When Ollie Wright came over to the United States, he knew he was going to have to make sacrifices to reach his ultimate goal of becoming a professional athlete. The England native who grew up in the English academy system from a very young age at clubs like Brentford and Fulham, needed a change of pace to continue the pursuit of his goal. Wright found himself at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where great things awaited him.
“I was in an academy system from a young age,” said Wright. “I tried my hand at being a professional over there, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Luckily, I found America as an avenue to go down to further my career.”
After making the decision to attend St. Mary’s, Wright quickly made an impact for the Rattlers. In his three seasons there – the fourth delayed due to COVID-19 – Wright scored 13 goals and added 20 assists in addition to being named the Lone Star Conference Player of the Year after his junior season. The midfielder led his team to their first NCAA Tournament in school history that year en route to being named the school’s Co-Male Athlete of the Year following the season.
During his time with St. Mary’s Wright was also invited to train with the San Antonio FC first team where his qualities were tested against a side that would later go on to win their group during the 2020 season. The opportunity came not only because of his great Division 2 soccer play, but also because of what he did in USL League Two during the summer of 2019. Wright appeared in 14 matches for Corpus Christi FC during the League Two Season, helping spear-head one of the league’s best attacks as he set the new League Two single-season assist record with 15. Wright added seven goals and officially put his name on the up and coming map withing the regional soccer circles.
When Ollie Wright came over to the United States, he knew he was going to have to make sacrifices to reach his ultimate goal of becoming a professional athlete. The England native who grew up in the English academy system from a very young age at clubs like Brentford and Fulham, needed a change of pace to continue the pursuit of his goal. Wright found himself at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where great things awaited him.
“I was in an academy system from a young age,” said Wright. “I tried my hand at being a professional over there, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Luckily, I found America as an avenue to go down to further my career.”
After making the decision to attend St. Mary’s, Wright quickly made an impact for the Rattlers. In his three seasons there – the fourth delayed due to COVID-19 – Wright scored 13 goals and added 20 assists in addition to being named the Lone Star Conference Player of the Year after his junior season. The midfielder led his team to their first NCAA Tournament in school history that year en route to being named the school’s Co-Male Athlete of the Year following the season.
During his time with St. Mary’s Wright was also invited to train with the San Antonio FC first team where his qualities were tested against a side that would later go on to win their group during the 2020 season. The opportunity came not only because of his great Division 2 soccer play, but also because of what he did in USL League Two during the summer of 2019. Wright appeared in 14 matches for Corpus Christi FC during the League Two Season, helping spear-head one of the league’s best attacks as he set the new League Two single-season assist record with 15. Wright added seven goals and officially put his name on the up and coming map withing the regional soccer circles.
“Ollie, a standout performer for St. Mary's University, demonstrates the behaviors expected in our environment and team culture,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “He exhibits the skillset to execute the on and off the ball tasks required in our game model.”
After Wright accomplished the first steps of his goal in the United States, the next opportunity presented itself. After his impressive performances at St. Mary’s, Corpus Christi and within SAFC training, Wright was offered his first professional contract from San Antonio FC, which was announced last Tuesday.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Wright. “San Antonio is my home away from home and I’m absolutely buzzing to be playing for the local club.”
“Ollie, a standout performer for St. Mary’s University, demonstrates the behaviors expected in our environment and team culture,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “He exhibits the skillset to execute the on and off the ball tasks required in our game model.”
After Wright accomplished the first steps of his goal in the United States, the next opportunity presented itself. After his impressive performances at St. Mary’s, Corpus Christi and within SAFC training, Wright was offered his first professional contract from San Antonio FC, which was announced last Tuesday.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Wright. “San Antonio is my home away from home and I’m absolutely buzzing to be playing for the local club.”
For Wright, his travels to the United States was always going to be full of ups and downs. He recognizes that in each conservation about the topic. However, his potential is through the roof and he is committed to being successful on and off the field, individually and as a team with the Alamo City club.
“The distance from family was difficult to begin with, but I’ve made some great friends for life in San Antonio so I’m happy to be here,” remarked Wright.
“I just want to help the team as much as I can. As a team, I saw last season they were so close. They were the longest unbeaten team in the league, and I think we can 100 percent eclipse that this season.”
For Wright, his travels to the United States was always going to be full of ups and downs. He recognizes that in each conservation about the topic. However, his potential is through the roof and he is committed to being successful on and off the field, individually and as a team with the Alamo City club.
“The distance from family was difficult to begin with, but I’ve made some great friends for life in San Antonio so I’m happy to be here,” remarked Wright.
“I just want to help the team as much as I can. As a team, I saw last season they were so close. They were the longest unbeaten team in the league, and I think we can 100 percent eclipse that this season.”
