DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's soccer head coach Ryan Swan announced on Tuesday the addition of five student-athlete to the Huskies program as they finalize their 2017 roster. NIU added a pair of transfers, Logan Hatter and Jan Maertins as well as a trio freshmen, Sheriden Smith, Zavier Ware and Alex Welch, for the upcoming season. 

Hatter comes to NIU following one season at Liberty University, where he appeared in five matches during the 2016 season. Prior to his time at Liberty, Hatter was a two-time Indiana All-State honoree at Avon Park High School in Avon, Ind., and was the 2015 Hendricks County Player of the Year. A three-time all-conference and two-time all-district selection, Hatter played club soccer with the Indiana Fire Juniors. 

"Logan joins us with a year of college soccer under his belt at Liberty University," said Swan. "Logan is a dynamic attacking player who will challenge in a number of spots. He is comfortable on the ball and has the ability to beat players in 1-v-1 situations. I am very happy that Logan chose NIU to continue his college career."

Maertins joins the Huskies after spending 2016 at Marquette University, appearing in 15 matches, including eight starts, while scoring three goals. Maertins, who is originally from Rheinfelden, Germany, played with FC Basel at U15 through U18 levels, winning a Swiss title while also winning the Swiss Cup on two occasions.  

"Jan comes to us after playing his freshman year at Marquette University," said Swan. "He is a dynamic striker with good pace and a knack for scoring goals. I am confident that Jan can come in and immediately challenge for a starting role in our team."

Smith scored 66 goals in his four years at Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Mo., becoming the school's all-time leading scorer. Smith was named to the 2015 NSCAA Fall High School Boys All-America Team and was named the All-Metro (St. Louis) Player of the Year. Smith played club soccer with St. Louis Scott Gallagher in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

"Sheriden joins us from St. Louis Scott Gallagher's academy team," said Swan. "He has the athleticism and soccer knowledge to do very well in the MAC and is capable of playing in a number of different roles for us."

Welch also comes to NIU from St. Louis Scott Gallagher, where he appeared in 24 matches, including 17 starts, during the 2016-17 season. A native of Carmarthen, Wales, Welch has also spent time with First Vienna FC in Austria and Alcobendas CF in Spain. 

"Alex is another St. Louis Scott Gallagher product," said Swan. "Originially from Britain, Alex has been playing club soccer for SLSG for the past year. A technically gifted central midfielder with a great range of passes, Alex has the potential to dictate the pace of a game from the middle of the field."

Ware was a four-year letterwinner at Whitefish Bay High School in Wisconsin, where he earned all-conference honors in both 2015 and 2016. An outside back, Ware helped Whitefish Bay win the Wisconsin Division 2 State Championship during both his junior and senior seasons. Ware played club soccer with the Bavarian Soccer Club. 

"Zavier has a great engine and will add depth to the right side of the field for us," said Swan. "While most comfortable as right back, he could also challenge for time further up the field."

The Huskies open the 2017 season with the Cardinal and Black Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 12 and begin the regular season on Friday, Aug. 25 against DePaul.