 Former Loyola standout Dylan Remick, pictured above playing for Brown University, was selected by the Seattle Sound in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17. photo:Brown University Athletics. January 27, 2013 | 03:40 PM
Dylan Remick had an inkling he may hear his name called during the Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Jan. 17, but that didn't stop him from sitting anxiously in the basement of his parents' Inverness home, watching the event unfold with his father by his side.
The pair sat in front of computer for nearly three hours, making small talk and watching TV to pass the time.
Then, with the 35th pick in the draft's second round — the fourth-to-last pick in the entire draft — the 2009 Loyola Academy graduate heard his name called.
"It was a very special moment," Remick said of not only being drafted, but the opportunity to share the moment with his dad. "Since high school, up until college and now to the to the pros, it just reminded me of where I came from and how much both my parents support me. It means a lot to me."
Remick, a two-time All-State midfielder for the Ramblers who holds the school record for career assists, had somewhat of a suspicion that Seattle may have been the team to take him.
After an impressive collegiate career at Brown University, where he was a three-time first-team All-Ivy League selection and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America second-team All-American in 2012, Remick worked out for the Seattle during a combine prior to the draft and said meetings with team personnel went well.
His hunch, however, didn't take away from the excitement when the moment finally came.
"When my name was called, I was still over the moon," he said.
His mother, Tierney, said the celebration featured Dylan and his dad, Richard, jumping up and down until the telephone began to ring.
"We were absolutely thrilled," Tierney said. "He's been very focused on putting himself in the position to have a shot at living the dream. So it's nice to get some of that recognition. It's very exciting."
The first call came from the Sounders organization shortly after the pick was announced.
Remick has the opportunity to speak with the general manager, head coach and several team directors. Three days later, he was already at camp with the team. His first day of practice was held one day later on Jan. 21.
While some athletes could be intimidated by playing alongside a team of professionals, Remick said that to him, it's just exciting to be there.
"Your dream is to become just like them," he said. "You're doing something that you love. ... It's like a dream come true."
While Remick continues to make his way through the soccer ranks, he said he'll never forget the lessons he learned growing up, playing for both his FC United club team and Loyola.
His high school coach, Robert Etheridge, said he wasn't surprised at Remick's continued success since graduation.
"Because of his dedication and his commitment to getting better, he's always going to get a shot. He's got that ability to move forward," Etheridge said. "Dylan is a great kid, great individual. He's very dedicated to his sport. He's a great character to have around. He's infectious in what he does."
Paul Agombar, the current head coach at Glenbrook South who was an assistant coach at Loyola during Remick's tenure, said work ethic is what he believes has allowed Remick to reach the professional level.
"He's an absolute example of getting the most of your ability," Agombar said. "He worked harder than everybody else, even though he was the best player."
Remick is not yet sure if exactly what role he will play for the Sounders in 2013.
What he does know, however, is that he won't forget the coaches who helped him grow into the player he has become.
"[Etheridge] was definitely a big inspiration to me and he helped me immensely. I can't thank him enough," Remick said. "Him and Agombar helped me an unbelievable amount in getting where I am today."
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Tags: Soccer, Loyola Academy
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