RailHawks Defender Wes Knight to Retire
Published on July 31, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, NC (July 30, 2015) - Carolina RailHawks defender Wes Knight has announced that he will retire following the RailHawks match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 PM.
"It's disappointing for us to lose Wes but it's certainly understandable. He has decided to move on with his life and we wish him the best," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "He's been a great player for us and he will always be welcome at the club."
After signing with the RailHawks last March, Knight has played a pivotal role in the team's success this season, starting all 15 matches. He is one of only seven players in the NASL to have played the full 90 minutes in 15 matches, accumulating 1350 minutes. Knight has been a consistent player throughout the season and a key part of the RailHawks defensive scheme.
"I've taken a lot from my experience with the Carolina RailHawks," Knight said. "I have the desire to pursue a new challenge in life and I've decided to prepare myself for the next step."
With his playing days over, Knight will look to begin his coaching career. Over the last few years Knight has developed a greater passion for coaching while actively taking steps to prepare for this move. Knight will coach the Carolina Rapids, the youth affiliate program of the MLS' Colorado Rapids. He will be the Head Coach of the U-18 and U-14 Carolina Rapid Development Academy teams.
"I think coaching will be a natural transition," Knight said. "Last season I coached while I was injured and I got a lot of enjoyment in developing young athletes. I'm ready now to take what I've learned in my career and give it to someone else."
Knight had an extensive professional career after being invited to the MLS combine in 2008. He played three years with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and remained on the team in 2011 when they joined the MLS. In 2012, Knight signed with the San Antonio Scorpions and helped the team win the regular season championship. In 2013, he played for FC Edmonton before he came to the Carolina RailHawks.
Knight excelled in high school playing for Wren High School in Piedmont, South Carolina. He was a three-time All-Region selection and two-time All-State. After high school, the South Carolina native played for the College of Charleston and was selected to the First Team All-Southern Conference in the 2008 season. Having spent all his childhood years and college years in the Carolinas, Knight is thrilled to finish it off with a local team.
"I'm ecstatic to end my career in the Carolinas," Knight said. "It is a dream come true because I always imagined coming back home and finishing my career here."
Wes Knight and the RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 pm to host the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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