Another international addition to the Deacon squad who should contribute immediately...an accomplished veteran who transferred to WFU last spring after playing two years for Division II USC Spartanburg...brings maturity and strong leadership skills...has a great work ethic and knows how to win...still has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
Before WFU: Led USCS to a combined 43-5-0 record in his two years...the Rifles never lost to a Peach Belt Athletic Conference opponent during his time there, winning 20 consecutive games, two regular-season conference titles and two conference tournament crowns...USCS advanced to NCAA Division II Tournament both years as well...started 24 games in '97, tallying eight goals and six assists to earn third-team All-South honors...started 20 matches in '98 and scored three goals as USCS went 23-1 and advanced to the Division II national championship game, losing to Southern Connecticut State 1-0 in the title match...earned first-team All-PBAC and All-South honors in '98...also played with the FC Honka Club of Finland.
Personal: Completed his undergraduate work at USCS in just a year and a half, receiving his degree in interdisciplinary studies in December of '98...enrolled in WFU's graduate program in communication in the spring of '99 and began training with the Deacs...a GTE Academic All-America third-team pick at USCS in '98...a member of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, the Dean's List, and the Chancellor's List at USCS...a Second-Team All-South Region Scholar Athlete in '98...the oldest Demon Deacon at age 23...born 10/12/75...the son of Pentti and Lea Siira of Vantaa, Finland.
