KANSAS CITY, Mo. – South Carolina men’s soccer player Ethan Ballek has been named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men’s Forwards to Watch list for the 2025 intercollegiate season.
A senior forward, Ballek is coming off a remarkable season where he was drafted by the Nashville Soccer Club No. 66 overall in the MLS SuperDraft. In his first season in Columbia, he was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team, was a Sun Belt All-Conference Second Team pick, and earned Academic All-America Second Team honors.
He started and played in all 17 matches. He finished the regular season with nine goals and five assists for 23 points. Nationally, he finished the regular season ranked 31st in total points, 34th in total goals, 35th in points per game, and 40th in goals per game. His nine goals and 23 points are the most by a player since 2016, while his five assists are the most since 2018. He ranked third in the conference in points, fifth in goals and sixth in assists.
The lists are compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2024 who are scheduled to return for the 2025 season.
Ballek and the Gamecocks host Wofford for an exhibition match Saturday at 7 p.m.
For the latest on men’s soccer, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockMSoccer, Facebook /GamecockMSoccer, and Instagram @GamecockMSoccer.
