From one win to home playoff: Eastern Wayne soccer receives $8,000 grant

Information supplied by Eastern Wayne head coach Donta Lewis.

GOLDSBORO - Eastern Wayne’s boys soccer program has come a long way in three seasons. From winning just one game to hosting a state playoff matchup, the Warriors have given their community plenty to celebrate. Now, an $8,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods provides another reason for excitement.

Head coach Donta Lewis announced that Dick’s Sporting Goods has awarded Eastern Wayne $8,000 to help purchase much-needed soccer equipment, including new goals and uniforms.

The school will formally recognize the award Monday, Nov. 2, at 6:45 p.m. at Eastern Wayne’s football field. Representatives from Dick’s Sporting Goods and local school district officials are expected to participate in the ceremonial check presentation ahead of the Warriors’ 7 p.m. first-round state playoff match against Southwest Edgecombe.

When Lewis took over, the team won just one game in his first season. The Warriors improved to 5-11-3 in his second season before climbing to 11-5-1 this fall.

The progress has given Eastern Wayne an opportunity to host a postseason match. According to Lewis, it will be the program’s first home playoff game since the early 2000s.

While the results on the field have improved, the program’s equipment needs have remained.

“For years, our soccer team has been in need of updated equipment, including new soccer goals and uniforms,” Lewis said in a statement. “Some of our goals were more than 20 years old, and the equipment no longer met the needs of our growing program.”

Lewis said he made securing additional resources a priority, pursuing grants to improve the experience for his student-athletes. The $8,000 award will help Eastern Wayne replace aging equipment and continue building the program.

Eastern Wayne returned to the state playoffs last season, but this fall brings an opportunity to play a postseason game on its home field.

Lewis sees the contribution as an investment in more than soccer equipment.

“This is bigger than new goals and uniforms. It is about building a program, creating opportunities, restoring pride, and showing our student-athletes what is possible when a community invests in them,” Lewis said.

For Eastern Wayne, Monday will be an opportunity to celebrate how far the Warriors have come and recognize support that could benefit players for years to come.

Eastern Wayne is scheduled to host Southwest Edgecombe on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., following the 6:45 p.m. grant presentation.