCLA
• Played in 34 matches in three seasons at UCLA
• Part of three NCAA Tournament teams with the Bruins
• Also played with NY Red Bulls II and was part of Peru national team youth camps
Kalish on Cortez:
"JC is a versatile left-footed defender who possesses excellent positional awareness, passing ability and a fierce competitive mindset. JC arrived at SLU in January, and from day one led by example with his work ethic and team-first mentality. He will be a fantastic addition to the team and locker room this fall."
Cortez on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because I wanted to be part of their historic legacy. Their culture and supportive environment foster success and competition at the highest level on and off the field. Go Bills!"Â
JC Cortez Highlight Video
Sam Coughlan
Midfielder
Liverpool, England
Carmel College
• Played with the Everton Football Club Academy U8-U18
• First team appearances for Bury Football Club
Kalish on Coughlan:
"Sam is a playmaking midfielder who possesses exceptional vision and passing range. He understands the game at a high level, has great tactical intelligence, and his composure and quality on the ball will help us control games this fall."Â
Coughlan on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because of its historic program and the culture of the sport in Saint Louis. From the first call I had with the coaching staff, I knew that I wanted to be part of this team and represent this crest."
Kyle Deming
Goalkeeper
Rockford, Mich.
Rockford
• All-District and All-Conference goalkeeper at Rockford High School 2024-25
• Career-long club captainship with SCOR Muelensteen where he won a state title and was ranked No. 1 in the state
Kalish on Deming:
"Kyle is precisely the type of individual we want in our program – hardworking, dedicated, and a true team player who will positively impact our environment. His commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with our program's philosophy."
Deming on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU for the incredible culture they've created both on the field and off the field, as well as the immense success the program has had historically!"Â
Kyle Deming Highlight Video
Jack DiMaria
Midfielder
St. Louis, Mo.
SLUH
• Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2025 Top 200 Recruit
• Made CITY 2 debut vs. North Texas SC 2025
• MLS Next Midwestern League champions in 2023
• MLS Next Cup Semifinalist in 2022
Kalish on DiMaria:
"Jack is a hard working, two-way player with the ability to cover ground at a high level and impact games with the ball at his feet. He reminds us a lot of his father, Billiken great Jeff DiMaria, with his quality, tenacity and never-say-die attitude. He has gained tremendous experience with St. Louis CITY 2 and we believe he will help us raise trophies over his time at SLU."
DiMaria on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU for its great athletic program and excellent academics. When I toured SLU I could tell how close the team was and how motivated everyone within the program is to win another national championship."
Theo Franca
Forward
Nova Lima, Brazil
SAI Academy
• Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2025 Top 200 Recruit
• Made MLS Next Pro Debut for Orlando City B, 2022
Kalish on Franca:
"We are thrilled to add Theo to our attack this year. He is a clinical finisher with an incredible nose for goal. Theo plays with pace, power and a directness that will add a new dimension to our attacking group. Our entire staff is eager to begin working with him."
Franca on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"As I learned more about the program at SLU it became clear that it would be an amazing place for me to take the next steps in my career. I am excited to play in a place that truly cares about soccer!"Â
Theo Franca Highlight Video
Kai Jaeger
Defender
St. Louis, Mo.
Kirkwood
• Top Drawer Soccer Class of 2025 Top 200 Recruit
• Made CITY 2 debut vs. North Texas SC 2025
• MLS Next Midwestern League champions in 2023
• UPSL 2024 National Championship runner-up
Kalish on Jaeger:
"We are delighted to have Kai joining our program from St. Louis CITY's academy. He is a wide back who has all the traits that we look for in this position: athleticism, an elite 1v1 defender, and has a relentless energy to join attacks. Kai will be a great addition to our locker room."
Jaeger on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because it felt like home the second I stepped foot in the locker room. The coaches and players made me feel very special and I can't wait to get started. "
Sam Kalish
Midfielder
St. Louis, Mo.
Lafayette
• Second-team All-State selection at Lafayette HS
• Two-time ECNL Heartland Conference champion with St. Louis Scott Gallagher
• Son of SLU Head Coach Kevin Kalish
Kalish on Kalish:
"Sam will be joining us after playing his youth career for St. Louis Scott Gallagher. He will be a fantastic addition to our team culture over the next four years. Sam's positivity, leadership qualities, and selfless approach will add to our daily training environment. He is a very intelligent player who excels with his left-footed distribution and set-piece delivery."
Kalish on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because I want to be part of the great culture within the program and everything that playing soccer at SLU represents."
