McNeill signs letter of intent to Pfeiffer University

HERTFORD — Perquimans County High School senior Sabrina McNeill started playing soccer when she was 4. Little did she know back then that one day she’d become the first girls soccer player in Perquimans County High School history to play college soccer.

On Wednesday, McNeill signed a letter of intent to attend Pfeiffer University, where she plans to continue her soccer career while also majoring in computer information systems.

McNeill is well aware of the significance of the moment.

“I’m very honored to say that I am the first women’s soccer player from Perquimans who is going to play college soccer,” she said.

McNeill said her favorite part about playing soccer is the feeling it gives her that she doesn’t have to worry about anything.

“It’s my safe space,” she said.

As the Pirates’ team captain, McNeill said she handles the stress and pressure on the pitch by taking a deep breath and focusing on what she is supposed to be doing.

McNeill also recalls something that her dad, William McNeil, told her time and time again.

“Show up and show out. He always said this whenever it came to a game or trying out for a new team,” she said.

When she isn’t playing soccer you can find McNeill at the gym or going out with friends. She also says the U.S. women’s team member and striker for the San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, Alex Morgan, is someone she looks up to.

“She has achieved so much and changed a lot for women’s soccer,” McNeill says of Morgan.

As for her own greatest accomplishment so far, McNeill says it’s being able to go to college and play the sport that she loves.

It’s never easy trying to find a school that fits you, but McNeill says that Pfeiffer just felt right for a number of reasons.

“They have a beautiful campus and the coach there reminds me of my old travel coach who made me fall in love with soccer,” she said.

McNeill started at Perquimans three years ago. A memory that sticks with her is how welcoming the soccer team was and how well the community made her and her family feel.

“I am very grateful for all the coaches, teammates, friends and family members who have always helped me achieve anything. Thank you for everything,” she said.