Date Posted: 4/2/2007

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Willy Guadarrama of Campbell University became the first Campbell University graduate to reach Major League Soccer last month when he signed a contract with the Kansas City Wizards.

"For the past 20 years I have been in pursuit of a lifelong dream, a dream that only a handful of soccer players have the chance to live,” said Guadarrama. “Now with the support of my family, coaches and friends, plus all of the hard work put in over the years, I have been given the opportunity here with the Kansas City Wizards to live that dream. Hopefully I will continue to progress and achieve success as a professional athlete."

The Cedar Park, Texas resident appeared in four games for Kansas City during a pre-season exhibition tour of Argentina. He had an assist for the Wizards Reserves in a 2-2 draw against San Lorenzo on Mar. 13. Guadarrama came off the bench in the 75th minute of 2-0 loss Mar. 19 at Argentine power Boca Juniors. He then scored a 75th minute strike in a 4-0 win over River Plate on Mar. 21.

Guadarrama was also the first Fighting Camel to be picked by an organization when the Wizards made him a fourth-round selection in the supplemental phase of the MLS Super Draft on Jan. 18 since the United States’ top soccer league was formed in 1996.

"We are all excited for the opportunity Willy has earned with Kansas City and Major League Soccer,” said Campbell head coach Doug Hess. “No doubt he was determined from the get-go to become a professional athlete and we are very proud of his accomplishments."

A 2006 pre-season All-America choice, Guadarrama led the Atlantic Sun Conference in game-winning goals (4), while ranking second in goals scored (9) and points (21). The Cedar Park, Texas native finished his three-year career tied for 12th among Campbell’s all-time goal scoring leaders (36), while ranking 13th in points (82) in 56 matches. He was named to the first-team all-conference, second-team All-South and A-Sun all-tournament squads.

Despite having one year of eligibility remaining, Guadarrama graduated in December with a degree in sport management in order to begin his pursuit of a professional soccer career. He was selected as the 2005 Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year, first-team All-South and third-team All-American after leading the nation in goals and points scored per game with 21 strikes (46 points) in 20 outings.

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