This is a story in a series on local high school athletes signing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the next level.
Daviess County senior defender Carter Hoagland will stay a Panther as he’ll play soccer at Kentucky Wesleyan College next season under coach John Fusco.
Hoagland was a solid force for Doug Sandifer’s defense at Daviess County as the Panthers allowed 19 goals in 19 games during the 2020 campaign.
How does it feel to finally know where you’re going to attend next year and to make it official?
It feels great to have made my decision on where I am going. I have always dreamed of playing soccer in college and love that I get to do so in my hometown.
Why did you choose the school you did?
It felt like home when I went to visit. I was comfortable with the size of the school and to know that I not only get to play for the coach that has known me since I was eight, play with the teammates that I have been playing with for the last several years at Daviess County and I get to be where my family can continue to watch me play.
What stood out about the program and the coaches?
Coach John Fusco knows me and my style of play. I have played for him in United and SportsTutor for many years. Talking to him about the school and the program felt so comfortable like I was home. I have been fortunate enough to play for Coach (Doug) Sandifer, one of the best coaches in the state, and he has taught me a lot about the game and myself. DCHS boys soccer has been a successful program with some amazing soccer players. So many of the guys that I played with at DCHS and United are or will be at KWC. I feel confident we will be a successful and tough team to beat and I am blessed to get to be a part of it.
What are you going to study?
My plan is to study business management at KWC
What are you going to miss about your team and school?
I was lucky enough to be able to play both soccer and football in high school all four years. I will miss both the soccer and football coaches, my teammates and the memories that we made. Especially the bus rides to district, region and state.
