It's official, Richard Jata has signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads for the upcoming 2011 USL PRO season. After finishing off his last semester at Campbell University, where he used his free time as a volunteer assistant coach, Richard decided to move to Wilmington and try out for the Hammerheads. I guess it's true what they say, God does work in mysterious ways. With soccer as hard a sport to get into at the pro level, Jata kept the drive and persevered to accomplish something a lot of doubters out there thought he'd never do. After being drafted by the Chicago Fire and getting released just days before the 2009 MLS season began, Jata traveled all over the country and even into Europe on his quest to sign his first professional contract. Well, the time has come, now we just have to wait and see what's left in the tank. I think Richard(25) still has what it takes to make a significant impact in the pro circuit. I mean, if the Wilmington Hammerheads signed him, he's got to be doing something right...right?
The signing came nearly one week after his initial tryout, where roughly 30 players competed for a shot at making the team. I guess volunteering with the men's soccer team at CU was a smart idea because ultimately it gave him the opportunity to stay fit, both mentally and physically. There are still quite a few roster spots left to be filled, so stayed tuned. The best is yet to come!Richard Jata - 2009 MLS Draft Speech (at 3:54 mark)
For more info about the signing and Richard Jata's bio please visit the official USL website or the Wilmington Hammerheads website via the links provided. Campbell University also posted an article regarding the signing on their official site. The first game of the season is at home on 4/16.
5 comments:
Thanks for the update. Your blog has been an excellent way to document your brothers journey to his professional soccer careeer. I certainly have enjoyed all the videos and pics that no one but you could have and the ceative writing style and homegrown spin that you put on life! Keep up the excellent work!
I've been wondering what happened to this guy. Liked his speech, tried following him, but he disappeared for awhile. I'm happy for him. Maybe we'll still see him in MLS someday.
I was kind of the same. You hope guys like him find a little success in chasing their dream. Thanks for posting this bhj03c.
I guess he never checks his twitter anymore, but congrats!
I actually knew Jata briefly at Furman. I always wondered how good our soccer team could've been if he'd been able to stick around, but I've enjoyed watching him chase his dream and I'm glad it's finally starting to work out for him.
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