Alexa Hone Photo
Greer High School soccer standout Nick Roberson signs a letter of intent with North Greenville University on Friday. His father, Bruce, and mother, Beth, observed the ceremony with soccer coach Jorge Santos (center back).
Alexa Hone Photo
Nick Roberson's soccer teammates also shared the celebratory occasion.
Greer High School senior Nick Roberson signed his letter of intent to join the North Greenville University men’s soccer team Friday afternoon.
Roberson, who was a standout in both soccer and football decided to further his soccer career as friends, family, teammates and coaches surrounded him.
“Everyone in this room has made a huge impact on me, you have kept me straight and built me up and I am so thankful for you all,” said Roberson before the signing. “This means the world to me, I have always wanted to play, I love this game.”
Roberson scored one goal his freshman season and a career-high 26 his junior year.
Jorge Santos, Greer High School soccer coach, praised Roberson. “He has made a huge impact,” Santos said. “I am excited for him especially to have such a great mentor (NGU coach Bill Martin). This is a big opportunity. (Nick) represents a lot of what Greer High School is about.”
“(Coach Santos) is always trying to figure out how to help his players,” Roberson said. “He is committed to growing us as soccer players but also growing us boys into men.”
“I am so unbelievably proud of Nicholas and all he has accomplished,” Roberson’s mother, Beth, said. “He is a great athlete, but he is such a great person. That matters most to me as his mom.”
Beth Roberson said watching her children participate in activities is rewarding. “Seeing (Nicholas) play soccer since he was four has been a blast,” she said. “And of course, it was great watching him as a placekicker on the football team. Now to see him go play a sport at the next level is very exciting.”
Roberson looked at other schools such as Young Harris College, Limestone College, Spartanburg Methodist College and Presbyterian College. He said North Greenville University was the right fit for him.
“I love Coach (Bill) Martin, I have a lot of respect for him,” Roberson said. “I loved the intensity of their practice from start to finish. Practice is most important, games are just an opportunity to showcase what you do in practice.”
Martin saw enough of Roberson the past two years as Eastside High School coach playing against Roberson. “Speed kills and that kid has God-given speed,” Martin said.
Martin, who was named NGU coach in January, headed the Eastside program that earned the Eagles a 2014 state championship and No. 3 national ranking by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.
“First, Nick is a great kid, comes from a great family and was coached by a great coach,” Martin said. “To be honest, I signed him because great kids turn out to be great people.”
Martin said, “Roberson will play in the number 11 role for us and he’s left footed. He will be a great complement to Matthew Woodington, a right-footed kicker on the other side.” Woodington played for Martin at Eastside High School.
Roberson was one of most successful placekickers in Greer football history. Martin was asked if he thought the NGU football team might call on Roberson in a duo role.
“We have had that conversation,” Martin said. “I believe in multiple sports for kids but it would be difficult for him to do that during our season. Nick has said how much he loves soccer.”
Roberson said he will study to become a physical education teacher for high school or middle school and also coach.