Senior defender Noah Wright has officially signed a contract with the Richmond Kickers soccer team. Having already won a National Championship and earned a spot on the All-American team, he has now joined the roster of a professional team while many of his classmates are in the middle of their high school soccer season. 

   Wright’s soccer career started very early in life and quickly developed as time went on. Although he is modest about his success, Wright’s skills allowed him to play on top-level teams early on. 

   “I’ve always been on an elite team, I guess, and then I joined Richmond United Academy at 14, and now I play for Kickers,” Wright said.

   While Noah has been playing since the age of six, his major influence has always been his father. Growing up with an exceptional player in his household allowed Wright to be immersed in the game of soccer from a young age.

   “Well, it started because my dad played professional soccer. He played for Santos and then he played for the Trinidad national team,” Wright said.

   Although Wright’s parents had differing views on this chance to sign with the Kickers before he graduated, he still saw the option to play professionally as a good opportunity.

   “I felt like it would be a great experience and would make me a better player before going to college. My mom didn’t like the idea because she’s focused on school, but my dad was really happy,” Wright said.

   In order to scout out Wright, the Kickers continued to keep an eye on his progress throughout his seasons.

   “The assistant coach came to my practices and games in the fall, and then he invited me to practice with them for like a week in the spring, and then they offered me a contract,” Wright said.

  Playing professionally has become a full-time job for Wright, making balancing school somewhat difficult. He has reduced the number of classes he is enrolled in to four and adjusted to a tight schedule. This change makes keeping grades up a challenge.

   “I don’t have school until the afternoon, so I practice from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. usually. Then if I [have to] go to school, I’ll come to school. And if I don’t, I usually train at night too, and do lifts instead of coming to school,” Wright said.

   Not only is Wright playing professionally here in Richmond, but he has also committed to playing Division 1 soccer at the College of William and Mary in the fall. His contract with the Kickers ends as soon as he starts playing for the Tribe, but Wright still sees himself playing professionally after college.

   “I wanna play in Europe one day, but if not, play in the MLS,” Wright said.

   Wright was not expecting this chance to play professionally so early but plans to excel throughout the next few seasons and through college. 

   “A year ago or so, I didn’t think I was gonna get this opportunity, and here I am. So I guess it could pretty much happen to anyone, you just gotta keep grinding,” Wright said.

   Wildcats looking to see Wright play with his new team should check out the Kicker’s schedule for the upcoming season.