Defender Oliver Whaley, from Nottingham, England, has signed a contract with the Long Island Rough Riders for the USL League Two season.
Whaley is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University in his native England. He moved to the United States and earned a Master of Business Administration degree while playing for Ashland University from 2022–2024.
In his first collegiate season, Whaley recorded three goals and four assists in 20 games, including two goals in the conference final, where he was named Tournament MVP.
He earned Second Team All–Great Midwest Athletic Conference honors in 2023 as a graduate student, finishing with seven goals and tying for the team lead with seven assists in 20 matches.
In his third and final season at Ashland in 2024, Whaley captained the team and finished with seven goals and two assists, helping the team reach the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament for the third successive campaign.
Overall, Whaley started 54 of 58 games for Ashland University, finishing with 30 goal contributions.
The Rough Riders’ 2026 season will begin in May, with the USL League Two side hosting their home opener on May 27th against Staten Island.
The club is pleased to confirm that Whaley will be sponsored by the Finley Family for the upcoming season.
Tickets are available here.
*Pending League and Federation Approval