PSA congratulates Matt Williams, a 2008 graduate and two year starter for the University of West Florida men’s soccer team who signed a professional contract with the Real Maryland Monarchs of the United Soccer League (USL) Second Division. He becomes the 11th player over the past 11 years to sign a professional soccer contract following his career at UWF.

Williams, a Pensacola native and 2005 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School is the son of new PSA Board member Dr. David Williams. Matt looks to make an immediate impact with the Monarchs in his first season; he has stayed active within the soccer community since his graduation, playing for the Panama City Pirates of the Premier Development League (PDL) and assisting Head Coach Bill Elliot with the UWF soccer program this past season.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to continue playing,” stated Williams. “"It's a very competitive league with a lot of former MLS players. Some people say it's kind of a gateway to the MLS, so if that happens it would be great. But I'm just looking forward to getting to a team and getting back to the team atmosphere and playing."

Matt began his two year stint with the Argos in 2007 and over the next two seasons was an integral part of two Gulf South Conference Championships. In his senior season he was voted to the All-GSC First Team as well as being named GSC Player of the Week. In 40 games played during his career he tallied five goals and 12 assists for 22 points.

"Matt is a product of his own hard work and dedication and love for the game. It's real exciting for us in UWF soccer,” said UWF Head Coach Bill Elliott. "His development over the years is not only a reflection on UWF men's soccer but on Pensacola soccer. Matt's a local product; he came up playing club soccer here working with the local club coaches and high school coaches. His development started way before he got to UWF. I like to think we continued that, and he certainly progressed as an athlete while he was here. I couldn't be more excited for him and for the Pensacola community, and hopefully it's a good reflection on our program as well."

Real Maryland will kickoff the season at home on April 17th against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.