PHOTO/HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY

Charlotte native Austin Yearwood, who played collegiate soccer at High Point, signed with the Charlotte Independence.

A Charlotte native has signed with the Independence.

Defender Austin Yearwood, 21, graduated High Point in 2015 and spent last season in the PDL with the Charlotte Eagles.

“We are always looking to sign the top local players, so signing Austin is a coup for us,” Independence coach Mike Jeffries said. “Austin provides us a left-footed option at either center back or outside back.”

Yearwood started 74 of his 77 appearances for the Panthers and graduated with one goal and 17 assists. In 2015, he was named All-Big South first team; he earned second team honors in 2013 and 2014.

“His athleticism, tenacity and concentration provide a good defensive option,” Jeffries said. “His technical ability fits with the group — he finds the right option playing out of the back and has the ability to get forward.”

Yearwood graduated from South Mecklenburg High (14 goals and 35 assists), after transferring from Myers Park and played with Charlotte Soccer Academy, where he participated in the U.S. under-17 National Team Residency Camp in 2009.    
    
“I’m really excited for Austin,” Eagles coach Dave Dixon said. “It is rare for a player to get the opportunity to represent his hometown team as a professional. [He’s a] great person, and deserves this great opportunity. I think he will develop into a very good left back in the USL.”

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