WILMINGTON, North Carolina - Keith Shevlin, an adopted "Socceroo," has spent the past three years playing football, a.k.a soccer in Australia, even though he fancies returning to his home in Ireland. "I have been talking about moving home for years now, but I'm still away on the opposite side of the world kicking a ball."

Shevlin, who played soccer for the Seahawks from 2003-05, competes for Manly United FC. He closed out his UNCW career with 13 goals and eight assists in 54 games, and ranks third all-time with 49 shots on goal.

Shevlin's coach at UNCW, Aidan Heaney, knew that the Athlone, Ireland, native could play at the next level. "Keith understands the game, and has a real desire and commitment to score goals. He prepared himself physically and did what it took to make it," Heaney said.

One of Shevlin's biggest accomplishments has been the opportunity to play the sport he loves professionally. "I was very happy to sign a professional soccer contract after graduating from UNCW. It was something I always wanted to do, so it felt good the day I put pen to paper," he said.

Although Shevlin was living his dream on the field, he began to consider his business career as well. "I had to look at my career since I was not getting any younger, so I was very pleased to be offered a new role with my company early last year."

Shevlin works as a sales manager for Aussie Medi Tech. "We work closely with corporate entities such as Quanta System (Italy) and partner with Carl Zeiss (Germany)," he said. Shevlin's company supplies medical devices to plastic surgeons, dermatologists and specialists in the field of ophthalmology. "I am located in Sydney, but spend a lot of time traveling throughout Australia and New Zealand, meeting with potential clients."

Traveling Down Under is nothing new to Shevlin. His family operates a confectionary company in Ireland, and he talks about moving home to work with his family.  Soccer and work commitments, however, have kept him busy.

Although Shevlin has ties in Europe and Australia, he has fond memories and experiences from UNCW. "I have a lot of players ask my advice in Australia and Europe in relation to college soccer in the states. I have always spoken very highly of it; some of the facilities and coaching are better than most professional clubs I have been with," he said.

Heaney said Shelvin was a key contributor during his time in the Port City. "Keith was a forward and he played very well with his back to goal, holding the ball up for his team and bringing other players into play. He was very strong on the ball, a physical player, and very good at scoring goals with his head.

"Keith had a pro mentality, even then, and I am not surprised he is playing at the level he is at now. He was an important player for us, as he had the respect of his teammates."

Shevlin has fond memories - and some tough ones - of his playing days at UNCW. "We were unlucky in a few big games, but that is football," he said. He specifically remembers a game against George Mason, where the Seahawks lost on penalty kicks. "That game has always stuck with me," he said.

Shevlin also looks back on UNCW's 3-2 upset of top-ranked UNC Greensboro on Nov. 3, 2004, at the UNCW Soccer Stadium as one of his career highlights. "I think Coach Heaney recruited a good bunch of lads. There were no superstars, but we worked hard for one another and had a few big results."

Heaney agrees, "We had a good group of players, and emphasized playing more as a team, rather than individuals. They were difficult to play against and took pride in that fact. Defeating the number one team in the nation that had been previously undefeated does not happen with average players."

Shevlin loved every minute of playing college soccer in the United States and the experience allowed him to grow as a person.

"I think it was important for me at the time to move away from home and out of my comfort zone. I feel I achieved what I wanted to in regard to my profession. I miss all the friends I made during my time in the States. I would love to come back and see everyone again. Hopefully I can get back over there for a holiday."

Since Shevlin can't make it across the globe at this point in his life, he offers advice for current student-athletes. "I am in danger of sounding like my mother when saying this, but college is definitely the best time of your life. It will move very fast, so take in as much as you can and enjoy the wonderful facilities."

While Shevlin is more than happy with his life in Australia, playing soccer and working with Aussie Medi Tech, he believes that playing soccer at UNCW has made him the person he is today. "I think everyone looks back at their time in college and I am no different. It was a great period of my life. As they say in Australia, 'No worries mate!'"

-Megan Burress, Summer Intern