DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis men's soccer sees all three of its 2023 seniors ascend to the professional ranks after Ethan Hoard, Ryan Dieter, and Sean Bilter signed contracts with clubs this spring. 
 
Hoard signs with the Northern Colorado Hailstorm of USL League One, Dieter will join a former teammate at Monterey Bay FC of the USL Championship, and Bilter recently inked a deal with San Jose Earthquakes II (now known as The Town FC), an MLS Next Pro squad in the East Bay.
 
Hoard earned a roster spot with the Northern Colorado Hailstorm after trialing early in the preseason, scoring five goals in the club's first two preseason matches. Hoard stood out in both the attack and defense for the Aggies, scoring a pair of goals while anchoring one of the league's best defensive units. As a result, Hoard received Second Team All-Big West recognition. He scored eight goals in his collegiate career between UC Davis and Green Bay, showing his ability to find the back of the net. His striking performance was on full display in USL League Two, netting 12 goals in 11 matches for RKC Third Coast in 2023, propelling the team into the playoffs during their debut season.
 
Dieter's arrival at MBFC marks a reunion with his former UC Davis teammate, Max Glasser, who inked a deal with the team last February. Dieter's senior year accolades include an All-Big West Honorable Mention honor after registering a league-best eight assists and during his 20 appearances. Distinguishing himself at the club's January open tryout, Dieter secured a preseason invitation— just one of five extended, yet he stands out as the only prospect without prior connections to the Union's lower-tier team or professional background.
 
Bilter recently signed with MLS Next Pro side, The Town FC, formerly known as San Jose Earthquakes II. The defender was excellent in his five years at UC Davis, proving to be one of the most reliable defenders in the Big West. Making appearances at both right back and center back, Bilter started all 20 matches during his senior campaign and was instrumental to the Aggies' dominant defense. Hailing from Hillsborough, Calif., Bilter was a two-time Big West All-Academic selection and begins his professional career this spring.

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