LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Monday its first hometown signing as former Indiana University player Richard Ballard set to suit up for the club this season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Ballard arrives at City after playing most of his Hoosiers career as a midfielder. Ballard shifted to striker last year, when he registered four goals and two assists.

“He actually scored against us in our first preseason game back in 2015, so we’ve been aware of him for a couple of years now,” said Louisville Head Coach James O’Connor. “Our goalkeepers coach, Thabane Sutu, knows Richard well having worked with him when he was younger.

“His versatility is important. We are excited, as think he has a lot of potential for growth. It is also great to have signed a local player who can relate to the community.”

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Ballard signed with City after being invited to the club’s preseason trials in January. Ballard could fit in at any number of positions having starred on the wing, in the attacking midfield and at forward for IU. This past season, he earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors after starting in every game as the Hoosiers went 12-2-7 and reached the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament.

“Playing at Indiana, we trained at the highest level every day,” Ballard said. “We had some of the most competitive players in the nation and played against the best competition. I think it prepared me well to be a professional.

“I’ve always dreamed we’d have a professional team in Louisville. Now that we do, to be able to play for it means the world to me. I think it’s going to be awesome to get out there and represent my hometown.”

A graduate of DuPont Manual High School, Ballard cemented his reputation as a goal creator during three varsity letter seasons at the school. He tallied 21 goals and 24 assists for the Crimsons, guiding them to the District 12 title in 2011. In high school, Ballard was named to the All-State First Team.

While still an IU student, Ballard attended his first City game in 2015 to greet Sunny Jane, a Trinity High School product then playing for Wilmington Hammerheads FC.

“I was impressed,” Ballard said. “I was glad to see the fans come out and create such a good atmosphere in Louisville. That’s the one game I could look back on when making my decision, knowing I could see myself playing for this team in that kind of environment.”