At first glance, Shawn Ferguson looks like the big defender that you never wanted to go up against for a header, but might be able to beat with speed in a one-on-one.
However, when you watch him play and see his natural skill and awareness on and off the ball, it is clear that he is much more than just a big body on the field.
Shawn is one of two players in their rookie pro seasons for the Charleston Battery, and he will add great ability and confidence to a veteran back line.
Going into his freshman year at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC, Fergurson had a decision to make.
[show_disconnected][show_to accesslevel=’Subscriber’] In South Carolina, soccer and baseball season overlap, he chose soccer because he knew he had a shot at making varsity his freshman year and the team was really solid. He excelled as a young player and as he began setting his sites on college, soccer was naturally a huge factor in the decision making process.
In addition to his high school team, Ferguson played for the Discoveries Soccer Club, a highly accredited club in his hometown of Rock Hill. It was with the club that he met Ralph Lundy Jr., the son of College of Charleston head coach, Ralph Lundy.
Coach Lundy knew he had some special talents and both Shawn and Ralph Jr. decided to attend College of Charleston along with five other members of their club team. It was a great situation for the players and a dream for a coach.
Charleston Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser had seen Shawn play a number of times as a college player. The teams are extremely close in proximity and it seemed only natural that Ferguson would seek to take his career to the next level with the Battery.
“The quality of play is much better and the pace is a lot faster, plus it’s different now you have responsibilities and you actually get fined for them,” Ferguson said laughing and shaking his head.
The Battery rookie is still attending classes at the College of Charleston. where he is majoring in Biology. His situation is a little different from most of his Battery teammates. He practices three days a week and attends school on Tuesday and Thursday.
“The older players have been really helpful bringing me in and showing me the ropes since I’m not here everyday, there has been a lot of additional support and they are definitely helping me develop as a player and making me better,” he said, reflecting on his situation with his new team.
Graduation is around the corner for Ferguson and with classes completed, he will be able to train with the Battery regularly.
He wants to improve and get better at the next level, but would like to eventually begin graduates studies to become a Physician’s Assistant, or perhaps even go to medical school.
That’s in the future. For now, he will focus his efforts on graduating and then training hard, and helping the Battery win games.
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