Clemson soccer fans, buckle up. Head coach Mike Noonan just unveiled a recruiting class that has promise written all over it.
Seven new Tigers are joining the program: Xander Sevian, Cooper Hineline, Abdou Mane, Seamus Streelman, Augustine Asante, Reid Raintree and Kwaku Agyabeng — and the buzz around campus is electric.
However, perhaps the biggest name that is bringing a lot of buzz to Clemson this fall will be Agyabeng.
Hailing from Kumasi, Ghana, Agyabeng comes to Clemson with a resume that reads like a highlight reel. A star at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, he led his team to two state titles and two national championships. He’s a first-team all-state and all-region talent who also helped Cedar Stars Academy to two national titles.
But what really sets Agyabeng apart is his game. This isn’t just any midfielder — this is a player who can do it all. The Tiger spoke with one of his former teammates from Cedar Stars, Matthew Sarfo, who had nothing but praise for the young star.
“Kwaku is a quality midfielder,” Sarfo said in the interview with The Tiger. “He can play the 6, the 8 or the 10 — whatever the team needs. But at Clemson, I’d expect him to slot in at the 6, especially with Ransford Gyan already holding down the creative role at the 10.”
Agyabeng, as a defensive midfielder, is someone who can break up plays, control the tempo and distribute with precision.
“I chose Clemson because of their outstanding soccer program and the welcoming environment,” he said. “Additionally, their strong academic reputation was a significant factor for me.”
While Agyabeng might grab the headlines, he’s far from the only exciting addition. This recruiting class is loaded with talent.
Another face to know will be Raintree in the midfield. A creative and hard-working midfielder from Aiken, South Carolina, Raintree will bring a big-game mentality. Joining him at the position group are Hineline, a Denver native, and Mane, hailing from Dakar, Senegal, the same city as former MAC Hermann winner with Clemson, Ousmane Sylla.
In the back to help goalkeeper Joseph Andema, Clemson United picked up two prospects. Streelman is the first, an Atlanta native who spent time at Atlanta United Academy before joining the Tigers. Asante is the other defender, coming from Ghana with Agyabeng to follow in the footsteps of several former Clemson standouts that have come from outside the country’s borders.
Sevian is the final recruit that Noonan picked up, coming from Boulder, Colorado. He is a forward who will look to help the team continue their offensive successes over the last few seasons.
“I chose Clemson because of a mix of great coaching, a great team, a beautiful campus, a great school and lastly, good competition and a good environment to grow,” Sevian said.
With a focus on players who fit the Clemson culture of hard work, skill and unselfishness, Noonan is adding depth and versatility that will make this team tough to beat.
“This group of players not only fits our style of play but also exemplifies the values of the Clemson family,” Noonan said. “Each of them brings unique qualities that will make our team better.”
Clemson United is primed for another run at glory. With a supporting cast full of stars in the making, the pieces are falling into place.
The team just got stronger — only time will tell to see how far they can go.
