United have signed 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy winner, and former Wake Forest University standout and D.C. United Academy product, midfielder Ian Harkes, as the club’s ninth Homegrown Player.
The son of former United midfielder John Harkes, the Fairfax native was a two-year captain for the Demon Deacons and became the first player in ACC history to win ACC Midfielder of the Year, ACC Championship MVP and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Offensive Player in the same season. He was also named the NSCAA Scholar Player of the Year.
“We are thrilled to have reached an agreement to sign Ian as a homegrown player,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said. “He has developed into a high-level midfielder who has all the tools to be successful in MLS. We look forward to having Ian back wearing the United badge."
A midfield stalwart for all four years, Harkes made 82 appearances for Wake Forest, scored nine goals and provided 18 assists. In 2016, he led Wake to the national championship match for only the second time in program history while scoring four game-winning goals (five total).
“I’ve known Ian nearly his entire life and have watched him develop into one of the nation’s best young talents." Ben Olsen, United’s Head Coach, said. "He has all the tools to succeed at the next level and I look forward to being a part of his pro career."
Harkes joined the D.C. United youth academy in 2009 and captained both the Under-16 and Under-18 teams. The midfielder was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington, D.C. in 2011. In January 2014, Harkes was called up to the U.S. Under-20 camp.
Collegiate Honors
2013 All-ACC Freshman Team
2014 All-ACC Second Team
2015 All-ACC First Team
2015 NSCAA All-South Region Second Team
2015 ACC Championship All-Tournament Team
2014 All-ACC Academic Team
2015 ACC All-Academic Team
2016 All-ACC Academic Team
Ian Harkes
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
DOB: 03/30/1995
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Citizenship: USA/England
Status: Domestic
PreviousClub: Wake Forest University
Transaction: D.C. United sign midfielder Ian Harkes as club’s ninth Homegrown Player.
