'I'm coming back, I'm coming back!'

ASHEBORO — Cam Letterlough was faced with a difficult decision after his freshman year on the Asheboro High School soccer team. He was invited to become a member of the highest level of the Elite Club National Team out of Greensboro, which does not allow participants of its program to compete in high school soccer.

So, after scoring 20 goals and dishing out 11 assists his freshman campaign, he left the team to concentrate on his club play. For two seasons, he came to the games as a spectator as the Blue Comets enjoyed two stellar campaigns, including a West Regional finals appearance in 2022.

“I was kind of upset, but I knew it was for the best,” Letterlough said of not being able to play his sophomore and junior years at AHS. “To be able to train with that team, the players, the experience. I really like the high level of intensity. I was upset, but at the same time knew it would be better for me. I still came and supported the team. I grew up in Asheboro. I will always support my home team.”

Then Letterlough found out he could support the program in a far more productive way. The Elite Clubs National League had a change of heart prior to this high school soccer season as players were given permission to play for their high school teams. 

“They sent out an email and then at practice took us up to a room and told us and I texted my coach right away telling him I’m coming back, I’m coming back,” Letterlough said. 

Back he certainly is. 

Letterlough, in his senior season, has been dominant as he’s scored 36 goals and racked up 18 assists for 90 points in the first 15 games. AHS, which dusted off North Davidson 7-1 on Oct. 2 behind three goals and two assists from Letterlough, was 13-2 overall and a perfect 3-0 in Mid-Piedmont Conference play entering the week.

“He’s not just scoring, he’s creating opportunities for others to score,” AHS coach Nick Arroyo said of Letterlough leading an offense that had outscored league foes 25-3. “He’s a leader on the field. He’s so fast, he’s just blowing past them and other coaches say it’s insane trying to stop him. His speed and his foot skills are just unbelievable.”

The Blue Comets were ranked 12th in the state by High School OT, with their only losses coming to top-ranked West Forsyth 6-2 and No. 6 Hoggard 6-1. In all, AHS has outscored foes 88-29 as they prepared for league matches this week against Ledford and Montgomery Central.

“He’s more of a team player,” Arroyo said. “He’s grown in height, speed and strength and you can tell he definitely wants to play for his teammates and not just himself.”

Letterlough has been playing Club Soccer since he was 10 years old. After getting a taste of high school competition his freshman season, he said he was thrilled to be able to play for AHS his final year.

“The biggest thing is the ambition, the hunger and knowing this is my last year playing for Asheboro High School,” Letterlough said. “I Just want to go out and get it. I waited so long for this moment. Waited a long time.”

Letterlough said he expected to have another stellar campaign.

“We have 18 seniors,” he said. “My freshman year, we were waiting for this. We all knew we would be at the highest level. Now we are here and we’re progressing as a team. I have high expectations for myself and the team. We’re getting better every game.”