Surrounded by family, friends, teammates and coaches, Colby Thompson recently signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Mount Olive next fall.

“It feels good, and it’s a dream come true,” Thompson said. “It’s cool to see all of the blood, sweat, and tears finally pay off.”

Thompson first connected with the UMO coaches at a soccer camp held at N.C. State, and after that initial meeting, it did not take long for the UMO coaches to want Thompson in a UMO jersey.

“We had a good connection, and being a hometown kid really helped in building that connection,” Thompson said. “My dad went to UMO, and that alumni connection helped out as well.

“It kind of all worked out.”

Part of the C.B. Aycock soccer program for all four years, Thompson established himself as a great player and leader on the soccer pitch during his time at C.B. Aycock.

After reaching the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A playoffs during his freshman year, the Golden Falcons won only three games during his sophomore season.

However, during his junior year, C.B. Aycock bounced back with a 7-4-1 record. C.B. Aycock went 15-5-2 overall last season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

“It’s been a ride. Freshman year, I went from being the baby on the team with a bunch of seniors to sophomore year where we were not very good,” Thompson said. “Junior and senior year, it was my team and to lead people and to try and teach people.

“It’s been amazing.”

Thompson played center back and center defensive mid during his time as a Golden Falcon. Thanks to his leadership and strong play, the Golden gave up 22 goals last season.

He can also produce on the offensive end. Thompson scored three goals this season and dished out a team-high 11 assists.

C.B. Aycock head coach Dominick Albano said watching Thompson’s confidence and self-esteem grow every year has been amazing, and he couldn’t have asked for a better team captain.

“I’m very proud of him, and I know he’s been working for a long time for this. I’ve known him for most of my life, so it’s very special to watch him grow up and become the player I knew he could become,” Albano said. “He’s a sold, physical player, and anything in the air, he’s going to win it.”

Thompson plans to major in exercise science. He joins a Mount Olive squad that finished 12-6 overall last season and 9-2 in Carolina Conference play.