Sterling, Va. — Dominion High School rising senior goalkeeper Ian Whitfield has committed to continue his academic and soccer career at Ithaca College starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
“During my college search I was looking for two things,” the 5-foot-10 Whitfield said. “First off, I wanted to go to a program that wins, and Ithaca did that as they went 14-2-4 last year. It’s still a team that’s growing too as the coach has only been there for two years, so it has a very bright future. Secondly, I wanted to go to a school that has a very strong journalism and broadcast program and Ithaca has one of the top broadcast journalism programs in the nation.”
[adrotate banner=”29″]Ithaca College is led by head coach Kyle Dezotell, who has been leading the team for the past two years, and is assisted by Garret Eldridge. Along with the 14-2-4 overall record last season, the DIII Bombers posted a 5-2-2 mark in conference. Dezotell led Ithaca to the Liberty League Championship game in 2018, but finished as runner up against St. Lawrence. The team finished its non-conference slate with a 7-0-1 record, a new season best for the program.
“I’m a force in the box and I know that’s why I was recruited by Ithaca,” said Whitfield, who was named first team All-LoCo in 2019. “I will have some major shoes to fill as I will be stepping in to play behind a reigning All-American Max Lichtenstein, and I’m hoping I can bring the same level of play as he has in his time, if not even more.”
Whitfield started his college search by attending many college showcases and events beginning when he was in eighth grade. He has been able to travel all over the nation during this process.
Playing soccer for Dominion has allowed Whitfield to represent his school as well as improve as a team player. Whitfield has one more season left at Dominion before he takes his talents to New York. The Titans carried a 6-5-6 record during their 2018- 2019 season, finishing fourth in the Dulles District.
“I play soccer because it’s what makes me truly happy,” said Whitfield, who plays travel for Loudoun Soccer. “I enjoy stepping out on the pitch and competing with teammates and against opposing teams every week, and I love the community that I’m surrounded by through the game as well.”
