For many St. Thomas soccer players, the 2013 season means adjusting to the South Campus field’s new turf, but for midfielder Miles Stockman-Willis, a Division 1 transfer, a different home field is only one big change he’s adapting to.

“The levels are slightly higher at Division I, but (Division III) is no joke. The MIAC is a tough conference, and I’m definitely learning a lot playing here and starting,” Stockman-Willis said.

The Woodbury, Minn. native played his freshman season at the University of Northern Illinois. Stockman-Willis, now a sophomore, joined the Tommies this fall and reunited with a familiar face from his summer league—coach Jon Lowery.

“A big decision was because Lowery was here. He coached me the last two years of club. He knows me well; he knows how I like to play,” Stockman-Willis said.

For Lowery, the transition remains a welcomed one.

“Everyone’s career is a little bit different, and what’s nice for Miles is he’s settled into the community. (St. Thomas is) a good fit for him academically, and it’s a good fit for him from a soccer perspective,” Lowery said.

Stockman-Willis has hit the ground running as he is tied for leading scorer in the MIAC conference with 11 goals, and was named the MIAC men’s soccer Player of the Week in October.

Midfielder Amos Nash said he has noticed Stockman-Willis’ high level of play this season.

“Miles is definitely someone you want with the ball at his feet because he’s very technical, very gifted and fast- definitely dangerous when he has the ball,” Nash said.

As he progresses through his sophomore year, Stockman-Willis has his sights set high for the future, and that’s exactly what the coaching staff is looking forward to.

“We want to win the MIAC. We want to compete in the national tournament, and we want to make a deep run at making the national championship,” Lowery said. “I don’t think Miles would tell you any different.”

Luke Moe can be reached at moe95234@stthomas.edu.