San Antonio FC re-signed defender Cyprian Hedrick for the 2018 USL season pending USL and federation approval, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Hedrick made 14 appearances for SAFC last season, starting 13 and recording 1,118 minutes played. The 28-year-old ranked fourth on the club with 65 clearances while also adding 65 duels won, 31 tackles, 14 interceptions and 13 blocks. Hedrick suffered an injury on the opening day of the season, which kept him sidelined until the June 17 match vs. the Tulsa Roughnecks. He went on to appear in 13 of the club’s remaining 19 regular season matches, helping lead SAFC to a league-best 15 shutouts on the year. Hedrick recorded his 100th USL appearance on June 17 and finished with 112 total USL caps following the campaign.

“We are looking forward to Cyprian returning for 2018,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “Cyprian had a tough start to last season with an injury that kept him out for several weeks, but he was a good professional throughout the whole of the campaign and played well when he returned. We are excited about Cyprian coming back to top form come preseason.”

An ever-present for the OKC Energy in 2016, Hedrick started and played 90 minutes in 29 of the club’s 30 USL regular season matches and ranked seventh in the USL in total minutes played (2,610), while also appearing in both OKC playoff matches that year. Over the course of his three seasons with the Energy, Hedrick appeared in 78 of the club’s 86 regular season matches, tallying 5,737 minutes played and helping the club record 33 shutouts.

Originally drafted by Sporting Kansas City (MLS) in the second round (30th overall) of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Hedrick made three appearances for Sporting’s reserve side before his season ended prematurely due to injury. Following his stint in Major League Soccer, Hedrick joined the now-defunct USL club Phoenix FC where he started 24 of the club’s 26 matches, playing in 2,160 total minutes.

“It’s a blessing to be a part of the returning core group of players from last year,” said Hedrick. “I am looking forward to getting back to work with the boys and progressing towards bringing a championship to our amazing fans and this city.”

Hedrick attended San Jacinto College in 2008 before transferring to Coastal Carolina University where he played collegiate soccer for three seasons from 2009-11. Following his senior season with the Chanticleers, he was named the Big South Defensive Player of the Year after helping his team record seven total shutouts. The defender was also selected to the 2011 All-South Atlantic Team and was named First Team All-Big South, while also earning a place on the 2011 NSCAA Men's Collegiate Scholar All-American first team.

Originally from Cameroon, Hedrick moved to Texas with his family as a child, growing up in Friendswood just outside of Houston. While in college, he also played PDL soccer with the Fresno Fuego, making 36 appearances and scoring six goals over three seasons from 2009-11.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, and fans can purchase 2018 season tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or by visiting SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).