SAN FRANCISCO – Second-year head coach Leonard Griffin continues to add to the 2020 class, with the signing of forward Ilijah Paul (Gilbert, Ariz./Campo Verde HS/Barca Academy).

"Our staff has been searching hard for a long time to find a special player to strengthen our attack," said Griffin. "Ilijah Paul is a proven goalscorer that has the ability to come in and make an immediate impact. He's a true striker that can beat you in different ways. He can hold the ball to bring more of his teammates into the attack, he's athletic with pace, and most importantly he's dangerous in the box. Besides his on the field ability, Ilijah will also strengthen our team off the field. His experience in a professional environment has given him the character skills needed to be successful in the classroom, community and on the field."
 
Though he didn't play soccer at the prep level, Paul is a highly decorated player at the club and development academy level. Paul was a member of the famed 02 Valparaiso United squad that ended a 15-year title drought for Arizona teams at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships. In the 2014 14U title match, Paul scored what would be the game-winning goal and assisted on another goal in a 2-0 victory.
 
Most recently, Paul was competing for the U16/17 Real Salt Lake Development Academy team where he led the team with 10 goals in 16 appearances. Paul has also played locally for Legacy and Arizona Soccer Club. 
 
He spent the 2019-20 year playing for Phoenix Rising FC with future Dons' teammate Brandon Keniston.  Last year, playing for the Barca Academy, he appeared in six matches, scoring six goals.

Paul joins a talented class that includes the addition of Nonso Adimabua,  Filip Kanold and Keniston.