The Federal Way school district has long been a hotbed for some of the best soccer players in the state. This year’s senior class is no different.
Decatur’s Dom Dismuke and Beamer’s Austin Sweeney both inked their national letters of intent last week to play at a pair of Division-I soccer programs. Dismuke, a striker, signed with the University of Washington and Sweeney, a midfielder, will play across town at Seattle University.
Both Dismuke and Sweeney were two of 14 players on the Seattle Sounders FC 18-under Academy Team to sign to play college soccer. The National Letter of Intent signing period began on Feb. 1.
“We are very proud of the student athletes in the Sounders FC Academy program,” said Darren Sawatzky, the Director of Youth Development and a former Jefferson grad and coach. “The Letter of Intent day is an exciting time for these boys considering the hard work and focus they have spent in the classroom and on the field. We wish all the players the very best and look forward to watching their progress.”
Dismuke is ranked the No. 7 player in the Western United States by TopDrawerSoccer.com. During his junior season, he led the Gators with 14 goals, five assists and four multi-goal games. Dismuke currently leads the Sounders U-18 Academy Team and the Northwest Academy Division with 11 goals.
“I grew up watching UW play and it’s always been my No. 1 school,” Dismuke said. “Once I came on my visit, I fell in love with the campus and all of the facilities. It’s just a great place to play and get your education.”
The Huskies finished the 2011-12 season with a 12-4-2 record and were 7-3-0 in the Pac-12 Conference, barely missing out on a berth into the NCAA Tournament.
“In our opinion, Dom is the best senior forward in the state,” said Washington head coach Jamie Clark said. “He has the ability to stretch defenses with his pace, but also has very good feet and has a nose for goal. He is one of the top scorers in the academy league at the half way point in the season and I’m sure he will continue to find the net for the rest of this season and in seasons to come.”
While Dismuke is a natural at putting the ball in the net, Sweeney is more of a set-up man.
The central midfielder has put together a stellar career at Beamer. As a junior, he totaled eight goals and seven assists and took a bulk of the Titans’ corner and free kicks.
Seattle University finished up just 2-13-2 in the rugged Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, which includes programs like New Mexico, Air Force and San Jose State.
The Redhawks are hoping to turn things around next year after hiring Pete Fewing as the new head coach recently. Fewing was the head coach at Seattle U from 1988 through the 2005 season, when he accumulated a record of 220-125-26 (.628) during his 18 seasons at the helm. He led Seattle U to the 1997 NAIA National Championship and the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to return to Seattle University,” Fewing said. “My goal is to build the program to winning conference championships and competing in the NCAA Tournament.”
Sweeney will join Thomas Jefferson graduate Tyler Hanson on the Redhawks’ roster. Hanson started 11 matches during his junior year and had 11 shots for Seattle.
