Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
For Troy Letourneau, making a move from Morton, Illinois to Georgia was a big leap. And it proved to be a bigger move for his club and high school soccer career, the latter spent at Richmond Hill High School.
“I feel like I turned a corner in soccer when I moved to Georgia,” recalled the senior goalkeeper. “I made a very big commitment to play for a strong club team, and basically moved across the country for it, and that put it into perspective for me on how important the sport really is in my life.”
Letourneau made the move to the South before his junior year, but he played for Tormenta MLS, and he also played for Low Country Rush this past season as well as for the Wildcats this year.
This season, Letourneau was instrumental in the Wildcats’ 14-5 overall record this season, and they advanced to the state playoffs, where they lost to Collins Hill, 3-0.
Letourneau recorded eight shutouts and 84 saves, and seven blocked penalty kicks.
Head coach Stephen Peterson was impressed with Letourneau’s play on and off the field.
“He led the defense unit with intensity and enthusiasm,” said Peterson. “He quickly gained the respect of everyone on the team.
Letourneau began playing soccer at a young age, and he quickly adjusted to the game and his position.
“I started soccer when I was very young, probably around five or six,” recollected Letourneau. “I started in a youth reg league before I started growing older and joining travel teams. I picked goalkeeping up pretty quickly, I also played the field a little bit but being in net has always been my main focus.”
Back in Illinois, Letourneau developed plenty of highlights that he soon won’t forget.
“My favorite memory growing up was probably being selected to play for the ODP Illinois state team,” said Letourneau. “I felt proud representing my state while playing very strong teams.”
He apparently found a home playing in the nets that led to an extended role on and off the field.
“I don’t really remember making any big adjustments playing goalkeeper because I’ve played it my entire career,” noted Letourneau. “But you have to play a crucial leadership role on and off the field in the position. So, that has always been a big part for me.”
Letourneau will continue his career at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. He will pursue a pre-law degree, majoring in either criminal justice or business. When he isn’t playing soccer, Letourneau likes to workout and go to the gym, hangout with friends, and travel.
And his future home seems to be a good fit, he says.
“I decided to play at Barton because it was definitely one of my best offers, and the college itself checks all my boxes,” explained Letourneau. “I also like the coaches, and I know it will develop me as a player.”