Milligan College Buffaloes

Smoky Mountain's Sarah Newbold has signed to continue her soccer career with Milligan College near Johnson City, Tenn.

Newbold helped the Lady Mustangs to a share of the Western Athletic Conference championship and the second round of the state 2-A playoffs this past season.

“It's a really small school,” Newbold said in discussing her decision. “The people seem really nice, and it's close to a big city. I really didn't consider any other schools. I had Milligan on my mind.”

Signing to play college soccer fulfills a longtime dream for Newbold.

“Ever since I was little when I thought about going to college I planned to play soccer,” she said.

So how does it feel now that the dream is about to become a reality?

“It's awesome,” she said. “I'm excited to get to play collegiate soccer. That's what I've always dreamed of doing.”

Newbold said Milligan coaches have told her she will be used mostly as a striker and may play some midfield.

“The coaching I have received here and the experience I have gained have prepared me for the next level,” she said.

“The first step in being recruited is getting your name out there, and Sarah took the initiative, contacting Milligan herself,” Coach Carolyn Warhaftig said. “The next step is backing up your soccer resume, and she absolutely succeeded in doing that this season. As I've said in earlier comments about Sarah, she became a go-to player this year. Not only did we look to her for her skill and goal-scoring abilities, but for her leadership as well. Her passion for the game was contagious and was a huge contributor to this team's overall success.”

She knows Newbold will be missed, but she feels the signing is a benchmark for the program.

“Needless to say, her flashy white, pink, and blue cleats will be hard to fill next year, but I'm proud of the way I know she will represent the Mustangs,” Warhaftig said. “My goal since my arrival has been to expand the reputation of Smoky Mountain soccer. To have a player move on to the next, higher level can only help build the success of this program.”

“I am excited to have Sarah become a part of our team,” Milligan Coach Lisa Buckley said. “She is not only a good athlete but also a good student and comes from a great family. I think Sarah is a strong forward with a great shot and can come in and battle for a starting spot next year. I have no doubt that there are good things to come for Sarah, and I am excited to see her grow during her time at Milligan.”

Newbold is the daughter of Pete and Lois Newbold of Sylva.

*Photo by Carey Phillips, Sylva Herald