SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University men's soccer player Jules Verdin, the 2014 Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year, died Tuesday morning in a hiking accident in Switzerland. Verdin was 19 years old.
According to Belgian media reports, Verdin was hiking near the Jungfrau in the Swiss municipality of Lauterbrunnen.
"The hearts of everyone in the Saint Leo University family go out to Jules' family and his teammates as they deal with this news," said Francis X. Reidy, Saint Leo's director of athletics. "The death of someone so young is especially tragic, and we will do all we can to support his friends, teammates, and family members through this terrible time."
"Jules was an exceptionally talented young man, well-liked by all who knew him at Saint Leo. He will be missed," said Reidy.
A Second Team All-SSC selection, Verdin recently completed his first year at Saint Leo. The midfielder from Tongeren, Belgium, recorded two goals and two assists for six points in his freshman campaign, scoring goals against SSC rivals Nova Southeastern and Florida Southern. Both his assists came in a 3-2 victory over Barry.
"The Saint Leo soccer community mourns Jules' horrific death," said Keith Fulk, Saint Leo's head men's soccer coach. "When the shock wears off, we will honor him."
"He was one of the best players I had the privilege and honor of coaching, and he was a constant student of the game – always asking questions about how he could improve his game. I think he really matured during his first year here at Saint Leo, from the time he arrived to the time he left campus at the end of the school year, and that's what you want to see in your students," said Fulk.
"The team is taking this hard, during a time of the year when they can't be together to deal with this, and when they're starting to get excited about seeing each other again. So we'll gather next month when we all return to campus and we'll mourn together at that time. Right now, we're devastated for Jules' family," added Fulk.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
