WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced on Wednesday the signing of local standout Sam Williams for the 2016 USL season.

Williams made 27 appearances for UNC Wilmington in his college career, and averaged a 1.11 goals-against average for the Seahawks. He now joins the Hammerheads as back-up to John Smits, who has appeared in every minute so far for the club since his offseason arrival.

“Being from North Carolina and playing at UNCW all these years, makes becoming a part of the Hammerheads personal,” Williams said. “It has a surreal feeling being a part of the team I’ve watched for years, but I am looking forward to growing with them. Playing for Head Coach Mark Briggs is an honor and I know I will learn a lot from him and [Goalkeeper Coach] Matt [Glaeser] and the rest of the team.”

“We’ve been a part of Wilmington’s community for 20 years,” said Briggs. “It’s important to us to recognize what talent derives from the local universities and Sam is part of this exceptional young talent. We look forward to bringing him onto our team.”

The Hammerheads will face FC Cincinnati this Saturday in their next USL regular season contest. Kickoff at Nippert Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.