Five players from Daviess County announced plans to continue their athletic careers at the next level during a joint ceremony at the high school on Wednesday.
Brian Winkler (University of Southern Indiana), Max Miller (Kentucky Wesleyan) and Declan Sandifer (Kentucky Wesleyan) are all continuing their soccer careers. Claire Johnson is attending Brescia University for basketball and Dylan McDuffee is going to Kentucky Wesleyan to play tennis.
Read a short bio and Q&A with each player below.
Brian Winkler, soccer
University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, Indiana
After setting records for the Daviess County this season, he was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America team. Following Winkler’s selection to the All-Region team by the same group, Kentucky high school coaches chose him as the state’s top player for 2018. Winkler’s size and speed was tough to stop, and he could score from nearly anywhere on the field.
Playing at DCHS: It meant a tremendous amount to me to be able to play with such a great group of guys. To have the right coaching to improve myself was important. Being a leader on this team helped me succeed.
Being able to sign: This is a great opportunity to keep doing what I love and advance myself as a person.
Why USI: I went on a tour and I liked the campus. I liked the coaches — it seems like a good fit for me.
Coach Doug Sandifer says: Read Sandifer’s comments on all three soccer players below.
Max Miller, soccer
Kentucky Wesleyan College | Owensboro, Kentucky
Miller made second team all-state and had 17 goals and 20 assists during his senior season. His quickness and ability to get past defenders allowed him to find plenty of openings, and he was key in a dangerous Panther offense.
Playing at DCHS: Playing at Daviess County was a great time. All the success we had really built my character and made me a better person and player.
Being able to sign: Being able to sign to play in college means all my work has paid off.
Why KWC: I wanted to stay local and I already knew the coach. I also have friends who go to KWC and really like to school so it seemed like a good fit.
Coach Doug Sandifer says: Read Sandifer’s comments on all three soccer players below.
Declan Sandifer, soccer
Kentucky Wesleyan College | Owensboro, Kentucky
Sandifer was named honorable mention on the all-state team and had 7 goals and 12 assists during his senior season. He was a threat at both ends of the field, helping with the scoring attack at one end and keeping the ball from getting too deep at the other.
Playing at DCHS: My time at Daviess County was pretty fun. I had a good time. I wasn’t really ready to leave, but I’m excited for the next step in life.
Being able to sign: It’s a great feeling to know that I get to continue playing soccer. This is what I want to be doing.
Why KWC: KWC is really close to home — it’s only five minutes down the road from my house. I wasn’t ready to go anywhere else.
Coach Doug Sandifer says of all three players: I am proud of these guys. They are three very good players. I think they will all do well at the college level. They’ve found places they are comfortable with and I think they all have a chance to contribute early on. You’re always pleased when a player who has done this for so long, no matter what the sport is, gets the opportunity to keep playing. They have invested so many years and so much time, along with their parents, you just want to see that play itself out.
They left a lasting impression, all three of them, in their own way. They were contributors on three very successful teams in the last three years. I’m sure they have made some unforgettable memories over the years.
Claire Johnson, basketball
Brescia University | Owensboro, Kentucky
On a team full of underclassmen, Johnson was steady all season long and helped Daviess County improve throughout the year. She was especially strong from the 3-point line, leading the team with 78 triples.
Playing at DCHS: I really enjoyed my time at Daviess County. I transferred here for my junior and senior years and I really liked it. I had so many opportunities. Basketball here has been a lot of fun.
Being able to sign: It’s an honor to sign with Brescia and to be able to play basketball at the next level.
Why BU: Their educational programs are great and I really like their basketball program. I also wanted to stay close to home. I want to keep developing my game at Brescia.
Coach John Kirkpatrick says: It’s wonderful that Claire is getting the chance to play in college. It speaks volumes about our program and hopefully younger players will be inspired to follow in her footsteps. I’ve been fortunate to coach her for the last season and she is an unbelievable shooter, arguably the best in the region. We are going to miss her on the court, but more than that she is an incredible teammate and a wonderful person.
Dylan McDuffee, tennis
Kentucky Wesleyan College | Owensboro, Kentucky
McDuffee has been with the Panther’s program since fourth grade and was a leading member of the varsity team his entire high school career.
Playing at DCHS: I’m glad I got to play for such great coaches. They helped me learn a lot of new things. It was great to be a part of this program.
Being able to sign: It’s exciting to get to play the next level. I’m excited to keep showing my skills.
Why KWC: Coach Diana Hunter is a really good coach — she used to coach here at Daviess County, I’m excited to play for her.
Coach Jack Etchison says: Dylan has been a big part of the tennis team in the three years I have coached at DC. We have been a young team every year and he has always been a leader, helping the new players adjust to practice and matches. I think he will continue to grow his game at KWC and be an important part of their program as it grows.
