GREENSBORO, N.C. – Theo Collomb's professional dreams are a reality.
The former UNC Greensboro men's soccer standout signed an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Friday afternoon. The contract is guaranteed through 2022 with an option for 2023.
"It was an amazing feeling because I've been working hard since I was young for this moment," Collomb said. "I'm really happy to be able to make my family and my friends proud after all the sacrifices I've made for this. The transition was hard because everything was new. We are training on turf and the weather is not as hot as it is in Greensboro but I'm getting used to it."
Collomb was a third-round selection and 72nd pick overall during February's Major League Soccer Super Draft 2022 by Adidas Football.
"This is exactly the reason why we have MLS NEXT Pro, to give players the opportunity to grow into their professional careers," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "All six players are coming into their first pro seasons, so this will be a great platform to continue to develop and prepare for the MLS level."
Once Collomb found his way to UNCG, he realized that it was a place where professional dreams can be achieved.
"All of us at UNCG are incredibly proud of Theo," UNCG head coach
Chris Rich said. "He is leaving Greensboro with many individual accolades, but also with a degree in economics. He represented this university at the highest level, and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to do so at the professional level. He will always be a Spartan."
UNCG fans got used to Collomb's phenomenal exploits on the soccer pitch during his two years as a Spartan. He enjoyed a 2021 campaign to cherish.
Collomb was named the Southern Conference Player of the Year and a First Team All-Region selection by the United Soccer Coaches. In addition, Collomb was named to the United Soccer Coaches 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-America Second Team. He was also named to the College Soccer News All-America Second Team and TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Third Team.
Collomb was second in the country in goals (15), third in goals per game (.086) and points per game (2.06), fourth in points (35), seventh in shots per game (4.00), 11th in shots on goal per game (1.82), and 49th in game-winning goals (three).
After scoring two goals during a 3-1 win over national champion Clemson on Sept. 21 and notching his first career hat-trick, he was named the College Soccer News, TopDrawerSoccer.com, and United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week (Sept. 28-30).
Collomb was named the SoCon Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 27 and SoCon Player of the Month for September.
UNCG was nationally ranked in 13 of the 20 final national statistical categories. The Spartans led the country in corner kicks per game (8.00), goal differential (38), points per game (8.39), scoring offense (2.89).
Now, Collomb is getting settled into the next phase of his life.
"I just moved into my new apartment, so I am settled down," Collomb said. "I'm feeling good here now. Vancouver is a huge and beautiful city. There's a lot of people and you add in the oceans and the mountains, it's a beautiful place for sure. I'll always be grateful for all that UNCG has given me and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the guys do this year. I'm still in touch with a lot of them and I'll follow all their games."
