Men’s soccer standouts Ricardo Pierre-Louis and Stanley Nyazamba have climbed to new heights in their soccer careers after being selected into the professional ranks. Ricardo and Stanley were both NAIA All-Americans this season and have played a big part in making Lee soccer a prominent program.

With the 22nd pick of the Major League Soccer draft, the Columbus Crew selected Pierre-Louis, who was this year’s NAIA player of the year.

“It felt great; it has been my goal since I started playing soccer,” said Pierre-Louis upon being selected.

Pierre-Louis went to the MLS combine a week before the draft to show coaches and scouts all of his abilities. It was the players’ last chance to make an impression before the draft. Against stiff competition Pierre-Louis stood out and played very well. “I expected it to be a challenge, which I love, and being the only NAIA player there I had a lot to prove,” said Pierre-Louis.

The Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League selected Nyazamba in the second round of their draft.
“Playing indoors is definitely different than outside because the game is quicker and the area of play is way smaller. I hate the cold, so indoors would be kind of ideal for me,” said Nyazamba.

Going pro in any sport is difficult, and both players recognize the need to improve on their skills to maintain their high levels of success.
“I am going to have to work really hard to have a good career against players like David Beckham,” said Pierre-Louis.

The best part about the achievements of these players is the mutual respect they have for each other.
“As for Ricardo, he is a good friend on mine and seeing him play at a professional level really makes me happy,” said Nyazamba.