Inside The Den: “It’s in my DNA” – Henry Hampshaw Talks About His Journey To D1 Soccer
7/16/2026 5:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer
MACON – For most athletes, the jump from NAIA to Division I soccer could be challenging. This was not the case for Henry Hampshaw, who has been preparing for this opportunity since he was four years old.
"[Playing soccer] is in my DNA," Hampshaw said. "I started playing soccer when I was four. My parents took me to play for Honley Juniors, which was a local Sunday league team I played with my friends. A few years later, Huddersfield Town signed me to their academy which was huge for my development."
Hampshaw has been a goalkeeper his entire life, a position inherited from his grandfather, Alan Ogley. Ogley played for four professional clubs, including Manchester City and Stockport County.
"When I was growing up and when I decided that I wanted to be a keeper, my granddad used to coach me in the garden," Hampshaw said. "So, you know, I got all of his expertise passed down to me, and he's a huge reason why I am where I am today."
Hampshaw's journey has been nothing short of ordinary. After spending a few years with Huddersfield Town, Hampshaw earned a scholarship contract with Sheffield United's academy. From there, Hampshaw came across the pond and began his collegiate career at William Carey.
Hampshaw made an immediate impact on the pitch. As a redshirt freshman, Hampshaw kept nine clean sheets with 35 saves to earn All-America honors.
"I absolutely loved my time there", Hampshaw said. "I made some friends for life and am forever grateful for the opportunity that they provided me."
After two seasons in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Hampshaw moved to Macon ahead of the 2025 season and slid in as the Bears' number one.
"Coach Ricky was a big reason for me coming here," Hampshaw said. "He told me about the facilities and the brand of soccer played at Mercer, and I believed it would be a perfect fit for me. It felt like a family, and we grew really close as a team last year."
In his first year as a Bear, Hampshaw earned All-SoCon Second Team honors. Hampshaw started all 18 matches for Mercer and saved 67 shots while keeping three clean sheets. Hampshaw saved a career-high nine shots against then ranked No. 21 UNCG in the Bears' regular season finale.
Hampshaw is one of 13 returners from last year's squad and is ready for the season opener on August 20.
"It's an exciting time to be a Mercer soccer player," Hampshaw said. "I expect us to compete for the SoCon championship. We saw glimpses of what we could do last year. There's more of a culture in the locker room this year and a strong sense of confidence."
"[Playing soccer] is in my DNA," Hampshaw said. "I started playing soccer when I was four. My parents took me to play for Honley Juniors, which was a local Sunday league team I played with my friends. A few years later, Huddersfield Town signed me to their academy which was huge for my development."
Hampshaw has been a goalkeeper his entire life, a position inherited from his grandfather, Alan Ogley. Ogley played for four professional clubs, including Manchester City and Stockport County.
"When I was growing up and when I decided that I wanted to be a keeper, my granddad used to coach me in the garden," Hampshaw said. "So, you know, I got all of his expertise passed down to me, and he's a huge reason why I am where I am today."
Hampshaw's journey has been nothing short of ordinary. After spending a few years with Huddersfield Town, Hampshaw earned a scholarship contract with Sheffield United's academy. From there, Hampshaw came across the pond and began his collegiate career at William Carey.
Hampshaw made an immediate impact on the pitch. As a redshirt freshman, Hampshaw kept nine clean sheets with 35 saves to earn All-America honors.
"I absolutely loved my time there", Hampshaw said. "I made some friends for life and am forever grateful for the opportunity that they provided me."
After two seasons in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Hampshaw moved to Macon ahead of the 2025 season and slid in as the Bears' number one.
"Coach Ricky was a big reason for me coming here," Hampshaw said. "He told me about the facilities and the brand of soccer played at Mercer, and I believed it would be a perfect fit for me. It felt like a family, and we grew really close as a team last year."
In his first year as a Bear, Hampshaw earned All-SoCon Second Team honors. Hampshaw started all 18 matches for Mercer and saved 67 shots while keeping three clean sheets. Hampshaw saved a career-high nine shots against then ranked No. 21 UNCG in the Bears' regular season finale.
Hampshaw is one of 13 returners from last year's squad and is ready for the season opener on August 20.
"It's an exciting time to be a Mercer soccer player," Hampshaw said. "I expect us to compete for the SoCon championship. We saw glimpses of what we could do last year. There's more of a culture in the locker room this year and a strong sense of confidence."
Players Mentioned
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