WINDSOR, Colo. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC today announced the club has signed forward Ryan Wittenbrink for the upcoming season, pending league and federation approval.

“Ryan can play anywhere along the front line. He can use both feet. He can score goals and create goals,” Hailstorm Head Coach Éamon Zayed said. “He’ll definitely give us a lot more firepower and creativity from our front players.”

Wittenbrink joins the club on the heels of his redshirt senior season at Indiana University. The Libertyville, Ill. native paired 11 goals with 13 assists. Of those 11 goals, seven of them were match-winners. 

The 23-year-old led the Hoosiers in every offensive category, leading them to a 2022 NCAA Men's College Cup runner-up finish in the process. He earned a spot on the College Cup’s All-Tournament team for his efforts, which included his winning goal in the semifinals.

After a career year, Wittenbrink was named First-Team All-Big Ten and was selected to the Top Drawer Soccer Best XI Third-Team. FC Dallas drafted Wittenbrink 53rd overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft before the forward signed with the Hailstorm.

“I got a call from his agent to let me know that he was available, and I jumped at the chance,” Zayed said. “As soon as I heard he was available, I signed him. Literally within a couple of days.”

“From everything I’ve seen so far, it’s an awesome style of play. They like to get after it, which I love. Great makeup of talent and a group of guys,” Wittenbrink said. “Éamon's a great coach. They have a great staff. I saw a great opportunity for me to make the next step in my soccer journey, and I’m really excited to be here.”