Local Product Nazmi Albadawi Re-Signs With Carolina

The Carolina RailHawks announced on Tuesday the return of versatile midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, bringing back another member of the 2015 roster on a multiyear contract.

Albadawi played in 24 games for the RailHawks in 2015, starting in 23 and amassing 1,913 playing minutes. In addition, Albadawi collected six goals and three assists. The previous year, he made 25 appearances with the RailHawks, including 20 starts and scoring four goals.

“Nazmi is another important piece to building a championship caliber roster,” RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke said. “Starting with the U-23’s in 2012, we have seen Nazmi develop and improve each year. It is important that he will continue to be a part of the RailHawks organization, and we look forward to seeing his progress in 2016.”

Albadawi, 24, a product of CASL (Capital Area Soccer League) and Triangle United Soccer Association, began his time with the RailHawks as a member of the U-23 team in 2012, and captained the RailHawks U-23 squad that captured the prestigious USASA National Championship in 2013. Albadawi later joined the NASL prior to the start of the 2014 season when he was offered his first professional contract.

After spending time playing for Athens Drive High School in Raleigh, N.C., Albadawi went from watching the RailHawks in the stands to a collegiate career that would ultimately land him on the RailHawks senior team. The trustworthy midfielder played one year at Wake Tech Community College and then became a four-year standout member of the N.C. State Wolfpack men’s team.

During his senior year at N.C. State, Albadawi was ranked eighth in the ACC conference with nine points. In addition, during his junior year, Albadawi managed to average 0.92 points per game, good enough for tying ninth in the ACC, despite only playing 12 out of 20 games due to an injury.

“I couldn’t be happier to commit my immediate future to the RailHawks," Albadawi said. "This is my hometown and this is my home team. I want to help bring a professional soccer championship to my community.”