Anthony Grudko joins and debuts with professional club, but maintains college eligibility through academy player program
Greenville, SC ( April 4, 2024) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has signed Hillcrest High School (forward) Anthony Grudko to an academy contract for 2024, the club announced in a signing ceremony on Thursday. Grudko, a junior at Hillcrest, has been training with the Triumph and made his debut with the team in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup second round victory at Knoxville. The academy contract allows USL professional clubs to provide a pathway for elite youth players in a club’s territory without affecting the player’s future NCAA eligibility.
Grudko, a midfielder, becomes the fifth academy player the club has signed, but the first that has joined the club at the start of a season. He became the youngest player (16) to debut with the Triumph when he was subbed on in stoppage time during Wednesday’s match. A player within the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) ECNL program, Grudko was connected with Head Coach Wright through Greenville’s partnership with the youth soccer club.
A self-described soccer fanatic, Grudko states “soccer is my life”. When asked about the time with the club so far, the 16-year-old shared his enthusiasm, “It’s a great experience! I’ve grown a lot with the team. I feel like I’m at home; like I have another family. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and feel very blessed”.
The two-time all-conference ECNL player said, “It’s above and beyond anything I’ve ever accomplished. My goal has always been to be a professional player, so this is more than myself or parents could imagine- it doesn’t compare to anything else.”
Grudko has been training with the team since February and Coach Wright has taken notice, “Anthony is the cream of the crop (in CESA youth program). He’s very skillful. He’s got the heart of a lion and he proved it a little bit last night”.
Wright continued, “We’re excited! This is the beginning for him… I really believe he’s got the ability to go to the pro level.”
Grudko will be eligible for selection in any of the Triumph’s matches in league play and the Open Cup.
