On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, North Penn seniors Ian Balisalisa, Ryan Miller & Demitri Ilovski were recognized for committing to compete in soccer at the collegiate level.
Ian Balisalisa – Wilkes University (Soccer & Lacrosse)
Major: Bioengineering
Final list of colleges: Wilkes, Pace, Widener, Arcadia
Reasons for choosing Wilkes: “The ultimate decision to attend Wilkes was the great connection I had with the coaches and the opportunity to continue playing the sports I love as well as being able to get my master’s (degree) in bioengineering in five years.”
Coach Chris DePeppe: “When I think of Ian, I think of integrity and character. He is one of those teammates that lifts a team with sheer effort and desire. He sets an example on and off the field, and I always went to him for serious discussions about players and team dynamics. He is also a powerful athlete who can impact play at both ends of the pitch.
“I wanted him to be a box to box center mid as a senior, but when we needed to make a change at center back, he took control of the defense and put us back on track. I am happy to see him continuing his soccer career because he is still refining his game, and he has a tremendous upside. Wilkes sounds like a good fit, and I am sure he will thrive on the field and in the classroom. He is just one of those young men you know is on a path to success and leadership.”
Lacrosse coach Rick Smith: “Ian was an unbelievable leader for us this year. He did all the little things right that ultimately led us to having a successful season. Ian works extremely hard and is a young man that any coach would want representing their program.”
About Ian:
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite music: 90’s Rap
Demitri Ilovski – The York College of Pennsylvania (Soccer)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: York, Lycoming, Catholic University, Trade School
Reasons for choosing York: “I chose York because of the good balance between academics and athletics.”
Coach Chris DePeppe: “I was impressed with Demitri from the first time I saw him play as a 12-13-year-old. He played with great style, but you could see that he was thinking faster than his peers even at that age. He has pushed himself to get better and stronger, and when you add that drive with a high soccer IQ and very good game awareness, it makes for a game-changing player. He is extremely creative and can beat you in many different ways.
“Sophomore year he was maybe not satisfied with the impact he was making and knew he had to add some muscle and be stronger on the ball. He obviously works hard on his own to improve, and I have no doubt that he will jump straight into the starting team at York and make his mark. He is one of those players I would have loved to play with because he plays with his head up, and he is just so clean with his touches. I coached his older brother Roman, and they are very different players, but both are great leaders and excellent teammates who know the sacrifice that is required to be champions.”
About Demitri:
Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite movie: Almost Famous
Favorite artist: Led Zeppelin
Ryan Miller – Stevenson University (Soccer)
Major: Middle School Education (ELA/History)
Final list of colleges: Stevenson, York, Lycoming, Millersville
Reasons for choosing Stevenson: “I chose Stevenson because of the education program, the facilities and the coaches.”
Coach Chris DePeppe: “Ryan was born to score goals. He is flat-out lethal in front of goal, and he is as bold and confident as any great striker. As a sophomore, he was the MVP of the team, and he proved to us all that he was a special player who could singlehandedly take over games with his 1v1 dribbling and sneaky pace. But it is his cool finishing that separates him from so many top players…and if he had been 100 percent his senior year, who knows what he might have accomplished.
“I was just thrilled to get him back because he played MLS Next junior year and could not play high school ball. When I heard he had opted to play his senior year at North Penn, I was very happy. I honestly thought with Ryan back that our 2024 team had a chance to compete for a district title, because Ryan gets better as the games get bigger, and I think we just had to advance another round for us to hit our stride. Ryan will crush it at Stevenson, and I would not be surprised if he scores a bunch of goals as a freshman. Anyone who has ever had to defend him can attest to how filthy he can be.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Cereal
Favorite movie: Primal Fear
Favorite artist: Treaty Oak Revival
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