Leaving your childhood friends and home behind is never easy for a teenager.

However, Adam Cook is ready to make some new adventures when he heads off to Georgia next fall.

The C.B. Aycock senior signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at Piedmont University, which is located in the city of Athens.

“It’s awesome, and this is a dream come true,” Cook said. “I never thought that I’d achieve it, and it’s just awesome.”

Before finding Piedmont, Cook spent time emailing schools. Eventually, Cook went on a visit to Piedmont, and something about the school spoke to him.

“It was a beautiful campus with beautiful scenery,” Cook said. “After I toured the third college that I saw, I looked back and just thought Piedmont was the school.”

Cook played left back for the Golden Falcons this past fall. He and the rest of the Golden Falcons’ backline allowed just 22 goals this season.

“My coach at Wayne United put at left back because I like to run,” Cook said. “So, I started playing it, and I found out you can go defense and offense, so it was the best of both worlds.”

He produced on the offensive end as well. Cook was third on the team in goals scored (five) dished out four assists. Cook did not fear pressure situations and had no issues taking penalty kicks for the Golden Falcons.

The Golden Falcons ended the season with a 15-5-2 overall record and reached the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3A playoffs.

“His soccer I.Q. is off the charts. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve seen. The work he’s put in has been tremendous,” C.B. Aycock head coach Dominick Albano. “Specifically, because of him, we were able to have our outside backs attacking. He’s great on set pieces and serving in crosses.

“Love and dedication to the game is what he’s got.”

Cook intends to major in mechanical engineering when he gets to Athens after graduating from C.B. Aycock.