Guy Campbell ’00 saw the opportunity to be an assistant coach with the Asheville City Soccer Club’s top-tier team as the ultimate in professional development.
Nothing about the 2022 season convinced him otherwise. And then five men’s players from Asheville City were selected in last month’s MLS SuperDraft.
“As a coach, I’ve been around a lot of good players, but never a player who has gone on to that level,” said Coach Campbell, who has 134 career varsity wins with the Greenies.
“With that group of five, they weren’t head-and-shoulders above everyone else (in terms of ability). They were all great teammates, very respectful, and mindful of the little things like picking up after themselves. They’re just great teammates and positive people. It could have been coincidental, but I don’t think it was.”
Coach Campbell has been involved as a coach at his alma mater since 2010, and Christ School and Asheville City have a relationship that goes all the way back to the club’s inception seven years ago.
Coach Campbell and Greenie players have taken part in the Asheville City Academy youth program. The Asheville City men’s team has trained on campus the past two summers and players have even assisted with Christ School camps and workouts.
“It’s a great platform for the school and one of the things that makes Christ School different,” Coach Campbell said.
The Asheville City players who were drafted are midfielder Bachir Ndiaye (Inter Miami CF, second round), goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk (Portland Timbers, second round), center back Makel Rasheed (Nashville SC, third round), forward Kameron Lacey (FC Dallas, third round), and defender Tyler Clegg (Portland Timbers, third round). Asheville had the most draft picks of any team in its league (USL League Two).
