By Ryan Peterson - bio | email
NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) - Scoring a division one soccer scholarship is a lot like scoring a goal. It's hard to come by. But there was a big score in Nacogdoches this week. Dragons Senior J.T. Goodrum has signed with Appalachian State. He says Appalachian State first talked to him in November.
"I'm really excited," said Goodrum. "I definitely wouldn't be there without my coaches and my family."
It's been a long road for Goodrum, who never imagined he'd play division one soccer. He's spent the last six years traveling to Houston and Dallas multiple times a week, playing with one of the best club teams in the nation. He's says the journey was a family effort.
"I don't think I could have asked God for a better family," Goodrum said. "After I get through practice here (Nacogdoches), after school they drive me three and half hours. Especially with the gas prices going way up, just for them to support me in following my dream. There's no way I could have done it without him."
Goodrum will play in the same college conference as former Dragon Clint Dempsey. The U.S. National Team star made his mark at Furman in the Southern Conference.
"Clint's a family friend," said Goodrum. "He's worked with me a bit, but I'm not near as good as Clint was."
Those are big shoes to fill, but Goodrum's accomplishment is impressive. Appalachian State is an up and coming program. The team finished second in the Southern Conference this past fall. Goodrum expects to play midfielder next year.
