KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan head coach Chad Wiseman announced Tuesday, January 16, the addition of three transfers – incoming senior goalkeeper Colin Welsh and graduate students defenders Donal Rahill and Orion McHugh, to the 2024 roster. 

"My staff and I are all very enthusiastic that we were able to bring these three players in for the spring term.  They all come with a good background of playing experience at the collegiate level and aspire to continue their playing careers after WMU. The commitment level and understanding of the process is in place," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "They have heard and learned about our culture here and are eager to add to it, Bronco Nation, we have added three top players, who are top young men and possess talents you will enjoy watching in a Bronco uniform come next fall." 

Colin Welsh | GK | 6-2 | Overland Park, Kansas
Welsh transfers to WMU for his senior year after spending the last three seasons as a starter at University of Memphis in the American Athletic Conference. In 36 appearances (34 starts), Welsh has accumulated 13 wins, eight shutouts, 146 saves. This past season, Welsh set career highs with 11 goals allowed and a goals against average of 1.11 in 10 appearances. 

At Memphis, Welsh was named to the AAC All-Rookie Team in 2021 and during the 2022 campaign, he was selected to both the AAC Second Team All-Conference and All East Region Teams. Welsh owns a plethora of accolades including: AAC Goalkeeper of the Week (earned six times), Best of the Best AAC Weekly Honors (earned three times), and NCAA Tournament Top 5 Saves List member (earned twice).

"Colin brings a wealth of experience with him from his previous school Memphis.  He was a 3-year starter at Memphis and has played in several NCAA tournament matches.  Colin knows the level, has played against many of the best programs in the nation and has been successful.  He is an incredible shot stopper that really understands his angles.  He has a big presence inside his box that spreads confidence in the defensive lines in front of him. When next fall is all said and done, Bronco fans can expect Colin to be one of the best keepers in the entire nation." Said Wiseman.  
Welsh is looking forward to becoming an impact player by performing and contributing at a high level at WMU. The goalkeeper brings leadership, competitiveness, and a depth of experience after starting for three years at Memphis and competing in two NCAA tournaments. 

The goalkeeper has experience in the USL 2 playoffs and has trained with several USL teams over the past three seasons including: Sporting KC II, Memphis 901, North Texas SC and Phoenix Rising FC. 

Donal Rahill | D | 6-3 | Ardee, Ireland
Rahill transfers to WMU after spending last season at Coastal Carolina. Excelling on the field and in the classroom, the defender earned a spot on the President's List in the 2023 spring term after posting a 4.0 GPA. He currently holds a GPA of 3.97. Prior to his time at Coastal Carolina,  Rahill earned an All-Great American Conference Honorable Mention and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team member accolades for the Rogers State Hillcats.

"Donal is a center back with great size and even better personality.  He comes to Bronco Nation with loads of college experience, over 50 starts in his career.  His leadership traits are what sets him apart from others at this level.  He is a great teammate and demands a high standard, he communicates in a way where others listen and follow.  Bronco fans will enjoy his ability to spray the ball around the field, Donal can really stretch opposing teams' defenses with his range of passing.  I would also expect to see some crushing tackles throughout the season, the fight inside Donal is outstanding." Noted Wiseman.

During his summer career, Rahill had stints with Alamo City SC (2020, United Premier Soccer League (USL)), Corpus Christi FC (2021, USL 2), Little Rock Rangers SC (2022, USL 2), and AFC Ann Arbor (2023, USL 2). As a member of AFC Ann Arbor, Rahill served as the team captain and team MVP after leading the team to the USL 2 2023 playoffs. Rahill is both confident and excited about pursuing graduate studies while making a strong contribution to the men's soccer team this fall. The defender is enthusiastic about the values and achievements the Brown and Gold possess and believes that his experience and skills will be an asset to WMU men's soccer program. 

Orion McHugh | D | 6-3 | Brooklyn, New York
McHugh joins the Brown and Gold as WMU's second graduate transfer capable of playing the center back and right back positions after spending last season with Palm Beach Atlantic University. As a defender in 30 appearances (28 starts) McHugh tallied two goals and three assists during his career at Palm Beach. 

The center back will provide the Broncos with athleticism, speed, defensive dominance, quality ball control and experience. McHugh will join the Broncos with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration after earning his undergrad at Palm Beach Atlantic. The Brooklyn, New York native has totaled 4,183 minutes of collegiate experience at both the Division I and Division II level and has spent his summers playing with some of the best USL 2 teams in the country (NC Fusion and Long Island Rough Riders). To round out his impressive resume, McHugh is part of the Puerto Rican Men's National Team player pool.

"Orion is a central defender that has a really good feel for the position.  He has a calmness about him on the ball that should really benefit the players around him.  He is very efficient at using both feet and can break lines with his range of passing and vision.  His versatility will allow him to compete at either center back positions.  Orion has a strong soccer IQ and he is hungry to compete and play at our level." Praised Wiseman.