Increasingly, North Texas SC seems to be relying on talented players from outside the Academy system to fulfill its mandate to accelerate prospects into the first team. In 2021, we expect newcomers like Hope, Alejandro, Kazu, and JJ Parra to step in and make waves. However, as fans, we’re not as familiar with that profile of the player as with those kids brought through the Academy for whom NTSC represents another rung on the ladder in the club: the Tessmanns and Ches and Reynoldses of the world.
To help bridge that gap, I spoke with incumbent NTSC left-back Derek Waldeck about his experiences with FC Dallas’ second team, learning a new position and style of play in a new club and part of the country, and the pressures of standing out on such a competitive roster.