WILMINGTON,NC--- Former Sea Devil Men's Soccer midfielder Nate Torbett has inked a professional soccer contract with the Coomera Colts SC in Queensland (Coomera), Australia.
Nate played two seasons at CFCC, from 2014 to 2016. Playing center back, he set a school record for games played and games started in his career. He started 19 games his freshman season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His sophomore season, he had 17 starts and appearances for the Sea Devils. Nates believes his two seasons at Cape Fear showed him the importance of working hard and buying in.
"What stands out for me is I learned on the pitch to always give 100 percent effort and always work hard for your teammates. Even when games are not going your way, don't give up and always fight for your teammates and coaches."
Off the pitch, Nate grew as a student and a person. His sophomore year, he earned All-Academic honors for his achievements in the classroom.
"I learned how to be a better student, a better role model in the community, and to always represent the Sea Devil family in the best way possible."
Torbett started his college career at Division 1 Winthrop University but redshirted his freshman year. He then transferred to Cape Fear with two years of eligibility, excited for the opportunity to play.
"I wanted to bring a Division 1 level of soccer to CFCC and really challenge myself as a player to always play at a high level."
Following Cape Fear, Nate transferred to UNCW. Despite all of his playing stops, his experience at Cape Fear exceeds the others.
"Cape Fear gave me that opportunity and Coach Libert saw something special in me. I was able to really grow as a player and as a leader at Cape Fear. The Sea Devil program just really means a lot to me for giving me a chance to grow and become the player I am. I would definitely not be where I am at today without [the two seasons at Cape Fear]."
Graduating in 2016, Torbett set his sights on playing professionally. This led him to Coomera Colts SC, located in Coomera, Queensland. Playing in Gold Coast Premier League, the Colts have had notable success on the pitch, finishing as the Grand Finale runner-ups in the Premier League in 2009. Having signed a professional contract, Torbett wants to bring the same skills and mentality to Coomera that made him successful at Cape Fear.
"I just want to come in and continue what I was able to do at Cape Fear. Be a solid presence in the midfield and be a player that can be counted on to bring it every practice and every game. Hopefully that helps win games and the overall goal is to help them contend for the league title."
For Torbett, he will be playing under the helm of first-year manager John Duthie, the former manager of the Gawler SC, who finished (5-3-8) in 2010 under Duthie's command in the FFSA State League (Football Federation of South Australia), a record that earned Gawler SC a sixth-place finish in league play.
"I think we will have a very solid team this season! It is just a very good professional environment and Coach Duthie is a very good coach," added Torbett.
When asked what has the game of soccer meant to him in his career, Torbett added "soccer means a lot to me! I never thought that when I was growing up playing club ball it would lead me to play in college and now professionally in Australia! I have had so many experiences with this game, some very good and some very bad, that have taught me so much about life. Without soccer I definitely would not be the man I am today and the lessons I have learned from the world's game, I will carry them with me forever."
The Coomera Colts SC will begin their season in March.
"The team is coming together very well so far in preseason. We have a very gritty, hardworking team and we will not be easy for anyone to play this season."
Former Sea Devil Men's Soccer Head Coach Chris Libert's remarks [On Torbett]
Courtesy of Nick Denning and Trent Brinkley
