Courtesy of Paul Gornowski, Holy Family SID

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Holy Family University men's soccer head coach Michael Bradby has announced the signings of five players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Bradby bolstered his front-line and midfield with the additions of forward/midfielder Seydou Ba, midfielder Jeffrey Wimsey, forward Kyle Bobiy and midfielder Anthony Crouchelli. Holy Family also signed goalkeeper Mark Ferretti.

"The talent level of these players is extremely high," said Bradby. "As a staff, we are very excited about this class. They will compliment the 2008 class very well. These players are athletically gifted on the pitch and academically strong in the classroom."

Ba comes to Holy Family after two seasons at Manor Junior College in Jenkintown, Pa. In his time at Manor, Ba tallied 47 goals, including a school record 29 in 2007, and 13 assists. During his first season, Ba helped Manor win the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference and the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association championships.

At John Bartram High School, Ba had 35 goals and 14 assists in two seasons. He was an All-State first team player.

"Seydou is player who can win you championships," said Bradby. "He is a very gifted soccer  player who is a game changer. His size, power and ability to score goals are all qualities that we are excitied about."

Wimsey is a decorate player coming out of Father Judge High School. As a senior, Wimsey earned All-State first team, All-Southeastern Pennsylvania first team, All-Catholic League first team and Philadelphia Catholic League MVP honors. He was also named the player of the year by the News Gleaner and the Philadelphia Old Timers Association. In 2007, he helped Father Judge win the Catholic League championship and was named All-Catholic League first team. Wimsey was tabbed to the All-Catholic League team as a sophomore.

"Jeffrey is a central midfielder whose size, skill level and soccer knowledge are components that make his a rare player who will immediately make his teammates better," praised Bradby. "He is calm under pressure and has the ability to take over the game. He is a true leader who will take this program to another level."

Bobiy played along side Wimsey at Father Judge. He was named All-Catholic League twice, including a first team selection as a senior. In two seasons, he recorded 28 goals and 15 assists. Bobiy was a member of the 2007 Catholic League championship team.

"We see Kyle as a quality target player who will help us maintain possession of the ball," stated Bradby. "He is a talented player who plays within himself. Kyle is an opportunistic goal-scorer with the ability to change the outcome of games. His winning attitude and drive to succeed will make his a valuable player to our program."

Crouchelli had a phenomenal career as a four-year started at New Milford High School in New Jersey. In his senior year, he led the Bergen County Soccer League (BCSL) in scoring with 31 goals. Crouchelli was an All-New Jersey North 1, Group 1, All-Bergen County and All-BCSL Olympic Conference first team pick. He was also named the BCSL MVP. Crouchelli was an Adidas All-Metro Region All-American and one of ESPN Rise Magazine's Top 50 Players in New Jersey.

In his junior season, Crouchelli tallied 15 goals and a county-high 27 assists. He was All-New Jersey North 1, Group 1 second team, All-Bergen County honorable mention, All-BCSL Olympic Conference first team and the BCSL Co-MVP.

"Anthony is a player who is extremely skillful and brings the element of speed to the midfield," remarked Bradby. "He is technically sound and very versatile, and has the unique ability to consistently break down defenders and serve a very dangerous ball from the flank."

Ferretti was Ba's teammate at Manor Junior College last season. He was an All-Olympic Conference first team pick and team MVP at Paul VI High School, where he started in goal for three seasons.

"Mark is a goalkeeper who will make the big save when called upon," said Bradby. "His size, command of the area, leadership skills, competitiveness, and athleticism immediately caught our attention. Mark is fundamentally and technically sound as any goalkeeper as I have seen."

These five will join a group of 12 freshmen from the 2008 team to build a very young core. Last season, Holy Family went 9-12-1 overall and reached the championship game of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship Tournament for the second consecutive year.