Jonathan Top is FC Dallas' latest Development Academy player to sign a professional contract with the first team. He also graduates from North Side High School in Ft. Worth on January 13, and he'll be turning 18 less than two weeks after that on January 26. Suffice it to say that January of 2011 will be looked back on as a month of milestones for the talented young forward. FCDallas.com recently caught up with Top as he prepares to make the transition from youth player to professional athlete.
READ: Top signs with FC Dallas
FCDallas.com: How did you first find out you were going to be offered a first team contract?
Top: It was our first home game here with the Juniors against Rush in September. Dan (Hunt) called me to talk to him and he let me and my parents know that the FC Dallas organization was interested and I was really happy. I thank God that I’ve got this opportunity and I just hope I can make the most of it.
FCDallas.com: What do you think the reaction will be like when you let your friends at school know the news?
Top: I’m excited to let everybody know. I hope everybody will be happy for me and that they wish me the best.
FCDallas.com: Have the Home Grown players who have come before you given you any advice on how to make the transition smoothly?
Top: They just said to always try hard and always keep your head up, things aren’t always going to go the way you want, we’re young, we’re starting out, so just always keep on trying and be ready for it.
FCDallas.com: You've been a strong student in high school. Since forgoing the college route to go straight to the pros, are you planning on taking any classes while you play?
Top: I plan on taking some classes at a community college and then depending on how things go with soccer will determine whether I go to a four-year university or not.
FCDallas.com: If you weren't becoming a professional soccer player, what career would you pursue?
Top: I would go to Maryland and become a teacher.
FCDallas.com: You were in varsity football and cross country and JV basketball in high school. What made you choose soccer?
Top: I’ve played soccer since I was three years old. My family has always wanted me to play soccer. Ever since I was little my dad has always made soccer a priority and I was pretty good at it and it made me happy.
FCDallas.com: What advice would you give to current FC Dallas Youth players who want to follow in your footsteps?
Top: To just always keep on trying. There’s no limit to where we can go, especially with this organization now really looking at the Juniors.
READ: Top signs with FC Dallas