CARY, N.C. (November 15, 2018)– Yesterday was an important day for North Carolina Football Club – and specifically NCFC Youth. On National Signing Day, the next class of college-bound high school seniors from the largest youth-to-pro club in the country signed National Letters of Intent to continue soccer careers at their respective colleges and universities.



Among the standout group heading to the next level, five players are graduating high school early to get a jump start on their athletic and academic careers. Sheldon China Jr., Gabe Mercer, Camryn Dixon, Maggie Pierce and Anna Rockett are set to begin their college careers with the start of the new semester in January.



A trend that is becoming more-and-more common each year, going to college early will give the players a head start on adapting to life as a student athlete and paving the way for a successful freshman season.



As NCFC Youth continues to grow, the pipeline of players heading to the next level has also increased. Last year, 77 players signed to play soccer at 46 schools. The 2019 class from NCFC Youth will be finalized and recognized early next year with the celebration of College Signing Night.



NCFC Youth Early Graduate Profiles:



Sheldon China Jr.

Position: Forward

School: NC State

NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy

Hometown: Durham, N.C.



Gabe Mercer

Position: Midfielder

School: UNC Wilmington

NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy

Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.



Camryn Dixon

Position: Forward

School: South Carolina

NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy

Hometown: Cary, N.C.



Maggie Pierce

Position: Midfielder

School: UNC

NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy

Hometown: Cary, N.C.



Anna Rockett

Position: Defender

School: LSU

NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy

Hometown: Cary, N.C.