(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 5) - Former McKendree University soccer player Jarius Holmes recently signed a professional contract with the Austin Aztex FC of the United Soccer League's first division.

While playing for the Lions, Holmes scored one goal and tallied seven assists in helping his team to a 7-5-4 record and a fourth place finish in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference. Holmes is the first McKendree University soccer player to ever sign an outdoor professional soccer contract.

"When my family lived in Germany, we lived next to a soccer stadium", said Holmes. "I used to watch all the games and then I got into club soccer when we moved to the States. I'm really excited to join the Aztex."

The Aztex franchise is held by Austin Football Holdings LLC, under the ownership of British born business entrepreneur Phil Rawlins. An Austin resident, Rawlins is also an owner and director of Stoke City F.C. which plays in the English Championship League. Through Rawlins, the Aztex have an official affiliation with Stoke City FC, which includes the English club holding their summer training camp in Austin, scouting for talent both locally and across the United States, exchanging players with the Aztex and sharing best practices between the two clubs

The USL First Division features 11 teams from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Its season runs from April through September and is augmented by participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and various exhibition matches. The development of stadiums and world-class players from over 35 countries provides affordable family entertainment for over one million fans each year.

Holmes played at McKendree for the 2006 and 2007 seasons after transferring from nearby Southwestern Illinois College. In his two seasons for the Bearcats, Holmes played in 39 games and had 12 goals and 10 assists as a midifelder. He was two-time All-Conference selection and was named American Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2006. He was also a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association All-America selection while at Southwestern Illinois College. During the 2008 season, Holmes was a student assistant for the McKendree men's soccer program.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Jarius," said head McKendree soccer coach Tim Strange. "Having coached him for two seasons it comes as no surprise that he has earned his chance to play at such a high level. The sky truly is the limit for Jarius in the soccer world and we wish him the best of luck."