Huntingdon’s Terry looking for big summer in National Premier Soccer League

MADISON, Wis. – Huntingdon senior Stacy Terry has his summer mapped out.

Terry is spending May, June and July playing for the Madison 56ers in the National Premier Soccer League.

"I want to work hard each day," said Terry, a Tuscaloosa native and three-year player for Huntingdon. "When I was 10, one of my coaches told me something that I still use to motivate myself. Each day, you either get better or worse. You never stay the same. That's the attitude I'm carrying into this."

Terry, who is listed as a forward on Madison's roster, reported in early May. He is expected to be in the starting lineup when the 56ers open their season on Saturday in Iowa against the Quad City Eagles.

This is Terry's second time to play in the NPSL. In 2010, Terry was a member of Huntsville's Rocket City United but was injured after two games and missed the rest of the NPSL season.

"One of my biggest challenges is to avoid injury," Terry said. "I'm healthy this year and hopefully good to go. I just want to get my name out there and do what I have to do to make it. Every chance I get to play, I want to give it my all."

The NPSL is recognized by the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA and has 49 teams across the country. According to the mission statement on the NPSL website, the goals of the league include "providing the highest level of men's soccer and strive to continuously raise the overall standard of play."

NPSL teams are made up of players holding amateur status and players maintain their college eligibility while playing at an elite level. The league is also a showcase for players with hopes of playing at the professional level. The 56ers have produced eight professional players since 2005.

A member of the Midwest-Central Conference, Madison has won its division three times since 2006.

To follow the Madison 56ers this season, go to http://npsl.madison56ers.org/NPSLHome.aspx