Nick Glaser and Tommy White, both seniors on the men's soccer team, will have the opportunity to do what most college athletes dream of.
The two University of Memphis soccer alums will get thier shot at playing at the professional level.
"what they're receiving right now was influenced by what they accomplished this season," said Richie Grant, head coach of the Tiger soccer team. "They both had good seasons."
Glaser's outstanding play has won him a spot on the Nashville Metros Soccer Team.
He has signed a contract to play with the A-League team of the United Soccer League, which is an outdoor league.
Glaser, a native of Hendersonville, Tenn., was a midfielder for the U of M soccer team and was a four year letter winner.
He finished the season with a total of 10 points and four assists, which ranked fifth in team stats.
Glaser trained with the Nashville Metros last Summer, when they were known as the Tennessee Rhythm.
Coach Grant feels it is a great opportunity for laser and one not all players find.
"The A-League is a really good place for college players," Grant said. "It's not just offered to anyone."
The Milwaukee Wave have drafted Tommy White to play during the next season.
White, who hails from Germantown, Tenn., was the third-leading scorer for Memphis last season.
In Conference-USA, Whiter was ranked sixth in points with 25 and fifth in goals with 11 on the season.
He was also a four year letterman for the Tigers.
The Wave are the defending National Professional Soccer League indoor champions and are currently midway through their season.
Next year's sschedule, in which White will be eligible to play begins in October of 2001.
Coach Grant sited the Milwaukee Wave as one of the more elite teams of the professional league, setting a pretty high standard of play.
The coach said that both players' accomplishments are a credit to the team.
He also stated that he hopes the exposure will help create interest and support for the U of M soccer team and its players.
"They've worked hard and they've eanred it," Grant said. "We're excited about them playing at that level."
Both Glaser and White are completing classes at this Spring at the U of M before moving on to professional soccer careers.
