Isaiah Parente Signs Homegrown Deal with the Columbus Crew
1/11/2021 3:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Parente is the 23rd Wake Forest Men’s Soccer product to sign a professional contract over the last six years and the second this winter.
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Columbus Crew, the 2020 MLS Cup Champions, announced on Monday the signing of Wake Forest midfielder Isaiah Parente to a homegrown contract.
The professional deal marks the 23rd for Wake Forest men's soccer over the last six years and the second from this year's team, as Parente joins Michael DeShields who signed with New England Revolution II on Nov. 30.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard," Parente said. "Thank you to the University, Administration, and Faculty for the contributions you have made in support of my education. Thank you to my coaches for providing me with valuable lessons both on and off the field, which has shaped me into the man I am today. Thank you to the best fans in college soccer, The Congregation, for your unwavering passion and support. Lastly, to my teammates thank you for all the memories and friendships created which go far beyond Spry.
"I will always call Wake my home and I promise to represent my home in a way that will bring pride to my Deacon family."
Over his three seasons at Wake Forest, Parente appeared in 50 games with 31 starts. The Medina, Ohio, native collected 19 assists along with three goals.
A consistent catalyst for Wake Forest's attack, Parente finished second on the team in assists during both his freshman and sophomore seasons before tallying a team-high four assists this past fall as a junior. During the 2019 season, he collected third-team All-ACC honors as well.
Wake Forest was also 23-6-2 when Parente was in the starting lineup.
"From the day Isaiah walked on campus he aspired to be a professional soccer player and I am incredibly happy he has earned the opportunity to pursue that goal," added head coach Bobby Muuss. "I am extremely thankful for all he has done for me and this historic program. I am even prouder of the student, person and leader Isaiah has become. He has worked as hard as anyone I have coached both on and off the field.
"The best part of all of this is Isaiah has worked hard to get ahead academically and remains committed to earning his Wake Forest degree. He is destined for success in the future."
