A soccer star with strong Sequim roots is headed out of state to pursue studies and a collegiate soccer career.

Sequim high school senior Aidan Henninger signed a letter of intent last week to play for Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, an NCAA Division III school.

Henninger, whose faith played a key role in finding and connecting with the Catholic school, went for a one-day site visit in the fall of 2021, having lunch with future teammates and coaches, and getting to know more about the school’s soccer program and academics.

“I liked the atmosphere of the school,” Henninger said. “There weren’t cliques or anything; everyone knows everyone.

“When I went there .. everyone was really friendly and warm.”

The school’s 14-to-1 student to staff ration was a big draw as well, he said. Founded in 1946, Franciscan University sees about 2,300-2,500 students on campus in any given academic year.

Henninger said while playing soccer at the university he’s interested in exploring a number of career paths, from social and experimental psychology to exercise science (he’s earning a personal trainer certification while employed at the Sequim YMCA), with theology as a possible minor.

Henninger, homeschooled though the 10th grade, has since attended Peninsula College full-time through the Running Start Program, with enrollment through Sequim High School.

As a youth he got started on the pitch through the Sequim Junior Soccer program and advanced to play for the Storm King Select Football Club for several years. He now plays with Kitsap Alliance Youth Premier Football Club out of Silverdale, and Northern Peninsula Adult Premier League based in Port Townsend.

“I have been lucky to have a lot of good coaches over the years,” Henninger said.

Henninger plans to be back on the pitch for Sequim High’s Wolves as a defensive midfielder this spring. The Wolves are 24-5-2 in the past three seasons (2020 was canceled because of COVID) during his time on the team.

Henninger heads east in August to join a Franciscan team under the direction of head coach Brent Ridenour, a 22-year collegiate coach who led the Barons to a second place finish in the Presidents Athletic Conference Championship last fall.

Henninger is the son of Ray and Ann Marie Henninger of Sequim.

“We are extremely proud of Aidan’s accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom and on and off the pitch,” Ann Marie and Ray said. “Franciscan is an excellent fit for Aidan, academically, athletically and spiritually — we know he’ll find a home there and we are delighted with his choice!”

Photo by Dave Ditlefsen/Sequim High School Sequim High senior Aidan Henninger signs a letter of intent to play for NCAA Division III Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, on Jan. 21. Here he is pictured with parents Ray and Ann Marie Henninger.