From a group of Gryphons to a pack of Terriers
Greater Fort Erie Secondary School soccer star Solomon commits to playing at Boston University
It was just more than a year ago when Eileen Solomon made the commitment to attend Boston University next fall to continue her exploits on the soccer pitch.
Now, she has made it official, signing on the dotted line to cement the decision on the next stage of her academic and athletic pursuits at the NCAA Division 1 school.
The Grade12 student at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School will be patrolling the midfield for the Terriers while studying biomedical engineering.
“It feels very real. I’m really excited,” she said following a signing ceremony at the high school Tuesday.
It’s a bright spot in what has been a dreary year in terms of sports for Solomon, as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closure of the CanadaUnited States border has meant no soccer.
Up until this year, Solomon had been suiting up as a midfielder for the Western New York Flash of the Elite Clubs National League.
“Right now, I would be in the States playing. It’s a little odd,” the 17-year-old from Stevensville said.
“I miss my teammates.” Eileen’s father, Jonathan, is proud of all the work his daughter has put into the game. He is looking forward to heading east to see her play.
“There will be a lot of boys trips to go down to Boston to see her play,” he said.
In addition to the Flash program, which is based out of Elma, N.Y., southeast of Buffalo, the Greater Fort Erie Youth
Soccer Club deserves a lot of credit, the father said. “That’s where she developed, all at the grassroots.”
In the meantime, Solomon is
going to continue with her training in a quest to keep her skills sharp.
“So, when I get there, I can help them win a title,” she said.