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The Man, The Myth, The Legend

August 25, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release


On July 30th, veteran Hammerheads defender Troy Cole announced that he'd be retiring from professional soccer. His announcement marked the end of a playing career spanning over a decade, almost half of which he spent in the Port City. Born in Laguna Hills, California, Cole first lined up for Irvine Valley College before transferring to Mars Hill University, located just north of Asheville. His first professional contract came at the now-defunct A.C. St. Louis. After a spell at the former USL side of F.C. New York, he joined the Hammerheads in 2012, making 24 appearances in his first season with the club. A brief stint at VSI Tampa Bay F.C. followed, but in 2014 he returned to Wilmington where he would spend the rest of his playing career. Overall, he played in 70 games for the Hammerheads, and became an important and highly respected figure at the club, and the Wilmington community, in the process. In honor of Troy Cole's retirement, here are just a few of the many things his former teammates and friends have had to say about him.

Mark Bloom, Toronto FC defender: "It is an honor to know Troy. I was fortunate enough to be teammates with him in our first year as professionals in 2010. Unfortunately, we only got to play with each other for one season, but that was more than enough time to see what kind of person he is. The first thing I noticed was his dedication and work ethic. He's always one of the first players to go out for training and one of the last to leave. I truly admire his desire to get better every day. Troy is one of the best teammates I've ever had both on and off the field." Bloom continued, "On the field, he is a fighter. At no point will he give up or take the easy way out. He's going to work until the very end, and of course no game was complete if Troy did not get a yellow card. Fortunately, I was able to get to know Troy off the field as well. As much respect as I have for him on the field, I have even more for the man that he is personally. He is a man of great character and values; a genuinely good guy and friend. It came as no surprise to me when I heard that he was being honored. Troy's integrity and hard work cannot be overlooked if you're around him for any amount of time."

Alex Horwath, SK Brann goalkeeper, former Hammerhead: "I had the privilege of playing with Troy on two different teams, Wilmington and Tampa. Over those two years together I got to know Troy very well both as a player and as a person.

"As a player, Troy was the kind of guy that you want every kid to look up to. He was the ultimate professional. He was always working as hard as he could to push himself to be the best. He trained harder than everyone, ate the right foods, and took care of his body. He was the first in the locker room in the morning and the last to leave after training, he never took a training session off, never did a drill without full effort. He was the ultimate competitor, but what I remember most about playing with Troy was him being the perfect teammate. Troy was the type of guy that never played the game for glory, never asked for credit and didn't care about awards and accolades. He played for his team." Horwath continued, "I've played for a lot of different teams all over the world with a variety of players, but I've never had a teammate like Troy. He made every run, went into every tackle and played every game for his team, and he always did it with a smile. He was the heart and soul of every locker room and the type of player every coach wants leading their team."

"Even though Troy was a very good player he was an even better person. In Tampa Troy lived with myself and Kyle Hoffer, and as Troy knows we can be a little negative at times. So during a very disappointing season Kyle and I would come back to the apartment full of negativity, but not Troy! Even being surrounded by all our negative commentary Troy never said a bad word about anything or anyone. I think that accurately sums up who Troy is. He can find the good in any situation and any person. Troy is one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever been around. He's the type of guy that can make you smile when you are having a bad day. His energy and positivity are contagious and he makes everyone around him a better person. Troy makes everyone feel important, like they are the only person in the room. Troy, you're the guy everybody wants their son to grow up to be like, and the guy everyone wants their daughter to marry. You're one of the good ones in the game."

"Troy, I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors... Congratulations on a successful career, and keep being yourself and inspiring those around you."

Paul Nicholson, current FC Cincinnati midfielder, former Hammerhead: "Troy was a fantastic teammate and is a great friend. Not only was he a top player but [he was also] someone you could trust to give 100% everyday in practice and in games. I have never played with anyone with a more professional and positive attitude. No matter how things were going, good or bad, Troy was the one setting the standards for all of us at the club. His outlook on everything he does is so positive that I know whatever he sets his mind to after soccer he will be very successful."

Despite his retirement as a player, Cole will remain with the Hammerheads serving as the Director of Sports Science. Thanks for all the memories Troy and congratulations!



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 25, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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