ROCK HILL, SC-- Former Winthrop men's soccer captain Kenneth Perkinson recently signed his first professional  contact in the Australian 2^nd Division- National Premier League- Tasmania.
 
Perkinson has joined the Kingborough Lions United Football Club in Blackmans Bay, Tasmania. Kenneth was the starting goalkeeper for the Eagles in 2016 and 2017 after transferring in from UNC Pembroke. He went onto win the Winthrop Scholar Athlete of the year in spring 2018 at the 1^st Annual WUSPYS.
 
"If you asked me my freshman year of college if I saw myself playing soccer all the way over in Australia, I would have called you crazy," said Perkinson. "I have always played soccer because my love and passion for the game. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Ever since I was a kid I never really thought about my soccer future, I just played. Now I am able to travel the world and continue to play this game that has already given so much to me. I am thankful every day for all of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, teachers and everyone else who has helped me get to where I am right now. I couldn't have done it without all of you."
 
Winthrop head men's soccer coach Daniel Ridenhour said when Perkinson came to Winthrop in the fall of 2016, assistant men's soccer coach Phil Hindson was adamant Kenneth had the intangibles to make it to a professional level.
 
"He has a wonderful opportunity in front of him with Kingborough to prove to all those that have doubted him since he graduated from Winthrop," added Ridenhour. "Our whole staff is excited for Kenneth and honestly probably a bit envious of this adventure he is on now. What young man does not want to chase the professional dream? He has a degree in hand and he will be successful with this past or any other he takes in life."