Not everyone can say that a professional sports team wished them a happy birthday on Twitter. But EHS junior Lawson Redmon got a birthday message and a spot on the team too.

According to Saint Louis Football Club, Redmon will be one of the most recent additions to their training academy.  Head coach Anthony Pulis saw the potential in Redmon and feels that he could work to play on the field with the pros.

“Lawson is a young player from our Academy that has impressed in training and games that we have seen,” said Pulis according to STLFC. “We’re looking forward to adding him to the group for training purposes and it’s up to him to earn the opportunity for minutes in the professional game.”

This seemed nearly impossible for Redmon when he started playing YMCA soccer around the age of five or six. He didn’t really enjoy playing and even feared the game.

“I wouldn’t even get on the field without my mom,” said Redmon.

But after facing his fears and advancing in the game he decided to switch to a more competitive team- GlenEd, which his uncle coached. He played for the team for several years before making the switch to Saint Louis Scott Gallagher where he would end up gaining the most success.

“I made the switch with some of my teammates when I was 10,” said Redmon. “I had a fun first couple of years there and eventually made the academy team. I was playing up (with older teams) and it was really hard at first. I didn’t know many of the guys and had to find a way to get playing time.”

Lawson decided to give it his all and eventually it paid off.

Bryce Glisson, EHS senior and teammate of Redmon thinks that Redmon’s character has gotten him far.

“Lawson is a great teammate, and always has the right attitude,” said Glisson. “He is always there for the right reasons.”

In the summer of 2017 SLSG Illinois, and SLSG Missouri combined academies to create STL FC academy. Redmon took the challenge at this next level.

“Eventually I had the opportunity to train with the first team, being Saint Louis FC at the end of my sophomore year,” said Redmon. “I ended up having a good first couple of weeks and was able to sign an academy contract with the club in June. I have been training with STLFC since.”

Although exciting, this opportunity will certainly bring a new challenge of balancing school and a demanding training and game schedule.

“It can be hard to balance school and driving to Missouri almost every day,” said Redmon. “I really do appreciate my teachers and Dr. Cramsey being very helpful and so easy to work with.”

Despite the challenges, Glisson has no doubts that STLFC will thrive with Redmon as a part of their team.

“Lawson stands out because he has confidence,” said Glisson. “Give him a small amount of time to adjust and he will excel at that level.”