OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has announced the signings of Cyprian Hedrick, Kyle Miller and Nate Shiffman, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today.
Hedrick is a native of Duala, Cameroon, and has played professionally with Phoenix FC (USL PRO) and Sporting Kansas City (MLS), while also having played for the Fresno Fuego (PDL).
“Cyprian is extremely athletic,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “He’s returned from his injury stronger. I expect, that along with his hunger, will bring him an even better season this year.”
Hedrick was selected as the 30th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Sportking KC. He played at San Jacinto State Junior College from 2008-09 before transferring to Coastal Carolina to finish his collegiate career from 2010-11.
Hedrick appeared in 59 games for Coastal Carolina, registering six goals and one assist as a defenseman. The Chanticleers went 18-4-0 in 20011 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship.
He was named to the 2011 NCAA Men’s Division I All-South Atlantic Team by the NSCAA and first-team All-Big South. He also earned Big South Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named to the 2011 NSCAA Men’s Collegiate Scholar All-American first team. He was an All-Region honorable mention honoree at San Jacinto.
Miller, a native of Overland Park, Kan., appeared in seven MLS Reserve League matches for Sporting Kansas City during the 2012 season.
“I know Kyle hasn’t played very many games over the last couple of years,” Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen said. “But, I know he will develop. He’s a very professional and hard-working guy. I look forward to help him further his development.”
Miller had Sporting KC’s game-tying goal in an international friendly against Stoke City FC, and also made an appearance in an international friendly against Monpellier Herault SC.
Miller was drafted in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft and is a former member of the Sporting Kansas City juniors youth academy and attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School before playing collegiately at Rockhurst University.
“I am extremely excited to continue my career with Energy FC,” Miller said. “I’d like to thank Jimmy Nielsen and the Energy FC organization for giving me the chance to be a part of the first team in Energy FC history. I look forward to playing their inaugural season, and I’m excited to meet my teammates, staff and fans in Oklahoma City. I cannot wait to get to work.”
Miller appeared in 80 matches in his collegiate career, recording three goals and seven assists, and enjoyed a standout senior season in 2011 that saw him receive recognition including all-conference, all-Midwest and all-America honors.
He anchored a Hawks' defense which allowed only seven goals during the 2011 season, fewest in the nation, and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.
Shiffman, a native of Midlothian, Va., played midfielder four years at Virginia Commonwealth University. He was captain his senior year for the Rams and started 22 matches. Shiffman had five assists on the year and was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Tournament team.
Shiffman was also captain his junior year and started in 21 matches with two assists. As a sophomore he scored a goal and had a pair of assists in 19 games and had one assist in eight games played as a freshman.
Shiffman started all 12 matches for the RVA Football Club during the 2013 season. He had four assists for a team that won the national championship. He previously played for the PDL’s Frederickburg Hotspurs and earned a nomination to the PDL National Team of the Week.
“Nate caught our eye at the InfoSport combine with his consistent and hard-working performances,” said Energy FC Assistant Coach Chris Spendlove. “After further exploring his background as a player and person, we heard nothing but praise in his ability, attitude and hunger to play at the next level. He is very technically gifted, fit and has the versatility to play in numerous positions across the midfield. We are excited to have Nate on board and confident he will become an integral member of our squad this season.”
Shiffman played club soccer for the Virginia Rush U-19 team that won the Virginia State Cup. He was co-captain of the U18 Richmond Strikers Development Academy team and won various awards and honors, including being named a Top Drawer Player to Watch.
Shiffman prepped at James River High School and was co-captain of the varsity team and two-time most valuable player and two-time assists leader. He was named Dominion District Player of the Year and was a three-time All-Dominion District first team honoree and all-academic team selection. He was named all-central region second team and all-academic team twice. He was also a two-time Richmond Times Dispatch second team all-metro honoree.
Season tickets for OKC Energy FC are available by calling the Energy FC office at 405-235-KICK (5425). Fans are encouraged to act quickly. Seats in the prime areas are being purchased quickly.