BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team and head coach Aaron Champenoy announced their finalized signing class of 2024, which sees 16 new faces set to join the program for the 2024 season this fall.
 
Of the incoming class, 12 enter directly from high school, while four players transfer in with previous college experience. Three players join from Montana high schools, with two from the Billings area. Meanwhile, four recruits join the Yellowjackets from outside the United States, coming from Canada, Germany, and Japan.
 
Aaron Baffour
Forward
Anchorage, Alaska
D'Youville University
Intended Major: Accounting
 
Baffour joins the Yellowjackets after beginning his collegiate career at D'Youville University, where he previously competed in two seasons. A 6-1 forward from Anchorage, Alaska, Baffour competed in 11 games in his freshman season in 2022, starting eight times and scoring a pair of goals in 705 minutes. He followed that up with one goal in 13 matches in 2023 as D'Youville transitioned to a DII program, playing a total of 1141 minutes. Prior to signing to play at D'Youville, Baffour spent his high school career at Service High School in Anchorage, where he was an All-Region and All-Conference selection in each of his three seasons, along with helping to guide his team to a State Championship.
 
Baffour on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB due to a lot of great factors about the school such as it being in the state I was born in and where my mom finished her schooling. It felt like everything coming full circle and was a great fit for me to continue my academic and athletic career."
 
Aidan Benton
Defender
Billings, Montana
Billings West High School
Intended Major: Business
 
Benton becomes a Yellowjacket after playing four seasons of soccer at Billings West, lettering three times in his time under head coach Luke Ashmore. Primarily featuring as an outside back, the Billings native was an All-Conference selection one time, while earning Academic All-State honors three times. Benton, who also earned National Honor Society honors, also participated in three years of basketball, and one season of track and field.
 
Benton on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB as when I went for my visit, I felt very welcome and enjoyed the team culture the players had. MSUB has a great coach staff and I like their style of play and approach to the game. I look forward to continuing to grow as a player and student-athlete in my hometown."
 
Matteo Bosch
Midfielder
Thunder Bay, Canada
St. Ignatius High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Bosch played his high school soccer at St. Ignatius High School, participating in three seasons of soccer. A team captain for the Falcons, he helped to guide his team to back-to-back High School Provencial Championships. Bosch was also selected as his team's MVP in 2023, while making the honor roll in every year of high school. Bosch also was a captain for his club team, leading the Thunder Bay Chill U17 program in both goals and assists the past two seasons, while making his debut for the USL2 team at just 17 years old.
 
Bosch on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because, after speaking with Coach Champenoy, I recognized there was a strong culture throughout the university and a plan to keep moving the soccer program forward with a winning mentality. Educationally, MSUB had the program I was looking for, and the campus and surrounding area are beautiful."
 
Zack Browning
Forward
Ogden, Utah
Tacoma Community College
Intended Major: Business
 
Browning joins the Yellowjackets after two seasons of collegiate soccer experience, playing one season at Monmouth College before spending the last year at Tacoma Community College. In 2022 at Monmouth, Browning played 560 total minutes, starting six times in 11 games, and attempting eight shots, putting three attempts on goal. He followed that up with an impressive season at Tacoma Community College, earning NWAC All-Star Honorable Mention honors after scoring nine goals and three assists during 2023. Browning attempted 22 shots, placing 15 attempts on goal, and totaled 21 points after playing in 19 games, making 15 starts. Prior to his collegiate career, Browning played four seasons of high school soccer at Ogden High School, earning academic honors and being selected as a team captain.
 
Browning on choosing MSUB: "One of the primary factors influencing my decision to choose MSUB is their soccer program. I have done thorough research and found that MSUB has a strong reputation for its soccer team, and I am eager to be a part of it. Coach Champenoy's vision and plans for both me and the program were particularly inspiring. In our discussions, Coach Champenoy outlined his strategies for enhancing the team's performance and fostering a culture of success. His dedication to player development and commitment to achieving excellence resonated with me. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the team and working collaboratively towards our shared goal of winning the GNAC. Being closer to my home state of Utah was also an important factor for me, as it allowed my family to support me more easily and attend my games regularly. Additionally, I am an avid skier, and the proximity of mountains in the area presents exciting opportunities for me to pursue my passion outside of soccer. The combination of a supportive community, access to outdoor activities, and a thriving soccer program makes MSUB an ideal choice for me to continue my soccer career while furthering my academic pursuits."
 
