University of North Carolina Athletics
One Last Ride
October 23, 2016 | Men's Soccer
Written by Olivia Henley for GoHeels.com
This Saturday Fetzer Field saw its last regular season game of the 2016 campaign from Carlos Somoano's team. A cold, windy night was in store for those in attendance, but the weather was braved: it was senior night for seven beloved seniors on the team. Families from all over swarmed to Chapel Hill to support those who'd accomplished so much during their tenure at Carolina.
Those that were honored on senior night were fifth-year seniors Nico Melo and Nick Williams, fifth-year transfers Walker and Tucker Hume, defensive standout and team captain Colton Storm, and forward Eric O'Brien. The variations in paths taken are stark, but their commitment to Carolina, alongside their commitment to each other is where these seven merge together and truly shine.
“This senior class has been one that's been ultra-committed to what we're doing,” said Somoano. “We won the Coastal Division last year and won the Coastal Division this year. That's a major accomplishment,” he added with a note of astonishment coloring his tone. “You don't do that without leadership and without seniors leading the way. That's just the trophy reward, but we have many more memories and experiences with them.”
Brothers Walker and Tucker Hume have the unique experience of not only being the tallest twins around at 6'5, but have stuck side-by-side throughout their college soccer careers. The two brothers started out at Rollins College before gaining their release and transferring to a school and a program they knew they would fit in with.
“This has been more than we can imagine and has just been an unreal experience,” said Tucker. “We're thankful for UNC to come here, and then the success that we've had here together has been the thing that we've enjoyed. This team, this family with UNC has been an unreal experience.”
The sentiment of family was a recurring one. Nico Melo echoed the notion of family here at Carolina.
“There have been ups and downs, injuries, and at times you get frustrated because everything's not going your way,” said Melo. “But you learn and you have a family here. It's a family environment, and so I've learned a lot and I've grown a lot as a person. I'm so thankful for everyone at Carolina,” said the senior.
Under the bright stadium lights, it is hard to remember that these athletes aren't simply athletes, but brothers, friends, family. They are growing together, learning together, and working for each other. They form a bond that's irrefutable in the eyes of any onlooker, and their companionship forges them into stronger people than they were when they first arrived at Carolina, however many years prior that may be.
“The past four years have formed me into the person I am now,” said Colton Storm. The senior defender has been an essential component of the ten clean sheets achieved by the team out of fifteen games played. “Coach Somoano and my teammates have a lot to do with that. It's crazy to think that four years have gone like that. It felt like I was a freshman in my first start, like, yesterday. But it really changes the outlook on things when you're standing out there with your parents for your senior night.”
The dichotomy of the night is palpable though, the atmosphere stuck between euphoria at the accomplishments of such talented men, and despair that their brief time at Carolina is up. “I just want to keep the season going as long as possible because I want to be around these seniors and I want to be able to coach them as long as I can, as long as I'm allowed to,” said Somoano. “I'm not looking forward to the day that they move on, but on the other hand I'll be excited for them when they get their next opportunity.”
Walker Hume has never taken his brief three years here lightly, knowing that he's gained more than seems possible in terms of friendship and experience. “[Senior night] was an awesome feeling of being here with my friends, my friends that I'll be in contact with forever. It's such a special moment being on Fetzer Field and never taking any of these games for granted because you never know how many you're going to get. “
Perhaps Nico Melo summed up the night, and the years spent at Carolina, the best. “I wouldn't have gone anywhere else now that I look back. I love it. I've been so proud and so happy to come here.”
Looking back, we're glad you came, Nico. Everyone at Carolina is glad all of our seniors decided to come here. Thank you for your hard work and your dedication. You've made all of us--fans, friends, family, and community--proud.
