The Britons are led by Jake DeCola, who has been at the helm of the program since the 2010 season – the first for Albion. In his tenure, Albion has competed in every MIAA Championship game since the league has sponsored the sport, winning five titles. TJ Thomas, Bo Taylor and Spencer Gill will continue to assist him on the sidelines.
Senior Brendan Mercier is an experienced attacker the Britons can rely on this season. Mercier has 76 career points and has been a big part of the Albion offense throughout his career. Andrew Miller also returns after scoring 14 goals a season ago, being a key part of Albion’s offense as well.
The Britons graduated many scorers from last season's team, but bring back guys that can step up as upperclassmen this season. DeCola has also reloaded with a class of talented freshmen that will look to get minutes in big spots.
In the midfield, Albion is led by Stearns who has become one of the best offensive middies in the league, racking up 37 goals and 18 assists last season. In addition to Stearns, seniors Jack Heft and Ryan Meldrum provide Albion with veteranship in the midfield. Heft played a vital role in the midfield as a junior in 2024 and will continue to give the Brits reliable experience.
Fifth year Nathan Vesper has played a multitude of positions during his time at Albion and can be a versatile weapon either offensively or defensively. Jackson Taylor, Fabrizio Raciti, Keegan Pastor and James Ammons are all seniors that give the Brits depth and leadership as well. They will all play a crucial role in the development of the underclassmen, including sophomore Joey Pipesh who can make an impact in the midfield.
Logan Bride and Ben Schollett have seen plenty of minutes in their first two seasons. Bride’s 43 caused turnovers were a team-high, while Schollett contribued 20 for the Brits. The two, along with Will Richardson and Will Tessin have emerged into solid defensemen and will continue to build their impressive resumes.
Tessin and Richardson have been integral parts of the Briton defense. Tessin was the 2022 MIAA Rookie of the Year and saw time in all 19 games a aseason ago. Richardson, a junior in 2025, will continue to lead the defense, as the two combined for 30 caused turnovers in 2024. Both Sebastian Aheimer and Robbie Dameron are two seniors that will hold invaluable vocal roles this season.
DeCola brings back three experienced goalies in Jack Erickson, Caleb Howell and Luke Szymanski. With all three racking up minutes in 2024, they tallied over 150 saves.
Howell ended the regular season and postseason in goal, recording double-digit saves in Albion's final five games. The Britons have also brought in two freshmen goalies that can give Albion minutes between the pipes.
The 2025 campaign gets underway Feb. 15 and 16 when the Britons head to Nashville. Albion will play Sewanee on Saturday followed by a matinee with Bridgewater on Sunday. With a long road schedule, Albion will play seven games away from their home turf before opening Alumni Field on Mar. 19 against Ohio Wesleyan.
A tough non-conference slate awaits the Brits, including the aforementioned Battling Bishops, Illinois Wesleyan and Elmhurst.