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May 4, 2026 By Jonathan Guth 4 min read

Cole Radcliffe is eager to join his brother Harry as a football player at PennWest California … sort of.

While Cole would be playing football for the Vulcans if this were Brazil, England, France or Germany, he is continuing his soccer career after committing last December and signing his letter of intent on March 5.

Harry Radcliffe plays football for California as the Vulcans’ kicker, but his background in soccer was key for him in continuing his football career at the next level.

Cole Radcliffe, a senior at Laurel Highlands, set the Mustangs’ single-season record for goals this past fall with 37. Radcliffe, who was named to the All-WPIAL team, helped Laurel Highlands earn a playoff berth in Class 3A.

Radcliffe, who plays club soccer for the Riverhounds Academy, sent clips from his matches with the Academy to Emedin Sabic, who is the men’s soccer head coach at California, and after Sabic gave his stamp of approval, Radcliffe made the decision to play for the Vulcans.

Radcliffe credits his time with the Riverhounds Academy in helping him become the player he is today, but also followed in the footsteps of not only Harry, but sister Jocelyn, who was named to the All-Section team three times during her career at Laurel Highlands, where she was a four-year letterwinner.

“Playing after high school was definitely the main goal of my career,” Radcliffe said. “I would like to go beyond that, but playing collegiately was one of the check points on my list.

“Playing with the Riverhounds Academy helped me get looks from colleges because most of the coaches and personnel come to matches and tournaments in search of new talent. The majority of the players in club soccer have the skill and talent to play at the next level, so most of them also have the desire to play in college and beyond.”

Radcliffe was also drawn to California due to the proximity of the campus to his hometown and knowing his brother is close by.

“The campus is only 20 minutes away from my home, but I will stay in the dorms my first year,” Radcliffe said. “It is nice to know that I can leave if I need to, and not have to drive very far. My roommate is actually one of my teammates in club soccer. We have been on the same team the past five years, and it is just a coincidence that we are both going to Cal U.

“It also helps that my brother is there, and a good number of my friends. I like my future teammates, the coach and the campus. It is a very nice environment, and I believe I will fit in well.”

Radcliffe’s role on the attack will take a step back at the collegiate level, as he will most likely play as a right midfielder. Radcliffe is aware the goals won’t be flying in like they did in high school, but he is content with doing whatever he can to help the Vulcans win.

“It may sound cliche, but I am happy to do whatever I can to help my team win,” Radcliffe said. “There is so much more to the game than scoring, and really the play between goals is much more important than some people realize.”

Radcliffe’s rise as a player began during his eighth-grade year and heading into high school when he realized he has the ability to play in college if he continues to put in the work.

Radcliffe hasn’t decided on what he will study at California, but he is leaning towards several options.

“I would like to study sports health or physical therapy,” Radcliffe said. “I still haven’t fully decided on it yet because it’s a big commitment with physical therapy and also requires extra school.”

Radcliffe will miss his teammates at Laurel Highlands, but believes they can continue to be successful. He plans on following the team next season and beyond.