Longtime Coast FA and Carolina Forest High player Cole Poirier has accepted an offer from Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina to continue his education and soccer career. Cole will join a very competitive Lander squad which features a heavy dose of international talent. The Bearcats finished the 2019 season with a 12-5-2 record while participating in the Peach Belt Conference. Cole was a striker on the Coast 02 Red team that is regarded as one of the best teams to ever play for the red and black. His team finished last season winning both the SCYSA State Cup and the US Club SCCL Super Cup which will qualify them to participate in Regionals this summer.

“ I have been fortunate to play for Coast my entire youth career and build lifelong relationships with players from my community. Playing for Coast put me in the position to accept my offer from Lander and I am grateful to everyone at the club who helped me along the way. I am excited to be advancing my soccer career at Lander University “ said Cole.

Coast Director of Coaching Ross Morgan said “ One of the great rewards as a coach is to watch a player grow from a six year old in our recreation league to fulfill their dream of becoming a collegiate soccer player. We have watched Cole mature and grow through our program with the unwavering support of his mother Mandy and older brother Braden. Everyone at the club is looking forward to following his journey and seeing him come back to Socastee Park when he is home from school .”

Coast 02 Red coach Joel Banta added “ I enjoyed working with Cole many seasons and watching his development. He is a gifted player technically and has a special knack for going forward and scoring goals. I am sure these qualities will serve him well at the next level. We are all very proud of his accomplishments.”