Wade Freehling’s growth into an offensive force has Slippery Rock boys soccer in a strong position
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Within his family, Wade Freehling is stuck in the middle.
The Slippery Rock junior has two older brothers and two younger ones. It may be difficult for some in that position to stand out, but Freehling has had no such trouble on the soccer field.
A striker, he's leading the Rockets' offense for the second straight year, registering 14 goals and six assists in 14 games this season.
“He bulked up a bit last offseason and is strong with the ball at his feet,” Slippery Rock head coach Kyle Hopkins said. “He's a very solid player, is not surprising teams anymore with what he can do, but we still count on him to find the net every game.”
While Freehling plays mostly in the midfield for his club team, BC United, he has become used to extra attention from opposing high school defenders, especially after the graduation of Ryan Strother, who scored 18 goals in 2025.
“Some teams stick two guys on me, but that's good because it makes it easier for me to dish the ball off to my teammates,” Freehling said. “I've scored most of my goals within the 18. I scored a goal against Grove City (last week), and that was my first one from long range this season.”
All four of Freehling's brothers have been or are currently part of Slippery Rock soccer. Oldest brother Dylan was a defender who graduated in 2025. Cody is a current senior center back, while Blake and Logan are freshmen playing in the midfield and in net, respectively.
During Wade's freshman season in 2024, he saw varsity minutes “to get him used to his high school role,” Hopkins said. His teammate, Max Kovacik, tallied 25 goals as a senior that year.
“I noticed how he was able to finish and how he consistently got off quality shots,” said Wade, who had a breakout season last year with 19 goals and was the lone underclassman named to the Butler Eagle's all-star first team. “I thought I could have a good season as a sophomore, but didn't think I would have as much of an impact as I did.”
Wade Freehling now has 38 goals and 16 assists in his varsity career. His production this fall has helped the Rockets (9-4-1, 7-0-1) clinch at least a share of a fifth consecutive District 10 Region 2 championship. They can win it outright with a victory Wednesday against Greenville.
