With one of the most impressive careers in the annals of New York University men's soccer complete, Jeritt Thayer will now take his talents onto the professional soccer pitch.

A two-time All-American midfielder, Thayer inked a one-year contract with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the United Soccer Leagues' Second Division after a successful tryout at a combine in Rochester, NY.

Thayer will report to training camp on April 5 in Wilmington, NC. The Corona del Mar, CA, native and his Hammerheads teammates will open their season on April 26 against the Bermuda Hogges. Wilmington's campaign extends into August.

“I can't wait. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Thayer said. “All my friends are getting jobs, 9-to-5 jobs…I was talking with my dad and he played professional baseball for a few years. I thought I could always go into work later. Given the opportunity to play soccer at 35 wasn't going to come along, so I took it now.”

After attending a combine for Division I, II and III prospects in Florida in January, Thayer went to a second combine in Rochester, NY. After a few days of flashing his skills, Wilmington head coach/general manager David Irving requested that the Violet standout call him.

“I called him later that week and he offered me a contract,” Thayer recalled.

Thayer earned the opportunity to live his dream after a memorable four-year career that saw him launch NYU into the national Division III spotlight. He finished as the Violets all-time leader with 35 goals, including a career-best 14 – five of which were game-winners – last season to earn Third Team D3kicks.com All-America and First Team All-University Athletic Association (UAA) honors. NYU went 13-5-1 and reached the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship for the second consecutive season.

As a junior in 2006, Thayer was named the UAA Player of the Year and garnered All-America accolades from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas (second team) and D3kicks.com (third team), becoming the fourth All-American in program history and first since 1969. NYU earned its first-ever NCAA Division III playoff appearance and advanced to the national semifinals after posting a school record for victories (15-4-4).

Thayer finished his career with 35 goals, 8 assists and 78 points –impressive totals considering he began his Violet career as a defender.

“We're thrilled that we have a player coming out of New York University, out of Division III, that is getting this type of opportunity. It's a good indicator of how we've improved, but I'm not surprised Jeritt got this opportunity,” NYU head coach Joe Behan said.

“There's no doubt in my mind he'll do a great job,” Behan continued. “He's fit, he's strong, he knows where the back of the net is, he's not afraid of a challenge. Jeritt will do well.”

As he did for his final three seasons at NYU, Thayer figures to show off his vision, passing and finishing talents as a center midfielder, although he is open to playing anywhere on the pitch.

A mathematics major, Thayer is on course to graduate from NYU's College of Arts & Science in May at Yankee Stadium and will return from his soccer duties to walk with his classmates and receive his degree.

“Before this, I was inclined to a finance job,” Thayer said. “Then, I thought, 'Maybe I should go for it, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“This is the most excited I've ever been in my entire life. I've dreamed of it since I was a little kid, getting to play a sport I love.”