Men’s Soccer Signs Seven On National Signing Day
11/8/2023
SEATTLE – Washington men’s soccer head coach Jamie Clark welcomes the addition of seven signees on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day. Joining the Huskies as freshman in fall 2024 are Julian Banks, Brecken Bowers, Gabe Fernandez, Alex Hall, Asher Hestad, Gavin Muens and Zach Ramsey.
“This is as talented a group of local players as we have ever recruited,” head coach Jamie Clark said. “These guys are top players, big time students and competitors in everything they do. I couldn’t be more excited about this class and know our team’s future is in good hands with this group as Huskies for the next four years!”
JULIAN BANKS
Edina, Minn. | Edina H.S. | Minnesota United Academy | F
Julian Banks comes to Washington from Edina, Minn. where he played for Minnesota United Academy. With Minnesota United, Banks is the leading scorer with 20 goals for the U17 team.
While at Washington, Banks plans to major in business.
WHY WASHINGTON?
I chose Washington because of the coaching staff, strong academics and their tradition of winning.
COACH CLARK ON JULIAN
Julian is one of the top forwards in the MLS Next league. He’s got a nose for goal, but also the physical tools to hold the ball up and run channels. He’s training at a great MLS club and will be surrounded by top players for the next 6 months which should have him ready to compete from Day 1. His father is a Woodinville HS grad, so we’ll consider him another local recruit!
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Julian Banks is a Husky!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/6o4c8fwNxn
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Rounding out our signing class is Brecken Bowers. Welcome to Washington, Brecken!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/0ANiugR0VJ
BRECKEN BOWERS
Woodinville, Wash. | Inglemoor H.S. | Crossfire | MF
Brecken Bowers makes his way to UW from Woodinville where he played for Crossfire. In 2022, Crossfire was named National Champions.
While at Washington, Bowers plans to major in business. Outside of soccer, Bowers enjoys skiing and surfing.
WHY WASHINGTON?
I chose Washington because of the high academics, great program, beautiful campus, outstanding coaches and former club teammates.
COACH CLARK ON BRECKEN
Brecken is an athletic winger, who has great balance and ability to beat guys off the dribble. He’s both direct and brave, which are attributes that will take him far. We think he’s one of the top attacking players on the west coast and we’re delighted that he’s decided to stay close to home.
GABE FERNANDEZ
Port Orchard, Wash. | South Kitsap | Seattle Sounders Academy | D
Gabe Fernandez joins the Huskies from Port Orchard where he played for PAC Northwest and Seattle Sounders Academy. In 2022, Fernandez and the Sounders were the MLS Western Division Winner and MLS Next Playoff Quarterfinalist. With PAC Northwest, Fernandez was named an ECNL Conference Cup Best XI.
While at Washington, Fernandez plans to major in business. When not playing soccer, he enjoys golfing, surfing and hiking.
WHY WASHINGTON?
UW feels like home and I feel like I belong here. The men’s soccer program is one of the best in the country and I connected very well with the coaching staff and the team. The school supports me academically no matter which major I pick.
COACH CLARK ON GABE
Gabe is one of the most mature left backs in the country. He’s got so much experience and makes the game look easy. He was part of the Sounders organization for years and now plays with PacNW. Gabe will arrive on campus this winter, which will be great as he adapts to the demands of college soccer.
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Gabe Fernandez is officially a Husky!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/XPlbGTWt1Z
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Welcome to Washington, Alex Hall!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/hcgKidE21k
ALEX HALL
Bainbridge, Wash. | Liberty H.S.| PacNW and Seattle Sounders Academy | MF
Alex Hall joins the Huskies from Bainbridge where he plays for the Seattle Sounders Academy. With the academy, Hall won the GA Cup U17. With PacNW, Hall was named First Team All-ECNL and earned a spot in the National Selection Game.
Hall plans on majoring in nutritional sciences while at Washington.
WHY WASHINGTON?
UW has an amazing team atmosphere and coaching staff along with being a great soccer program and academic school.
COACH CLARK ON ALEX
Alex is a special midfielder who see things other players don’t. He can beat players off the dribble, play the final pass and connects the game brilliantly. It will be fun to have Alex on the team and we hope he can unlock some stubborn Big Ten defenses.
ASHER HESTAD
Seattle, Wash. | Lincoln H.S. | Seattle United and Seattle Sounders Academy | D
A local kid from Lincoln High School, Asher Hestad competed on a club level with Seattle United and Seattle Sounders Academy. During his club career, Hestad and team were runners up in the 2023 ECNL National Championship and a two-time Northwest Conference Champion. He was named First Team All-Conference.
At Washington, Hestad plans to major in business.
WHY WASHINGTON?
It has always been my dream to play soccer at UW. The program is among the best, thanks to the awesome coaches and players.
COACH CLARK ON ASHER
Asher is an athletic defender with the ability to play both centrally and as a fullback. He can act as a shut-down defender, but many of his best moments come as he gets into attack. He’s led his Seattle united team to a national championship game, and we hope he can bring that same winning mentality to Montlake.
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Welcome to Washington, Asher Hestad!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/dzg7QeiY7U
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Join us in welcoming Gavin Muens to the Husky family!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/5vtgwW346H
GAVIN MUENS
Gig Harbor, Wash. | Laurel Springs H.S. | 1. FC Schweinfurt | MF
Gavin Muens makes his way to Montlake from Gig Harbor where he played for 1. FC Schweinfurt in Germany. Muens is also a member of the Philippines Senior National Team and part of the U20 and U23 team. He is the second youngest debutant on the senior national team where he earned his first cap versus Jordan.
While at Washington, Muens plans to major in finance. Muens can also speak three languages.
WHY WASHINGTON?
I chose Washington because of the historic soccer program with an amazing coaching staff. The team really feels like a family. I grew up in Washington and it felt right to come home.
COACH CLARK ON GAVIN
Gavin has more international experience than any player we have ever recruited. He’s got full international caps with the Philippine’s national team and has played all over the world in incredible settings. He’s a very talented midfielder with the ability to pull strings, but also works box to box. Gavin will enroll early and we’re excited to start working with him.
ZACH RAMSEY
Redmond, Wash. | Mount Si H.S. | Eastside FC | MF
Zach Ramsey joins the Huskies from across the way in Redmond. With Mount Si High School, he was named the team MVP and was a KingCo First Team selection. On the club level, the team was the Crossfire Challenge and Eastside Cup Champions.
While at Washington, Ramsey plans to major in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Outside of soccer, Ramsey enjoys surfing and beach volleyball.
WHY WASHINGTON?
UW combines excellent academics and athletics, while providing a strong sense of community that I want to be a part of.
COACH CLARK ON ZACH
Zach is a player with so much potential. He can play all over the field, and the hardest part will be figuring out where to use him. He’s a phenomenal athlete, a great competitor and has an unreal left foot. We’re excited to get Zach here as he is going to turn some heads as a Husky!
OFFICIAL ??
— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) November 8, 2023
Join us in welcoming Zach Ramsey to the Husky Family!#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/mS5iVO39UD
For more information on the UW men’s soccer team, follow @UW_MSoccer on X and Instagram.