Davis Cameron
Midfielder
Durango, Colorado
Durango High School
Intended Major: Business
 
Cameron joins the 'Jackets after lettering in four seasons of high school soccer at Durango High School, earning a 49-7-5 in his career. A team captain in his senior year, Cameron was also chosen as his team's MVP after helping to guide his team to a state playoff run. Cameron was a two-time All-Conference selection, and was on the honor roll in all four years of his career.
 
Cameron on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because of their strong soccer program, their dynamic business branch, and the beautiful surroundings in which it is located in."
 
Cooper Davis
Midfielder
Laurel, Montana
Laurel High School
Intended Major: Health & Human Performance
 
Davis joins MSUB after playing four years of varsity soccer at Laurel High School. The midfielder earned his team's MVP award three times, and was twice selected Laurel's Offensive Player of the Year, setting the schools record for total goals in a season. Davis was selected for All-Conference honors in each season he played, earning second team honors once and first team honors three times, along with three All-State selections. Davis also participated in four years of high school basketball, earning two varsity letters.
 
Davis on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because their academics match very well with my future academic and career plans. I have also been around the soccer program for most of my life, I have always been close to the coaches and guys on the time and has always felt like a good fit."
 
Arlo Follett
Defender
Salida, Colorado
Salida High School
Intended Major: Chemistry
 
Follett becomes a Yellowjacket after previously playing for four seasons of high school soccer at Salida High School. Primarily appearing as a center back or defensive midfielder, Follett was a team captain for the Spartans, as well as being on the honor roll.
 
Follett on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because I believe it will be a great place to grow both athletically and academically."
 
Logan Knight
Forward
Longmont, Colorado
Mead High School
Intended Major: Business
 
Knight lettered in four seasons of high school soccer before joining the Yellowjackets, earning a record of 34-18-8 at Mead High School. Playing as both a forward and midfielder, Knight entered the starting lineup as a freshman, immediately making an impact. He earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore, before Earning All-Conference in both his junior and Senior seasons, while also earning All-State Second Team in his final season. He was also a two-year team captain. Knight finished his career with 59 total goals, 26 of those coming in just a single season, breaking the school's record.
 
Knight on choosing MSUB: "I am excited to be attending MSUB not only to play for Coach Champenoy and be a part of the men's soccer program, but also to pursue a degree in business. After visiting the campus, it is an incredible place to be and a nice distance from home."
 
Kei Matsuyama
Midfielder
Higashikawa, Japan
Cypress Springs High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
From Higashikawa, Japan, Matsuyama spent the past four years attending Cypress Springs High School in Texas, where he lettered soccer all four seasons he participated. The Midfielder was an All-District Second Team selection as a sophomore in 2022, before going on to earn All-District First Team and an All-State Second Team nod as a junior. In his senior season at Cypress Springs, Matsuyama scored nine goals and chipped in five assists, earning All-District and All-State nods once more, along with the District Midfielder of the Year award. Matsuyama also helped to lead his team to a District Championship, making the regional tournament.
 
Matsuyama on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB to pursue my career aspirations in both soccer and education. I am looking forward to taking my soccer career to the next level, where I can have the opportunity for personal and athletic development. MSUB provides the platform to excel in my athletic pursuits while also offering quality education programs to support my academic goals."
 
So Nagano
Forward
Kobe, Japan
Coastal Bend College
Intended Major: Business Management
 
Nagano joins the Yellowjackets from Coastal Bend College, where he most recently totaled eight goals and three assists in the 2023 season for a nationally ranked NJCCA program. Nagano's total included a pair of multi-goal games, including a hat trick against Texas Southmost. Prior to his time at Coastal Bend, Nagano spent a season at Davis and Elkins, where he saw action in just one game. The junior also played three seasons of soccer at Sanda Gakuen High School in Japan before beginning his collegiate career.
 
Nagano on choosing MSUB: "When I was talking to the coach, I could feel the passion from him. And he gave me a good offer. And When I saw MSUB on Instagram and on the website, I knew it was the perfect place for me to grow."
 
Andrew Schoenen
Goalkeeper
Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Schoenen begins his Yellowjacket career following four seasons of soccer at Great Falls High School, lettering each year. The goalkeeper continued to improve each season, going from the JV MVP as a freshman, to earning Varsity MVP, and All Eastern Conference Goalkeeper as a senior in 2023. Schoenen also participated in two seasons of wrestling, earning one varsity letter, while earning induction into National Honor Society.
 
