Cary, N.C. (August 25, 2021) – Several current and former NCFC Academy players have headed off to their respective colleges, and North Carolina FC would like to thank each player for their dedication and contribution to the club and wish them the best of luck as they pursue their college playing careers.
Midfielder Collin McCamy has left for Northwestern University, having made four appearances for North Carolina FC during the 2020-2021 season. McCamy made his debut against Forward Madison earlier this year, entering the match as a substitute, and logged a collective 46 minutes of playing time.
Defender Aaron Messer has left for the University of Pennsylvania, making one appearance as a substitute against the Chattanooga Red Wolves during his time with the club. The midfielder also spent time as the captain of both the U17 and U19 NCFC Academy teams.
Midfielder Will Buete has left for NC State University, joining the Wolfpack alongside former Academy players Luke Hille and Parker Cross.
Curtis De Leon has joined his brother, Shane De Leon, on the roster at Alabama Birmingham. De Leon made his debut for North Carolina FC on June 11, appearing as a second-half substitute against Fort Lauderdale CF.
Thirteen former academy players have returned to their universities to continue their collegiate playing careers, including George Marks (Clemson), Trace Alphin (Wake Forest), Robert Screen (Kentucky), Shane De Leon (Alabama Birmingham), Luke Hille (NC State), Colton Pleasants (UNC Wilmington), Gabe Mercer (UNC Wilmington), Lucas Del Rosario (UNC Chapel Hill), Parker Cross (NC State), Gabe Findley (Liberty), Parker Norris (UNC Wilmington), Cam Revels (George Mason), and Dylan Lane (Furman).
NCFC U23 players Marko Mitrevski (Liberty), Jalen Anderson (UNC Wilmington), and Malik Smith (Liberty) all spent time with North Carolina FC over the summer, each of whom returned to their colleges earlier this month. Additionally, several U19 academy players who featured in U23 games are heading to college, including Lucas Pleasants (Washington and Lee), Tanner Barry (Brown University) Kiran Chikmath (Salisbury University), Jake Smith (University of Denver) and Tyler Shearin (Eastern Pennsylvania University).
“We are proud of all these players and wish them the best as they either begin or continue their college soccer careers this fall,” NCFC Head Coach John Bradford said. “The Academy contracted players that were with our professional team this season have been integral parts of our training and game environments. Their development has been accelerated by providing them opportunities to be within the professional environment and it’s been great to see their growth. With our 23’s, it’s been great to bring back former Academy players and continue to see their development and positive improvement.”
NCFC’s next match will be at home tonight, August 25 at 7 p.m. ET against Forward Madison. Tickets are available here and the match will also air live on ESPN+.
Cary, N.C. (August 25, 2021) – Several current and former NCFC Academy players have headed off to their respective colleges, and North Carolina FC would like to thank each player for their dedication and contribution to the club and wish them the best of luck as they pursue their college playing careers.
Midfielder Collin McCamy has left for Northwestern University, having made four appearances for North Carolina FC during the 2020-2021 season. McCamy made his debut against Forward Madison earlier this year, entering the match as a substitute, and logged a collective 46 minutes of playing time.
Defender Aaron Messer has left for the University of Pennsylvania, making one appearance as a substitute against the Chattanooga Red Wolves during his time with the club. The midfielder also spent time as the captain of both the U17 and U19 NCFC Academy teams.
Midfielder Will Buete has left for NC State University, joining the Wolfpack alongside former Academy players Luke Hille and Parker Cross.
Curtis De Leon has joined his brother, Shane De Leon, on the roster at Alabama Birmingham. De Leon made his debut for North Carolina FC on June 11, appearing as a second-half substitute against Fort Lauderdale CF.
Thirteen former academy players have returned to their universities to continue their collegiate playing careers, including George Marks (Clemson), Trace Alphin (Wake Forest), Robert Screen (Kentucky), Shane De Leon (Alabama Birmingham), Luke Hille (NC State), Colton Pleasants (UNC Wilmington), Gabe Mercer (UNC Wilmington), Lucas Del Rosario (UNC Chapel Hill), Parker Cross (NC State), Gabe Findley (Liberty), Parker Norris (UNC Wilmington), Cam Revels (George Mason), and Dylan Lane (Furman).
NCFC U23 players Marko Mitrevski (Liberty), Jalen Anderson (UNC Wilmington), and Malik Smith (Liberty) all spent time with North Carolina FC over the summer, each of whom returned to their colleges earlier this month. Additionally, several U19 academy players who featured in U23 games are heading to college, including Lucas Pleasants (Washington and Lee), Tanner Barry (Brown University) Kiran Chikmath (Salisbury University), Jake Smith (University of Denver) and Tyler Shearin (Eastern Pennsylvania University).
“We are proud of all these players and wish them the best as they either begin or continue their college soccer careers this fall,” NCFC Head Coach John Bradford said. “The Academy contracted players that were with our professional team this season have been integral parts of our training and game environments. Their development has been accelerated by providing them opportunities to be within the professional environment and it’s been great to see their growth. With our 23’s, it’s been great to bring back former Academy players and continue to see their development and positive improvement.”
NCFC’s next match will be at home tonight, August 25 at 7 p.m. ET against Forward Madison. Tickets are available here and the match will also air live on ESPN+.
