Charlie Reiter
Reiter Signs with Richmond Kickers
3/9/2010 10:14:05 AM | Men's Soccer
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers, the defending national champions of the United Soccer League Second Division, announced the signing of Davidson senior Charlie Reiter to a professional contract Monday night.
“Playing professional soccer has been my dream since I began playing soccer as a little kid,” said Reiter. “I am fortunate to be able to realize that dream and continue to play the sport I love. It is a testament to the hard work I have put into soccer throughout my life and the successful season that our team had, which helped propel me forward. I would not have been able to have this opportunity without the help and support of my parents, brother, teammates, and coaches who have been with me in soccer through the many years I have been playing.”
Hailing from Westport, Conn., Reiter scored 12 goals and eight assists for 32 points after starting all 18 matches during his breakout senior campaign, earning Southern Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Year and first-team NSCAA All-South Region honors. He ranked among the national leaders on offense, finishing the season ranked sixth in points per game (1.78), eighth in goals per game (0.67) and 29th in assists per game (0.44).
“The coaching staff were very impressed with Charlie's performance at our recent tryouts,” said Richmond Director of Soccer Leigh Cowlishaw. “He was confident, composed, displayed excellent passing range and was always creative with the ball at his feet. We believe his talents are ideally suited for the professional game and, more importantly, his character will be a positive contribution to our club and community.”
Reiter played in every single match the past four years at Davidson, starting 48 of 77 matches. He was also a standout student. A political science major, Reiter was named to the 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America First Team and was then elected to the 2009 NSCAA/adidas Men's College Scholar All-America University Division First Team by the voting members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
“I represent Charlie's teammates, the other soccer coaches here, and our soccer alumni to give a big congratulations to Charlie and his pro contract with Richmond,” said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. “He has worked very hard for many, many years to reach the level of play required to earn a chance to play professionally. It is his passion for the game, as much as his talent, skill, and confidence, that have vaulted him to the pros.”
By joining Richmond, Reiter will be following in the footsteps of Davidson's all-time scoring leader, Rob Ukrop '92. Ukrop, an All-American and Hall of Famer at Davidson who led the Wildcats to the 1992 College Cup Final Four, first joined the Kickers in 1993. After stints with other professional teams, including the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer, he rejoined the Kickers in 1996. He retired in 2004 to conclude an 11-year career with the Kickers in which he made 222 career appearances, tallying 69 goals and 29 assists for 167 points. His No. 6 jersey was retired by the team in 2005 and he now serves as the President of the Kickers Board of Directors.
Another Wildcat Hall of Famer and Westport, Conn. native, Alex Deegan '95, also played for the Kickers during the 1997, '98 and '99 seasons. Deegan was the starting goalkeeper during the 'Cats' College Cup run and also saw time with D.C. United of the MLS.
“The Richmond Kickers are not only defending national champions, they are an amazing organization with a rich history, inspiring leadership, and community-driven culture,” added Spear. “Charlie could not be joining a greater group.”
Reiter will not join the team full-time until May when he graduates from Davidson College.
“Over the next couple months, I will have to balance school work with travelling up to Richmond on certain weekends,” said Reiter. “This should be manageable because I have already been juggling soccer and school throughout my career at Davidson.”
The Kickers will open the 2010 season with an exhibition match against the 2009 NCAA Division I Champions, Virginia, April 3 before the regular season opener April 17 against the Harrisburg City Islanders. Reiter will return to the Davidson area on June 26 and July 10 when Richmond takes on the Charlotte Eagles at Charlotte Christian.
“Playing professional soccer has been my dream since I began playing soccer as a little kid,” said Reiter. “I am fortunate to be able to realize that dream and continue to play the sport I love. It is a testament to the hard work I have put into soccer throughout my life and the successful season that our team had, which helped propel me forward. I would not have been able to have this opportunity without the help and support of my parents, brother, teammates, and coaches who have been with me in soccer through the many years I have been playing.”
Hailing from Westport, Conn., Reiter scored 12 goals and eight assists for 32 points after starting all 18 matches during his breakout senior campaign, earning Southern Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Year and first-team NSCAA All-South Region honors. He ranked among the national leaders on offense, finishing the season ranked sixth in points per game (1.78), eighth in goals per game (0.67) and 29th in assists per game (0.44).
“The coaching staff were very impressed with Charlie's performance at our recent tryouts,” said Richmond Director of Soccer Leigh Cowlishaw. “He was confident, composed, displayed excellent passing range and was always creative with the ball at his feet. We believe his talents are ideally suited for the professional game and, more importantly, his character will be a positive contribution to our club and community.”
Reiter played in every single match the past four years at Davidson, starting 48 of 77 matches. He was also a standout student. A political science major, Reiter was named to the 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America First Team and was then elected to the 2009 NSCAA/adidas Men's College Scholar All-America University Division First Team by the voting members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
“I represent Charlie's teammates, the other soccer coaches here, and our soccer alumni to give a big congratulations to Charlie and his pro contract with Richmond,” said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. “He has worked very hard for many, many years to reach the level of play required to earn a chance to play professionally. It is his passion for the game, as much as his talent, skill, and confidence, that have vaulted him to the pros.”
By joining Richmond, Reiter will be following in the footsteps of Davidson's all-time scoring leader, Rob Ukrop '92. Ukrop, an All-American and Hall of Famer at Davidson who led the Wildcats to the 1992 College Cup Final Four, first joined the Kickers in 1993. After stints with other professional teams, including the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer, he rejoined the Kickers in 1996. He retired in 2004 to conclude an 11-year career with the Kickers in which he made 222 career appearances, tallying 69 goals and 29 assists for 167 points. His No. 6 jersey was retired by the team in 2005 and he now serves as the President of the Kickers Board of Directors.
Another Wildcat Hall of Famer and Westport, Conn. native, Alex Deegan '95, also played for the Kickers during the 1997, '98 and '99 seasons. Deegan was the starting goalkeeper during the 'Cats' College Cup run and also saw time with D.C. United of the MLS.
“The Richmond Kickers are not only defending national champions, they are an amazing organization with a rich history, inspiring leadership, and community-driven culture,” added Spear. “Charlie could not be joining a greater group.”
Reiter will not join the team full-time until May when he graduates from Davidson College.
“Over the next couple months, I will have to balance school work with travelling up to Richmond on certain weekends,” said Reiter. “This should be manageable because I have already been juggling soccer and school throughout my career at Davidson.”
The Kickers will open the 2010 season with an exhibition match against the 2009 NCAA Division I Champions, Virginia, April 3 before the regular season opener April 17 against the Harrisburg City Islanders. Reiter will return to the Davidson area on June 26 and July 10 when Richmond takes on the Charlotte Eagles at Charlotte Christian.
FY26 Men's Soccer Preseason Virtual Meeting
Friday, August 15
FY25 Men's Soccer Davidson United Conversation
Wednesday, June 04
2024 Davidson Men's Soccer Highlights
Tuesday, May 13
Davidson Men’s Soccer – March 2023 Virtual Alumni Gathering
Tuesday, March 14