Schoenen on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because I want to be a part of the culture and community that Coach Champenoy is building. I like that I get to stay in my home state to continue playing the sport that I love."
 
Florian Senf
Midfielder
Rhoenblick, Germany
Clemens Winkler Gymnasium
Intended Major: Science
 
Senf joins MSUB from Rhoenblick, Germany, where he attended Clemens Winkler Gymnasium, while going through the FC Erzgebirge Aue Youth Academy. Senf, who also went through the German Football Assoziation Youth Development Program, competed with the squad in the U17 Bundesliga in 2021-22. In the 2022-23 season with the Erzgebirge Aue U19s, Senf played in 22 games, scoring three goals and totaling nine assists, while helping his squad keep six shutouts. He followed that up with 16 games in 2023-24, scoring four goals and totaling eight assists, while helping to keep four shutouts.
 
Senf on choosing MSUB: "As a future international sports student, I was looking for a university that would help me combine sports and academic training later in my life. After I came into contact with Coach Champenoy with the help of a marketing agency, I was impressed by his social and professional nature. In addition, after doing some research about the university, I was very impressed. The academic achievements and the beautiful location of the university really motivated me to apply."
 
Mack Stilwell
Goalkeeper
Sammamish, Washington
Eastlake High School
Intended Major: Outdoor Adventure Leadership
 
Stilwell previously competed in four seasons of varsity soccer at Eastlake High School before making his way to MSUB. Stilwell earned All-League honors in each season he competed in. Stilwell set a career high with 17 saves in a game during the 2022-23 season, on his way to also earning All-state Honorable Mention. He was a team captain for the 2023-24 season.
 
Stilwell on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because I wanted to be able to further my education that will better my opportunities in my desired career field, while also being a part of a great program and family. After my visit and previous ID camps at MSUB I felt an instant connection with the team and the Coaches, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this family. I am very honored and excited to be a part of this great program."
 
Rene Tello
Midfielder
Houston, Texas
Richland College
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Tello joins the Yellowjackets after previously competing at Richland College for three seasons. In his first season with the program, Tello scored three goals and had one assist in 14 games. He followed that up with two assists in a Covid-impacted spring season, playing in 11 games. Tello finished his Richland career the following season with one assist in 16 games, starting all 16 primarily in defense. Before attending Richland, Tello competed at North Shore Senior High School, where he earned multiple All-State and All-Region honors, along with Freshman of the Year honors his first season, and District MVP as a senior.
 
Tello on choosing MSUB: "I chose to go to MSUB because they are giving me an opportunity again after a long time that I have been out of college sports to not only finish my school but to play for two more seasons. I'm looking forward to going to Billings and getting to know the city and the people around it. It's going to be a big change from Houston where the weather is hot to a snowy place like Montana, but with nice views and nice people to meet. I'm also coming here because of my love for the outdoors. I think it's going to be a great combination for both the school and myself. I can't wait to get to Montana and start working."
 
Alex Tiedt
Midfielder
Prairie Village, Kansas
Shawnee Mission East High School
Intended Major: Psychology
 
Tiedt becomes a Yellowjacket after competing in two seasons of varsity soccer at Shawnee Mission East High School, helping the team accumulate a 32-4 record while on the varsity team. Tiedt and the Lancers were able to earn a Sunflower League Championship in the 2023 season, making it to the State Quarterfinals.
 
Tiedt on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because I felt at home when I visited the campus. It is a great place to live and be, and is surrounded by amazing places that can turn into amazing experiences. I felt like the team was very tight knit, which I liked, and felt the coaches having a good relationship with the players as well."
 
Kaleb Truong
Defender
Issaquah, Washington
Skyline High School
Intended Major: Health & Human Performance
 
Truong previously competed in four years of soccer at Skyline High Schools, lettering twice before joining MSUB. The defender helped the Spartans accumulate a 17-6 record over his two seasons at the varsity level, and was selected to be a varsity captain as a senior. Truong was both an All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention selection as a junior, and helped his team earn a State Championship that season. Truong followed that up with a solid 2024 campaign, helping his team make another deep playoff run to the State Semifinals.
 
Truong on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB for the amazing opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at a high level.  In my interactions with the men's soccer coaching staff, I not only felt an emphasis on competition and success; but also on community and culture, which is something extremely important to me. Academically, MSUB provides me with the resources to pursue an undergraduate degree building up to a doctorate in physical therapy. Overall, MSUB seems to be a great overall fit for me in all aspects."