Five current Culver-Stockton College men's soccer players are preparing for the 2016 campaign this summer by participating in the Premier Development League (PDL) or the Untied Premier Soccer League.

"Playing in the PDL, NPSL, or UPSL is a great honor for players and develops them into even better players," said Wildcat coach Blake Ordell. "These are the best leagues for aspiring professional players to play in without losing their college eligibility.

"They are playing against and with the best college players throughout the nation preparing them to be even better when they return for their college season. I am proud of our guys who made teams and look forward to seeing them play."

The Premier Development League (commonly known as the PDL) is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid. It is currently the top level men's amateur soccer competition in the United States, and has 64 teams competing in four conferences, split into nine regional divisions. TheUnited Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is an American adult amateur soccer league based inSouthern California, founded inSanta Ana, under theUnited States Adult Soccer Association, within the larger American soccer pyramid.The league has over 30 teams.

Here's the list of Culver-Stockton players who are participating in the PDL.

Alejandro Mentasti (Floridians FC) - Played in 18 matches in 2015, recording six goals and five assists for 17 points. He also has two game-winning goals.

John Hoemeyer (St. Louis Lions) – Three-year letterwinner with the Wildcats. Has played in 56 career matches, totaling five goals and two assists for 12 total points.

James Morris (St. Louis Lions) – Two year letterwinner for the Wildcats. Has appeared in 38 career matches, recording two career goals, including one game-winner.

Tyler Hamilton (St. Louis Lions) – Two year letterwinner for the Wildcats. Has played in 34 career matches, recording one assist.

Antonio Salazar (Frontera United) – In the Wildcat program for one year.

The Wildcats, who finished 8-10-1 last fall with a 4-5-0 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, kick off the 2016 season Aug. 27 with a road match at Calumet College of St. Joseph in East Chicago, Ind. C-SC opens its home schedule Thursday, Sept. 1, with a night match against Augustana College at NX Level Field starting at 7 p.m.