ROCKINGHAM — Richmond Senior High School senior Nolan Allen became the first Raider soccer player from this year’s graduating class to verbally commit to play collegiate soccer.
He made the announcement via social media on Tuesday, Dec. 4, that he will be attending Piedmont International University in Winston-Salem, N.C. Allen, who is set to graduate in June from Richmond, will join the Bruins soccer program as a right and left back.
“It feels great to be verbally committed,” Allen shared. “It gives me an opportunity to do what I love to do at the college level. It’s nice for (college) coaches to recognize that I have what it takes to play at the next level.
“That moment I made my decision, it felt like the world stopped for me,” he added. “I never thought I’d get this opportunity, and I have to thank God every day for this chance. I’m glad to be able to be a part of the small percent of guys who get to play (college) soccer.”
Piedmont International’s men’s soccer program is a Division II club that competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Bruins are coached by Craig Golding, an England native, who just wrapped up his first season at the helm. Allen explained that the Bruins reached out to him and expressed interest “about a year ago.”
“I went to a camp at High Point University and Piedmont saw me on film that was sent to schools all over the state,” Allen explained. “They told me they really liked how I play in the back and how well I move the ball around.”
An integral part of the Raider soccer team’s defense as a senior this fall, Allen was also drawing interest from two other programs. One was Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass., and the other was The University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, N.C. Allen noted it was nice to receive considerations from several programs, but ultimately chose Piedmont International because of the possibility of getting in on the action as a freshman.
“I decided to choose (the Bruins) because the coach told me that if I worked hard, I could find my way into the starting lineup at right back as a freshman and not get red-shirted,” Allen said. “It’s also pretty close to home and they’re a program that competes and wins. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
A three-sport athlete at Richmond, Allen has been playing the game of soccer ever since he was a little kid. He’s grown up playing travel soccer, and has always enjoyed playing baseball as well. Allen has been a part of the Raider soccer and baseball programs since he was a freshman, and he said it was a tough decision for him to choose between which sport to play, as he was also fielding interest on the baseball diamond.
During his senior campaign for the Raiders this fall, Allen helped Richmond to a 12-10 overall record and a tie for second place in the Sandhills Athletic Conference. Coached by first-year coach Chris Larsen, Allen and the Raiders also returned back to the 4A state playoffs after missing out during Allen’s junior campaign in 2017.
Because he played a part in a tough wall of defenders that only allowed 1.31 goals per game, Allen’s most impressive work goes unnoticed on the stat sheet. He used his speed and soccer IQ to limit shot attempts, deflect balls wide and begin scoring runs for the Raiders out of their own zone. He did see some time up top, and was rewarded with the game-winning goal, his only tally of the season, against Purnell Swett High School on Sept. 26.
While he still has over a semester and his senior baseball season to go before he heads to PIU’s campus, Allen isn’t letting this opportunity go unappreciated.
“I’m just so excited and thankful for getting to play the game I love,” Allen said. “I’m really looking forward to a good (freshman) season with them.”
Right now, Allen isn’t sure what course of study he’ll pursue, as he explained he might remain undecided for his freshman year to see what he enjoys most. The next step for him will be to attend PIU on his official visit on Friday, Jan. 11, where he’ll meet with the coaching staff and discuss academic and athletic scholarship possibilities.
“There are so many people I’d like to thank, starting with my daddy and my mamma, Robbie Allen and Crystal Norton,” Allen said. “They’ve always been so supportive of me. I also want thank Chris Larsen, Bennie Howard, John Roberson, Ken Bass and Joey Grant for helping coach me along the way.
“Ricky Young, even though he’s my baseball coach, has always had my back, so I want to thank him as well,” Allen concluded. “And thanks to Brad Denson for working me hard in the weight room. Lastly, thanks all of my peers and teammates for the last four years.”
