Sam Parrish signs with Louisburg

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on May 15, 2012 1:49 PM

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As one of only four seniors on Charles B. Aycock's girls' soccer team, Sam Parrish has learned to be comfortable in her role as a "big sister."

It's about time for big sister to pack her bags and head out on her own.

A four-year member of the Golden Falcons' varsity squad, Parrish is continuing her soccer career this fall at Louisburg College. After initially considering attending Barton, Parrish recently visited the Louisburg campus and had an opportunity to work out with the women's soccer team.

Louisburg finished 12-5-1 this past season and lost in the Region X semifinals to Spartanburg Methodist. Former Southern Wayne standout Nichole Casto was a freshman on the Hurricanes' roster this year.

"I went there and I actually got to play with the girls and it was amazing," Parrish said. "You have to get used to a group of girls. We did a grid drill and it was fast-paced and we actually knew where we were going to go. I felt like I fit in there because we were clicking.

"Even our passes were on point. It worked out really good."

Parrish has spent time as a forward and a defender during her career at Aycock before switching to midfield this season. She has played a vital leadership role on a team loaded with young talent. Parrish helps work passes forward to Cheyenne Warrick, Alex Strickland and Emily Borel while providing a calming presence to younger players. She has recorded six goals and 11 assists this season.

"Sam's a tremendous player for us," assistant coach Byron Adkins said. "She runs the midfield and makes everything go. She creates so much for us. The young girls look to her and a few of the other players for guidance. Sam doesn't panic and they look to her for that calming affect that she has on the team."

Parrish has been a part of the Golden Falcons' development from being simply a contender in the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference to becoming the team to beat in the ECC. Aycock has claimed the past two regular season ECC titles and Parrish has gained valuable experience with the Golden Falcons and with her travel team, the Wilson Explosion.

"We had a good team here in the past but we didn't know how to work together," Parrish said. "Once we got some of those younger girls and we got our positions down we became the team to beat in the conference. Playing travel ball, the competition is crazy. Seeing the teams we play there and how fast-paced the competition is has helped me get ready for the next level."

Following four seasons of helping laying the groundwork for a program bursting at the seams with potential, it's time for this Golden Falcon to spread her wings.