by Per Andrew McDonnell
Lorain County Leviathan FC is thrilled to announce the additions of two of Lorain County’s most accomplished homegrown players — Carter Hancock of Amherst, Ohio, and Dakota Jonke of Avon, Ohio — to the 2026 Leviathan roster. Both return home after excelling at the collegiate level, bringing national-level experience, accolades, and momentum back to Lorain County as they suit up for the county’s USL League Two club.
These signings represent the heart of what Leviathan FC was built to do: develop, attract, and bring elite local players back home — athletes who tested themselves on national stages and are now choosing to compete for the community that raised them.
Dakota Jonke, an Avon native, arrives in Lorain County following an impressive collegiate career at Cornell University and Duquesne University. At Duquesne, Jonke became a reliable difference-maker, appearing in 15 matches with 13 starts and finishing third on the team in scoring with six points on two goals and two assists. He also ranked third on the roster in both total shots and shots on goal, logging more than 800 minutes while consistently delivering in big moments.
Jonke made headlines by converting a pressure-packed penalty kick to secure a 1–1 draw at No. 23 Notre Dame, then followed it up with a goal and two assists in a dominant victory over Rhode Island. His performances earned him Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week honorable mention recognition. Earlier in his career at Cornell, Jonke announced himself immediately at the Division I level, scoring the game-winning goal in his NCAA debut at UC Santa Barbara.
A graduate of St. Edward’s High School, Jonke captained the Eagles’ soccer program during his final two seasons and showcased his athletic versatility as a kicker on the football team that captured the 2021 OHSAA Division I state championship.
Joining him is Carter Hancock, a dynamic attacking force from Amherst, Ohio, whose collegiate career was defined by production, leadership, and national recognition. During the 2024 season, Hancock played and started all 21 matches, leading his team with 15 goals and 33 points while adding three assists. He etched his name into the program’s record books by breaking the school record for career assists in a match against Muskingum, finishing his career with 26.
Hancock’s trophy case speaks for itself. He was named OAC Forward of the Year, earned First Team All-OAC honors, and was selected to the OAC All-Tournament Team. On the national stage, he collected United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III First Team All-Region VII honors and Second Team All-American recognition.
His 2023 campaign was equally dominant, as Hancock started all 19 matches, finished second on the team with nine goals, and led the squad with seven assists. That season earned him First Team All-American honors, OAC Midfielder of the Year recognition, All-Region honors, and another spot on the OAC All-Tournament Team.
Hancock’s return to Lorain County is a statement of intent — a proven scorer and leader bringing elite-level production back home. He arrives with immediate momentum as well, having found the back of the net last Saturday in his professional debut with the Cleveland Crunch, further underlining his ability to produce at the next level. Together with Jonke, he represents the next chapter of Leviathan FC: hometown players who went away, proved themselves nationally, and came back ready to raise the standard for soccer in the county.
Together, Hancock and Jonke embody the Leviathan identity — elite local talent, national credibility, and unmatched pride in representing Lorain County.
“Signings like Dakota and Carter — along with Brennden, Marty, and Pat — are exactly why Lorain County Leviathan exists,” said Leviathan FC Chairman Andrew McDonnell. “These are Lorain County kids who competed against the best in the country and earned respect at the national level. Having them come home to wear this crest sends a powerful message to every young player in the county: you can chase your dreams anywhere, and still come home to represent where you’re from.”
With Hancock and Jonke joining the squad, Leviathan FC continues to establish itself as a destination for top regional talent and a launchpad for players who want to compete at a high level while representing their roots.
Leviathan FC Head Coach Blake New emphasized the attacking upside these additions bring to the squad.
“You can’t have too many goals in a game,” New said. “We’re adding scoring in bunches. Carter has shown everywhere he’s played that he knows how to finish, and Dakota brings creativity and composure that makes everyone around him more dangerous. This is exactly the type of firepower we want.”
The Leviathan season kicks off this summer, as Lorain County’s best return home — ready to defend the county colors.
