Griffin Garnett

Griffin Garnett and Noah Hiort-Wright join the Roos alongside USL Academy returnees Gabe Cox, Nicholas Simmonds, and James Sneddon

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper James Sneddon, defender Noah Hiort-Wright, midfielder Gabe Cox, midfielder Griffin Garnett, and forward Nicholas Simmonds to USL Academy contracts for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.

Garnett and Hiort-Wright become the sixth and seventh Richmond United players to make the jump to the Kickers through the evolving youth-to-pro player pathway established in February 2023. Cox, Simmonds, and Sneddon all re-sign after previously competing on USL Academy contracts with the Kickers in 2023.

The Kickers previously signed Richmond United alumni Beckett Howell and Landon Johnson to professional contracts in Fall 2023 after the pair both initially featured on USL Academy contracts during the 2023 season.

Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach said:

“The player pathway that we are working hard to integrate here in Richmond is bearing fruit with these five players signing academy deals on the heels of a couple others earning their way into professional contracts already. Nicholas, Gabe, and James cut their teeth in 2023 and now Griffin and Noah earn their way into the opportunity. This is the beginning of the future of the professional game in Richmond as we want established professional players to compete for trophies now, but we also want to litter the landscape with local talents that this city can be proud of.

“Griffin is a steady, composed, passing midfielder with the ability to play across the back line as well.   Gabe is a clever midfielder with bite and personality. James is an intelligent force between the pipes that makes the save you need at crucial times, and Nicholas is a lethal goalscorer in the attacking third. Noah compliments the group with intelligence and a composed approach to defending. We are all eager to watch each of these young men tackle the opportunity in front of them.”

Mika Elovaara, Richmond United Technical Director and Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Director of Methodology and Player Development said:

“While our full pathway project is only in its infancy, we’re starting to witness some exciting early signs of success in player development and vertical integration, and the five players we have signed to academy contracts are explicit examples of that. James, Noah, Griffin, Gabe and Nicholas are ambitious young men with bright futures ahead of them, and we are excited to continue to work with them as they compete for game time with us and help raise standards for all young men in the Richmond soccer community.”

Garnett joins the Kickers following a standout 2023 season with the Richmond United U17 Boys team. The 17-year-old midfielder was named the ECNL U17 Player of the Year and he was a part of the ECNL National Final-winning team.

Garnett prides himself as a modern midfielder who dictates the tempo of the game while keeping possession of the ball. A towering 6-foot-3, he can patrol the midfield and pick out teammates with diagonal passes while providing a vertical threat on set-pieces.

Garnett is committed to join the University of Washington’s men’s soccer team in Fall 2025.

Griffin Garnett said:

“The coaching staff explained their goals as a club and identified the role of an academy contract as being a crucial part of the player-to-pro pathway. I found this to be an exciting opportunity and I am honored to be invited. 

“Growing up in the city, some of my earliest memories were getting to ride my bike at night to go watch the Kickers play. I never imagined that one day I might get the opportunity to play at City Stadium. This is a very exciting moment for me and my family.”

Hiort-Wright was also a member of the Richmond United U17 Boys team that took home the 2023 ECNL National title. The 17-year-old defender joins the Kickers after showcasing his defensive prowess during the club’s 2024 preseason.

A jack-of-all-trades, the 17-year-old excels as a composed central defender who can defend the flanks or even move up into a midfield role. When his focus changes from keeping the net clean in defense to possession, Hiort-Wright is comfortable building out of the back and advancing the ball forward by picking out the right passes to break down opposition lines.

Hiort-Wright is committed to join the College of William & Mary men’s soccer team in Fall 2024.

Hiort-Wright said:

“Ever since I can remember, I have grown up going to Kickers games with my dad. I have been rooting for them over the years, so being able to play for the team that I have admired and watched for so long is a blessing and an amazing opportunity.

“It means everything to be a Richmond United player and be provided with this opportunity to be able to play with and against professionals every day. I hope that I can be seen as a role model to younger kids in the club, and highlight the pathway for even more kids to play for the Richmond Kickers in the future.  

“I am very excited to join the Kickers family and community. I look forward to bringing a positive impact to the team on and off the field, as well as doing great things this season and winning many games. I look forward to seeing all of the supporters at City Stadium this season.”

Cox returns to the Roos after making six appearances for the club during the 2023 season. The 18-year-old flashed his abilities as a technical midfielder capable of pushing the ball forward and patrolling the center of the park.

The former Richmond United and Columbus Crew U17s player earned his first start for the Kickers during the club’s international friendly against Guatemalan giants, Comunicaciones FC.

Cox is committed to join the Furman University men’s soccer team in Fall 2024.

Gabe Cox said:

“I’m very excited to return and continue to grow and learn as a player and a person. In the 2024 season, I’m looking to represent the badge with passion and respect, contributing to the success of the group in any way possible.”

Simmonds rejoins the Kickers after earning invaluable experience leading the forward line at just 16 years old in 2023. He logged 117 minutes during seven appearances coming on as a substitute.

He made history in a Kickers shirt in his debut on August 30, 2023, against Central Valley Fuego FC. After coming into the match in the 81st minute with the Kickers trailing 3-2, Simmonds found the back of the net three minutes later, notching a dramatic equalizer that earned a point for the Roos and becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Kickers’ 32-year history at 16 years, 8 months and 13 days old.

During the 2024 preseason, Simmonds was called up to the Jamaican U-20 National Team for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship Qualifiers. Simmonds recorded his first international goal against Grenada – the eventual game-winner – and assisted Jamaica’s second goal in the 2-0 win. Jamaica went on to top their group with additional wins over Martinique and Bermuda.

Prior to joining the Kickers in July 2023, Simmonds was also a member of the Richmond United U17 Boys team that won the ECNL National Final. He scored in the team’s 2-0 win over Seattle United.

The 17-year-old is committed to join the University of Virginia’s men’s soccer team in Fall 2025.

Nicholas Simmonds said:

“I’m excited to get back to work and to continue to learn from the senior players. We have an ambitious group of players and coaches that want to win it all. I’m looking forward to competing in front of the best fans in the league, contributing to some wins and bringing home some silverware.”

Sneddon returns to the Kickers’ revamped goalkeeping union after previously joining the club on an academy contract in June 2023. 

While with Richmond United, Sneddon showed off his skills as a modern goalkeeper capable of acting as an 11th field player with the ball at his feet while keeping the net clean by aggressively coming off of his line. 

The 18-year-old earned his debut for the Kickers against Comunicaciones FC and did not concede a goal during his time on the pitch.

James Sneddon said:

“I’m thrilled to be returning for another season with the Kickers. I was honored to be a part of the club for the second half of last season, but what excites me most about this year is that I have a full season to grow both as a goalkeeper and a person. We have a really great group this year, and I don’t see why we don’t have what it takes to compete to win every competition we’re involved in. Whether that be the league, the cup, or the new USL Academy competition.” 

Season Tickets are now available for the 2024 season! Fans can unlock massive savings, access to exclusive events, a complimentary CityStadium+ Membership and so much more. Be a part of every out-of-your-seat experience in 2024 with Season Tickets! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.

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TRANSACTION: Gabe Cox signs a USL Academy contract with the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

TRANSACTION: Griffin Garnett signs a USL Academy contract with the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

TRANSACTION: Noah Hiort-Wright signs a USL Academy contract with the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

TRANSACTION: Nicholas Simmonds signs a USL Academy contract with the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

TRANSACTION: James Sneddon signs a USL Academy contract with the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.