Clarion-Limestone Lion Standout Bailee Verdill To Continue Soccer Career At Pitt-Bradford
Signing photos by Emily Lubas – Above: (Seated) Bailee, flanked by parents Mindi and Mike Verdill. (Back – L-R) Clarion-Limestone Head Coach Don Montgomery, Athletic Director Brad Frazier.
Clarion-Limestone Lions Soccer standout Bailee Verdill, son of Mike and Mindi Verdill of Sligo, signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his soccer and academic career at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.
Pitt-Bradford, under Head Coach Nathan Whitehurst are an NCAA Division III program, which participates in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). The Panthers’ conference foes include: Alfred State, Penn-State Altoona, Penn State-Behrend, Hilbert, LaRoche, Mount Aloysius and Pitt-Greensburg.
Coach Whitehurst is excited about his new recruit and sees him filling a big need for the Panthers. “Bailee is a proven scorer, and that’s what our team needs. I think he is going to come in and make an immediate impact for the team.”
Bailee, who is hoping to become a personal trainer with a coaching minor, was impressed with the college of his choice. He mentioned that the campus was comfortable and everyone seemed friendly and the academics that are offered are what he is looking for.
He liked the Coach Whitehurst’s personality. He also liked that the coach had three teammates meet with him and his mother at lunch and talk about the team, the campus and things that they do off season. He liked that they players all seemed to get along really well.
Bailee, who is a student at Clarion Area, which co-ops with Clarion-Limestone in soccer had a great season for Coach Don Montgomery’s Lions. He was the 2022 Upper Allegheny Valley Soccer League (UAVSL) Boys Small School South Division MVP (He was also the UAVSL Boys South Division MVP in 2021. The 2021 Squad included both Small and Large Schools).
Bailee, a four year starter for the Lions, had 48 goals this season, the Lion’s single season record.
Bailee is much happier for the Lion’s success than his own. Clarion-Limestone finished the 2022 season with a 15-3 record, to tie Redbank Valley for the division championship. The 15 wins are the most in team history. The Lions scored 102 goals. They beat Karns City for the first time in team history, were victorious against Brockway twice for the first time in team history beat DuBois (who is in a bigger division) for the first time in team history.
Coach Montgomery appreciated Bailee’s work ethic which, desire to see his teammates excel also and his leadership. “He is the hardest working kid I’ve ever coached. He is hard to keep up with. He literally never quits. He would play/practice soccer 10 hours a day if he could!!
“Bailee has an amazing work ethic. He works hard and expects everyone around him to do the same. He definitely leads by example.”
As for Bailee’s drive, coach Montgomery said, “He never quits. There is no give up in that young man!”
Friends who brought out the best in each other. “Our friendship…. Contentious at times. And then best friends at times. It is a definite give and take relationship. We would bounce things off of each other. His wanting more challenged me and made me a better coach.”
Coach Montgomery expects big things for Bailee, due in part to his drive. “Bailee is going to be successful. Successful in soccer in college, in life. He works hard and doesn’t know when to quit. He made me a better coach and challenged me and wanted more.
“It has been a pleasure to be his coach.”
The respect is mutual. Concerning his appreciation for his mentor, Bailee shared, “Coach Don. He allowed me to have a word and an opinion about the game. He helped us to not only be better soccer players, but to be better and good kids.
“He was always pushing me/us to do better.”
Some of Bailee’s special memories of his high school soccer career. “Breaking the single season scoring record, creating friendships, opportunity to play with my brother, going to D9 Championship game in my sophomore year, successful senior year personally and as a team, enjoying life playing soccer.”
Bailee shared thanks for a number of folks who have helped him along this journey. “My parents for encouraging me and always pushing me. For being there. My mom for the film, pictures and articles and keeping soccer in the news. Kristen Geiger for the pictures, books and all of the food! My teammates. Coach Thomas Hummel for my earliest years of soccer. Coach Thomas and Coach Sean (Esterhuizen) for shaping me as a soccer player. And of course, Coach Don for my C-L days. All of these things have made me into the player I am today.”
Mindi shared her and Mike’s pride in Bailee. “Mike and I are obviously super proud that his hard work and determination is paying off. He’s been playing soccer since he was five years old so we are certainly looking forward to continuing to watch him play.
“I think the Pitt Bradford campus and the soccer coach will definitely be a good fit for Bailee.”
And their thanks for those who have been there for Bailee. “And we also thank all of the coaches and families that were there for the journey!”
Congratulations to Bailee, Mike, Mindi, Clarion-Limestone Soccer, Pitt-Bradford Soccer and everyone who has helped him along the way!!!! You make us Clarion Proud, Bailee!!!! Thank you to Emily Lubas and Kristen Geiger for their photos!!