Olliver Inks Seven in Early Signing Period

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College head men's lacrosse coach David Olliver announced the signing of Ryan Bass, Curtis Bledsoe, Chris Hagy, Justin Hopkins, Logan Thibodeau, Joe Venazio, and Stephen Sperbeck to the 2017-18 roster.

Bass is a defenseman from Austin, Texas, where he attends McNeil High School. On the field, he is a four-year member of the men's lacrosse team, a D2 All-State defenseman, and a captain for McNeil High School. He is the son of TJ and Kim Bass.

"Ryan is a heck of a defender and possesses an athletic ability that allows him to play out in space or in tight," said Olliver. "We are very excited about Ryan joining us and we know he has the ability to make an immediate impact once he steps on campus."

Bledsoe is a long stick midfielder from Culpeper, Va., where he attends Culpeper County High School. On the field, he is a captain for the Culpeper County High School men's lacrosse team. Off the field, he is an AB Honor Roll student and a member of the National Honor Society.

"Curtis is another athletic defender with the ability to play up as a long stick midfielder or down at close defense," states Olliver. "His versatility makes him a weapon at our disposal."

He is the son of Mark and Kim Bledose. He plans on majoring in business.

Hagy is a goalie from Bel Air, Md., where he is a two-sport athlete at Bel Air High School, lettering in men's lacrosse and men's volleyball. On the field, he is a 2016 First Team All-County goalie and 2016 First Team UCBAC goalie.

"Chris has impressed us since day one between the pipes," said Olliver. "His IQ and ability to communicate are uncanny. We are looking forward to him helping out our defense over the next four years."

He is the son of Bob and Kris Hagy. He plans on majoring in marketing.

Hopkins is a long stick midfielder for the North Gwinnett High School Bulldogs. The Sugar Hill, Ga. native is a First Team All-County selection and collected 98 ground balls during his junior campaign. He is the son of Tommy and Jodie Hopkins.

"Justin is a terror between the lines harassing opposing teams midfielders nonstop," states Olliver. "Not only can Justin defend, but he is an offensive threat which allows us to continue to play fast and take advantage of transition opportunities."

Thibodeau is a midfielder for the Carolina Forest High School Panthers. The Conway, S.C. native led the Panthers to the playoffs. He is he son of Roger and Greens Thibodeau. He plans to major in business.

"The ceiling for Logan is unimaginable and he has shown the willingness to reach for the stars in order to grow his game," said Olliver. "With natural size, a hard shot, and lacrosse flowing through his veins, Logan will be a fun kid to watch."

Venazio is an attackman from Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he attends Carolina Forest High School. On the field, he earned First Team All Lower State and All Grand Strand MVP. He is the son of Joe and Tanya Venazio. He plans to major in exercise science.

"Having worked with Joe in various teams and camps, I knew he was going to be a special player," states Olliver. "He has worked his tail off to be in the position he is in."

Sperbeck is a midfielder from Socastee High School. "Stephen is a coaches best friend and will do everything asked of him the hardest he can," said Olliver. "We are looking forward to Stephen being a steady two way midfielder for his time at Coker and showing future South Carolina lacrosse players that there is a place for you if you put the work in."