There are moments in life that stop you in your tracks, moments that remind you just how special a journey can be. Yesterday was one of those moments.
Our 2002 Northeastern University Men’s Soccer Team, the squad that captured the school’s first ever NCAA berth, was officially inducted into the Northeastern Athletic Hall of Fame. It is surreal to think that our names and accomplishments are now literally etched in granite, forever part of the university’s history.
Standing there with my teammates, a group of men I would do absolutely anything for, it hit me. This wasn’t just a team. It was a brotherhood. We battled together, celebrated together, and grew together. To be immortalized with this fine group of gentlemen and the coaches who believed in us feels beyond special. It feels right.
The night was made even more meaningful by the people who have always been in my corner. My mom and dad came up for the ceremony, and my dad was in his glory chatting it up with the old players like he was one of the boys. Truth be told, he never missed a game, and for a moment there you would have thought he was being inducted.
Having my extraordinary wife and wonderful kids there to share it all made the circle complete. They got to see what hard work, perseverance, and great teammates can lead to.
From the Montclair Town League, where I was pretty terrible, to the Montclair Rowdys, to the college fields where dreams turned into memories, the road has been full of lessons, laughs, and lifelong friendships.
To my teammates, we did it. Our legacy is carved in stone. And to my dad, thank you for never missing a game, even the bad ones.
Here’s to the 2002 team, forever Huskies, forever brothers, forever champions.
LeRoy J. Watkins III 