The Richmond Kickers have re-signed defender Ian Antley ahead of the 2021 season, the club announced Monday afternoon. Antley started nine matches for the Kickers in 2020 before suffering a season-ending injury. 

"Ian signing here for 2021 was a priority for us this offseason,” said Kickers Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “We believe he had a good first year as a professional and his ceiling is high. He represents another important piece back in the team as we build the project here. We look forward to seeing him on the pitch at City Stadium.”

Antley signed his first professional contract with the Kickers in 2020 after a standout collegiate career at Mercer University. The 25-year-old outside back was effective at both ends of the field throughout his first season in Richmond, tallying three assists while finishing top three on the team in tackles won (3.8 per 90 minutes), interceptions (6.7 per 90 minutes) and recoveries (7.1 per 90 minutes). Antley was named to the USL League One Team of the Week twice during the 2020 season. 

“It feels great to have the belief from Darren, as well as the Richmond Kickers organization to have me back for a second year here in Richmond,” siad Antley. “A year ago Darren gave me the opportunity to represent this city and I couldn’t be more excited to be returning to finish what we started last season. What I look forward to most is being back in front of the fans and the Red Army in City Stadium. As a first year pro, this past year definitely had its challenges, but having the Red Army show up to every home game definitely gave us an advantage and I look forward to having the best fan section in League One back in City Stadium soon!”

Prior to signing with the Kickers, Antley made 56 appearances for the Mercer University Bears, scoring three goals and tallying eight assists. He earned NSCAA All-South Region honors twice and captained the side to the 2016 Southern Conference tournament title during his senior year.

“[One] of my goals for the 2021 season is to obviously win the championship,” Antley said. “Coming in with the mentality is important. This year I think we have a different mindset. A mindset that we know we can win this league and other teams know we aren’t going to be a fun and easy game. I obviously have individual goals I’m working towards as well but individual success comes with team success. When we succeed as a group I’m confident the individual goals I have for myself will follow.”