OREM — Utah Valley University men's soccer head coach Kyle Beckerman has announced the signings of Emile Rzepecki (Coastal Carolina/France), Keegan Oyler (Oregon State), Aden Mills (Marshall), Zach Lifferth (Snow College), Joon Han (RSL Academy), and Trevor Walk (Herriman HS) to National Letters of Intent to play for the Wolverines. All six are enrolling early and joining the team this Spring. 

Rzepecki, a midfielder, played four seasons at Coastal Carolina, where he appeared in 59 games with 43 starts. Rzepecki scored five goals and assisted on five others over his time with the Chanticleers. A native of Belfort, France, Rzepecki trained as a youth at the FC Sochaux Academy in nearby Montbéliard and spent time with FC Sochaux B in the French fourth tier. Rzepecki was selected eight times for the French youth national teams and made five appearances for Les Bleuets.

BECKERMAN ON RZEPECKI:

"We're happy Emile chose to play his final year of eligibility with us here at UVU. He's an intelligent player who fits anywhere in our midfield within our diamond system. His biggest strengths are his technical ability whether that's playing one or two touch or dribbling into space or out of tight areas. He also has a good range of passing and can provide our forwards with more service behind the opposing back line. His experience in the college game and youth national teams with France will help our group achieve our ambitions this fall."

Oyler, a defender, spent two seasons at Oregon State, where he redshirted the 2021 season and appeared in three games during the 2022 campaign. Oyler prepped at Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho, where he was named first team All-State and first team All-SIC. Oyler's club experience came with the Boise Timbers, helping lead them to the State Cup title six times. Oyler was a dual-sport athlete in high school, also running track. He earned All-American honors in track and finished fourth in the 800m at the 2015 Junior Olympics.

BECKERMAN ON OYLER:

"Keegan brings the experience of having been involved with a top program in the country in Oregon State. There's no doubt in my mind he's grown as a person and player in that environment and I expect Keegan to really push himself here with us in Utah. Keegan can play several different positions because of his size and athleticism. I'm looking forward to working with Keegan and watching his progress and development."

Mills, a goalkeeper, hails from Hagerstown, Maryland. He redshirted the 2022 season at Marshall, who reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Mills prepped two seasons apiece at South Hagerstown HS and WCPS Technical HS. Mills is a two-time All-County honoree and was named first team All-State as a senior in 2021. Mills won the 2021 Dallas Cup with the Baltimore Armour, who are part of the MLS Next league. 

BECKERMAN ON MILLS:

"Aden comes to us from Marshall, one of the top programs in the country. He brings a very good mentality of work and being a great teammate I was impressed with Aden during the recruiting process by his maturity and desire to be the best he can be. I expect him and all of our keepers to challenge for that number one spot and continue to grow and develop."

Lifferth, a forward, spent three seasons at Snow where he started 44 games. Lifferth scored 24 career goals, with a team-leading 12 coming in 2022. Lifferth scored the game-winner to clinch the SWAC title for Snow, was named the Region 18 MVP, and was a two-time first team All-SWAC honoree.

BECKERMAN ON LIFFERTH: 

"Zach had a fantastic year at Snow College and we couldn't ignore what he achieved this past season. He had offers from some of the top programs around the country. We want to help Zach achieve that sort of success here in The Den, so we are thrilled he's here early in spring so he can adapt to our system and our way of playing. I have no doubt Zach can do it because he's a hard worker who fits our mentality. I'm looking forward to seeing Zach develop and contribute to our goals."

Han, a midfielder from Orem, spent the last four years playing for the Real Salt Lake Academy in Herriman, where he was part of the Academy's highly successful U15 and U17 squads from 2019-2022. Prior to RSL Academy, Han's prior club experience included stints with Utah Soccer Alliance, Sparta, Forza, and Rangers. 

BECKERMAN ON HAN:

"Joon is very technical, intelligent, and competitive. Joon can play anywhere in our midfield. I'm happy he's come early to develop himself physically before the fall. I feel we have a good mix of experience and youth in our team and Joon is someone who can learn and grow from playing with some of our older players. Joon has a bright future and I'm excited to watch him grow."

Walk, a forward from South Jordan, prepped at Herriman High School. Walk scored nine goals and assisted on four more to lead the Mustangs to the Utah 6A state championship in 2022. Walk was named 2022 Utah Gatorade Player of the Year. He is the fifth Wolverine to be named Utah Gatorade Player of the Year, joining former Wolverines Lucas Cawley, Thomas Loomis, Aidan Dayton and Carter Johnson.

BECKERMAN ON WALK:

"I am happy to add a local Utah talent in Trevor - developed and coached by Sean Angeletti like several of our local guys from years past. Trevor possesses size, speed, athleticism, and solid technical ability. He can score in a number of different ways and his high intelligence allows him to adapt in different positions. I am really happy to add Trevor to this program because of his ability and potential.  I expect Trevor to develop quite a bit this spring learning how to play our way and adapting to the physicality and speed of college soccer."