Former McCallie soccer star Drew Viscomi learning while playing against best in NCAA soccer

Former McCallie soccer standout Drew Viscomi has enjoyed the challenges and privileges that have come with being part of an NCAA Division I program at Northwestern. He has played in 25 games in his first two seasons with the Wildcats and is now working at a new position, right back.
Former McCallie soccer standout Drew Viscomi has enjoyed the challenges and privileges that have come with being part of an NCAA Division I program at Northwestern. He has played in 25 games in his first two seasons with the Wildcats and is now working at a new position, right back.
photo Former McCallie soccer standout Drew Viscomi has enjoyed the challenges and privileges that have come with being part of an NCAA Division I program at Northwestern. He has played in 25 games in his first two seasons with the Wildcats and is now working at a new position, right back.

Drew Viscomi knew when he chose to play soccer for Northwestern University the competition would be the best NCAA Division I had to offer.

The former McCallie School standout, who scored a program-record 29 goals for the Blue Tornado as a senior, has become accustomed to playing Top 25 opponents, including a stretch of four weeks in a row playing the No. 1 college team in the country as a freshman in 2017.

Little did Viscomi know he would be playing against top up-and-coming standouts from the developmental clubs of Liverpool FC and Real Madrid.

This spring the Wildcats took a trip to face powers from the Premier League and La Liga, two of the world's most respected leagues.

"Talk about the trip of a lifetime," Viscomi said. "Playing against Real Madrid's U-19 team and tying them 2-2 was unreal. I looked to the sideline and saw soccer legends Raúl González, Xabi Alonso and Roberto Carlos. I grew up watching their highlights but never imagined I would see them in real life."

Northwestern held its own against Liverpool's U-23 squad, trailing 2-0 until the 89th minute before giving up two more scores to a team with several players on first-team contracts.

Liverpool FC recently fell to Manchester City in the Premier League title match.

photo McCallie's Drew Viscomi, lef, heads the ball over MBA's Collin Ragsdale during a state tournament match in May 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Viscomi, who scored a program-record 29 goals during his senior season in spring 2017, is now preparing for his third season at Northwestern University.

"To tour both Anfield Stadium (Liverpool) and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid) was so cool," Viscomi said. "I got to see (Liverpool forward Mohamed) Salah's locker. We got to sit in their lockers, and you could almost feel the energy in there and when you walked through the tunnel out onto the field."

After being a part of the first collegiate program to travel and scrimmage two of the world's most renowned professional clubs, Viscomi is excited for his junior season to come. The talented playmaker has started to play a new position, right back, and helped his team recently win the Chicago Cup Championship over other area Division I programs.

Viscomi has played in 25 games for the Wildcats and recorded four points, which includes his first collegiate score against Western Illinois as a freshman.

At 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, he has made it to a high level of play with intense focus and training.

"My biggest strength is my relentless work ethic," he said. "I am not the biggest or fastest guy, but I really have worked hard to train on my footwork, first touch, shooting technique, et cetera.

"I knew I wasn't going to be an Alex Rodriguez in baseball and that soccer was a sport little guys can excel in. I look up to guys like Messi and others who are small but are great technically and have worked hard to master their craft."

From being a three-time all-state prep selection to battling for his spot at the highest collegiate level, Viscomi looks to bring a significant impact in his final two seasons for the Wildcats.

His faith has played a major part in his time in Evanston, Illinois, as he has been actively involved with the sports ministry Athletes In Action. Viscomi, who has played a few games for the Chattanooga Football Club, trusts that his path after college will be guided by a greater force.

"It's a dream to be a hometown kid who comes back and plays for his hometown club," said Viscomi, a Lookout Mountain native. "I am open to where the Lord is going to take me. I will work at what I can each day and leave the rest up to him. Every door he has opened for me has been a blessing."

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

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