GREENSBORO, N.C. - Wrapping up his four year career with UNCG men's soccer, Spartan defender Casey Penland will be continuing his athletic career this spring, after signing a professional contract with USL Championship side Charlotte Independence this past week. The UNCG captain is the second Spartan to join the pro-level in the past two years, joining former teammate Leeroy Maguraushe (San Antonio FC) in the Championship. He is one of 35 Spartan alum to make the jump to the domestic professional ranks all-time.
"All of us at UNCG are so proud of Casey," says UNCG's Head Men's Soccer Coach Chris Rich. "I realized very quickly that he was a special player and person, and had the necessary qualities to be a pro. His mentality and commitment to his individual development this season was incredible and he earned every bit of this opportunity. He had a fantastic career as a Spartan, and I can't wait to follow his professional career. Charlotte Independence got a good one!"
Casey Penland
Charlotte Independence | Defense | High Point, N.C.
• Scored five goals in 2019 campaign; retired as the top-scoring defender in UNCG Division I history with 12
• 2019 SoCon Player of the Year, 2019 First Team All-SoCon Defender and 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Defender
• Captained the UNCG defense to five shutouts in 2019; a part of 20 Spartan clean sheets over his career
• Helped lead the Spartan backline to a SoCon best 0.33 goals against average in conference play in his senior season
• Led the Spartans to a 2019 Southern Conference Regular Season title
Captaining the Spartans' 2019 Southern Conference Championship squad, Penland retires from UNCG as one of the most decorated defenders in program history. The North Carolina-native was the first Spartan defender to earn United Soccer Coaches All-South Region honors in over a decade, while garnering UNCG's sixth SoCon Player of the Year designation all-time. Scoring 12 goals over his 68 career appearances, Penland stands as the highest scoring defender in Division I program history, while leading UNCG to its 20th conference title at the D1-level.