Carter Knodle
Defender
St. Louis, Mo.
Marquette
• 2024-25 St. Louis CITY Academy Captain
• MLS NEXT Cup playoffs with St. Louis CITY SC in 2024
• UPSL 2024 National Championship runner-up
• MLS Next Midwestern League champions in 2023
Kalish on Knodle:
"We are incredibly excited about Carter joining us from St. Louis CITY's academy. As a center back, he brings a calm but commanding presence, strong aerial ability, and the composure on the ball to initiate our attacks from the back. Carter's dedication to academic success and strong character make him an ideal student-athlete for our program."
Knodle on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I joined SLU to be surrounded by a coaching staff that will help me develop into the best person and player that I can be! I am excited to be part of a recruiting class that will proudly represent Saint Louis."
Jacksen McNeal
Defender
St. Louis, Mo.
Parkway West
• MLS NEXT Cup playoffs with St. Louis CITY SC in 2024
• UPSL 2024 National Championship runner-up
• MLS Next Midwestern League champions in 2023
Kalish on McNeal:
"Jacksen is a tenacious center back from St. Louis CITY's academy. Jacksen has great potential as a player, but also brings a contagious energy and strong leadership presence into our locker room. He will contribute significantly to the unity and spirit of our team during his time at SLU."
McNeal on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because of the winning culture that the program has, and the positivity and welcoming spirit that the team and coaches bring as a whole."
Xavi O'Neil
Midfielder
Herndon, Va.
Boston College
• Appeared in 32 games and totaled nine points (2G, 5A) in two years at Boston College
• ACC All-Freshman team in 2023
• Played club for DC United and Loudoun United
Kalish on O'Neil:
"Xavi is a true game-changer in the attacking third. He thrives in 1v1 situations with his explosive dribbling, relentless attacking mindset, and special quality around the goal. Xavi will be a constant threat for opposition defenders to deal with and will be an exciting player to watch this fall."
O'Neil on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because of the strong team culture and values, I'm confident that I'll not only grow as a player but as a person too."Â
Xavi O'Neil Highlight Video
Abdoul Karim Paré
Forward
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Marquette
• Scored 10 goals across 50 appearances (three seasons) at Marquette
• All-Freshman team at LSU Shreveport
• Attended and played soccer at Hartpury College in England
Kalish on Pare:
"Karim is a proven attacking player who has already produced goals and assists on a consistent basis in college soccer. He is a creative winger who loves to run at defenders with speed and skill, and his tireless workrate on both sides of the ball is a standout attribute."
Pare on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose Saint Louis because of the soccer culture they have. It is a place with a proven record of preparing players to play at the next level, while winning championships on the way."Â
Karim Pare Highlight Video
Luke Ponciroli
Mifielder
St. Louis, Mo.
Chaminade
• Two-time United Soccer Coaches first-team All-Region
• Team captain with St. Louis Scott Gallagher ECNL U19
Kalish on Ponciroli:
"Luke is a tough, combative central midfielder who has played for two former Billikens, Tim Sartori at Chaminade and Brad Davis at St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Luke excels at breaking up play, winning aerial duals and transitioning quickly from defense to attack. His competitive nature and winning mentality are traits that will add to our championship culture at SLU."
Ponciroli on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU for its top-tier health programs, and for a soccer culture built on family, discipline, and a winning mindset."
Nick Schramm
Midfielder
St. Louis, Mo.
CBC
• St. Louis CITY UPSL national finalists
• Made CITY 2 debut vs. Ventura County FC
• MLS Next Midwestern League champions in 2023
Kalish on Schramm:
"Nick is a true midfield engine. His ability to cover ground, win tackles, and distribute the ball with precision will be a huge asset in controlling the tempo of our games. Nick is comfortable with both feet, can play in different systems, and will provide us with options all over the pitch. He is also the kind of teammate that everyone wants to play with."
Schramm on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because being from St. Louis I want to be able to represent my hometown alongside coaches and players who are proud to represent St. Louis too."
Marcus Steinhaeuser
Goalkeeper
Davie, Fla.
Archbishop McCarthy
• Played club with Inter Miami CF
Kalish on Steinhaeuser:
"Marcus is a modern goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, but also possesses exceptional shot-stopping ability and a commanding presence in his box. His communication and organization of the backline are already at a high level and will only continue to develop during his time at SLU."
Steinhaeuser on why he chose Saint Louis:Â
"I chose SLU because of its top soccer program and its history of winning titles. SLU also offered me coaches who I can strongly trust and a great business program as well."
