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Brad Knighton New England
David Silverman/New England Revolution

Men's Soccer Brandon Sans

Persistence Pays Off For Knighton

WILMINGTON, North Carolina - A journey two decades in the making concluded recently when former men's soccer standout and current Major League Soccer goalkeeper Brad Knighton earned his diploma 12 years removed from a decorated career between the sticks for the Seahawks.
 
Knighton, currently in his second stint as a pro with New England Revolution, spoke with UNCW Head Coach Aidan Heaney long distance shortly after completing his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. It's a bond that dates back to the beginning of Heaney's tenure at UNCW.
 
Heaney was the first recruiting call Knighton received as a junior at Mills E. Godwin High School in Richmond, Va. By the time the pair ended the call, Knighton's heart was set on the Port City.
 
Brad Knighton New England"Aidan was a big part of bringing me to UNCW," said Knighton. "I always had aspirations of finishing when I left. Being the first person in my family to graduate from college was something special to me, too."
 
Knighton always planned to complete his degree, but as many find out as years pass,  life happens. Between his last semester as a student-athlete and last weekend's graduation, Knighton became the first Seahawk to play in the MLS when he made his debut with the New England in 2007. Not long after that, he began raising a family.
 
From there, Knighton enjoyed MLS stints with the Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, along with a year playing for the Carolina RailHawks (now known as North Carolina FC) in the USL Championship League.
 
When Knighton's soccer career came full circle with a 2014 trade back to New England, he realized it was time to recommit himself to his studies.
 
Between soccer, marriage, and fatherhood, adding schoolwork to the schedule proved challenging for Knighton. Even though it was his coursework, this time, it took his entire family's effort to make online education work.
 
"You try to make as many bedtime stories as you can, but you do miss some," said Knighton. "My wife is a big part of this also. It doesn't happen without her help with the kids when I needed to run off to Starbucks or wherever for a couple of hours to do some work."
 
With a second grader, kindergartner, and toddler bouncing around the house, Knighton was in the position of not only helping with homework, but completing studies of his own. Any child's objection to homework was soon silenced after realizing Dad had homework of his own.
 
Knighton's three children may have been the most relieved to have Knighton graduate. They often wondered when he would finish and celebrated when the day came with cake and touching notes to their father.
 
"It showed my kids that academics do mean something," said Knighton. "It's funny to see them arguing about their homework until they see me trying to finish my education. I started when I was around their age. It's become an important pillar in our family."
 
Fortunately for Knighton, the MLS and Southern New Hampshire University formed an educational partnership in 2015. The partnership allows current and former MLS players and staff to earn credit towards degrees through online coursework.
 
Brad Knighton New EnglandEven with the assistance from SNHU, Knighton knew he wanted to finish where he started in 2003. Knighton ranks first in UNCW history in shutouts (25), third in goals-against average (1.08), and fifth in career saves (296), and was inducted into the UNCW Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
 
"It's challenging for former players to come back to UNCW to finish their degree," said Heaney. "Brad could've transferred his credits and graduated maybe sooner from a college closer to his home in Massachusetts. But he chose to graduate from UNCW. That's pretty special."
 
Considering all the accolades he earned as a student-athlete, they pale in comparison to the Port City being the foundation for his family. Knighton met his future wife, Britney, as she completed a nursing degree at UNCW. The two eventually married in Wilmington.
 
Mentors like Dr. Steve Elliott, Director of the School of Health & Applied Human Sciences, and academic advisors worked in tandem with Knighton on his degree, with the understanding that his career and growing family wouldn't allow him to physically take classes at UNCW. Knighton received an Inter-Disciplinary Studies degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.
 
"He was an excellent student who was well respected by his peers and faculty," said Dr. Elliott. "He left campus with only a handful of courses remaining and we're thrilled that he has completed the degree requirements online. Brad's a great student, a fantastic person, and a true Seahawk. We wish him the best of luck in the future."
 
Armed with a degree in one hand and goalkeeper gloves in the other, Knighton plans to continue his playing career for a few more years, but realizes the end is closer than the beginning. He's interested in coaching on the college or professional level when he finally hangs up his cleats.
 
"I've been involved with sports my entire life," he reflected. "From when I was a kid to college to now playing professionally. I wanted to stay involved in soccer in some capacity. Having my degree now opens up many new doors for me to walk through once my playing career is finished."
 
Heaney credits Knighton for providing a blueprint for players that may opt to leave early. Student-athletes work with academic advisors throughout their time at UNCW to ensure their expected graduation date coincides with their personal goals.
 
Knighton video streams as many games as possible online while on the road, trains in Wilmington in his offseason and participates in Heaney's summer camps when his schedule permits.
 
Knighton's last appearance at the UNCW Soccer Stadium came on Oct. 27, 2006, when the Seahawks blanked Georgia State, 2-0. He remains a loyal supporter of the program and marvels at the growth and success it has enjoyed.
 
"Wilmington occupies a big place in my heart as well as my family's," said Knighton. "We're very thankful for the time we spent there. I'm grateful for Aidan believing in me. He's built a phenomenal program."
 
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