Strickland signs NLI with Cape Fear CC

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on May 7, 2014 1:48 PM

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aetzler@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- Alex Strickland wanted to be absolutely sure of her decision.

The Charles B. Aycock senior received an offer to play soccer at UNC Wilmington, but the coach couldn't guarantee any playing time on the field.

Strickland said "no."

After she met Cape Fear Community College head coach Melissa Anderson at a UNC Wilmington clinic, Anderson stayed in constant contact with Strickland -- and had the paperwork waiting for her to sign.

Strickland asked for time to sleep on it.

Anderson called three hours later.

"I must have impressed her because she didn't wait long," Strickland said.

A few days just before her spring break trip to Spain, Strickland signed a national letter-of-intent to play with the Region X junior college program. The Sea Devils finished 17-2-0 and had the nation's No. 1-ranked goals-against-average defense last fall.

Plus, CFCC ranked among the nation's top 15 offensive teams and came within one game of advancing to the National Junior College Athletic Association championship game. They suffered a season-ending, 2-1 double-overtime loss to Southern Maryland.

A 5-foot-3 versatile player, Strickland can play either forward or center midfield. She's developed into steady scorer for the Golden Falcons and has 32 goals this season, but isn't quite sure what role she'll handle for Anderson.

Strickland just wants to play.

"I talked to (Anderson) about not really having a position," Strickland. "She said I could definitely play center mid, so I don't know I guess we'll see."

Strickland knows she needs to improve on her game awareness. College-level players are more developed in how they see the game, which enhances their ability to make better runs when they're on the field.

"Plus I'm really impatient, so if I was just sitting on the bench and we were losing or playing bad I'd want to just get on the field," said Strickland, who'd like to transfer to either UNCW or the University of Mount Olive when she concludes her junior college career.