SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's soccer announced the first member of its incoming recruiting class for the 2017-18 school year on Tuesday, Isaac Addai. The center back currently attends Rancho Cucamonga High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

"I chose Santa Clara because the campus is beautiful, the academics are superb and athletics meritable," Addai said. "I didn't see a reason not to choose SCU, also the coaches worked with me very well in the recruiting stage and I appreciated that they were honest from the jump."

At 6-4, Addai is an imposing presence at the back line and is also an aerial threat in the 18-yard box during attacking opportunities. He was named his high school team captain and MVP during his junior and senior years. Addai also earned first team all-conference, all-city and all-district accolades as a junior and senior.

"Isaac has a really athletic build," head coach Cameron Rast said. "He's able to cover ground and he has a presence in the back line. For us, we're looking to add depth there. Isaac will come in and fit the build, we always want to have guys that can physically handle the rigors of the college season and he gives us some great depth there."

Addai holds a school record as a center back, scoring 28 goals in his career including five in his senior season. A true athlete, Addai also played football as a junior and helped his team to a 12-1 record and a trip to the CIF semifinals.

"Another thing I really like about Isaac is he really wants to be challenged and to win," Rast said. "He's understanding that his high school and club are competitive but not at the level he wants to attain.  He wants to push himself. I think he has a good approach and a good mentality for what we want from our guys and that is to be ready to compete everyday. We think Isaac will fit into that mentality."

He also excels in the classroom as a member of the Principal's honor roll who boasts a 4.2 GPA and will graduate cum laude.

Addai comes from a very athletic family including his cousin, Joseph Addai, an NFL running back and Super Bowl winner. Haji Wright, also a cousin of Addai, currently plays in the German Bundesliga as a striker for Shalke 04 and is a member of the U.S. Soccer U-18 squad.

The next future Bronco, Stefano Paolina, will be announced on Feb. 14.

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