Colby Solomon waited three years for his turn to be the starting goal keeper for Warren Central’s boys’ soccer team. Once he got between the pipes he quickly became one of the best in Mississippi — good enough, in fact, to keep playing at the next level.

Solomon has signed to play at Southwest Mississippi Community College. On Thursday he celebrated the achievement with a ceremony in front of family, friends and teammates at Warren Central’s football fieldhouse.

“It’s great,” Solomon said. “I worked hard and it finally paid off. I think I worked hard enough to get here from my first year to now.”

Solomon started his high school career as Warren Central’s backup keeper, then moved to the field as a junior once Connor Scribner became entrenched as the starter. Solomon played on the defense and said the year in the field helped improve his skills as a a keeper, both physically and mentally.

“It helped me with my footwork. Footwork was not my thing, but playing defender I got better with that,” he said. “Playing at the position, looking at how that position plays, where I can correspond with what I’m doing this year.”

With Scribner gone, Solomon stepped in as Warren Central’s starting keeper and immediately became a star. He posted 12 shutouts in 22 games as the Vikings won the MHSAA Region 2-6A championship and reached the Class 6A semifinals.

Solomon was the first-team All-Region 2-6A keeper. He averaged 5.1 saves per game and only gave up a total of seven goals.

“I think it’s pretty awesome to get recognized like that because I worked my butt off. I felt very accomplished,” Solomon said.

Once recruiting season picked up, Solomon drew the interest of Southwest Mississippi. He took two visits there and worked out for coaches before landing an offer. He’ll join fellow Warren Central Tyler Godshaw on the Bears’ roster next season.

Solomon, Godshaw and Laney Lewis were Warren Central’s only seniors this season.

“They showed me around the school and told me everything, then they invited me to come back. The second time it was two months later and they invited me back to have a little training session with them and see the school again,” Solomon said. “I just liked their facility and everything was good.”

Solomon admitted that his rapid journey from first-year starter to college player has been a surprise. It’s one rocket ride he’s glad to be on, though.

“It’s surreal, to be honest. I was not expecting to get this far. I thought, straight up, my soccer season ends here,” he said, gesturing toward the field at Warren Central’s Viking Stadium. “But Southwest looked at me and gave me a chance, which I’m very thankful they took a chance on me.”