By Jinseong Kim
AFC Ann Arbor are delighted to announce the signing of Hammad “Hemi” Nasser ahead of the 2022 USL League Two season. Nasser is from Dearborn and played college soccer at Butler University.
Prior to college, Nasser played club soccer at Vardar Academy Michigan for two years, registered 20 goals in one season. In his freshman year with the Big East side, the striker appeared in 18 matches and helped the Bulldogs reach the semi-finals of Big East Tournament. The following season, Nasser played 11 games and registered two goals and two assists. He logged another pair of goals and assists in his junior year, helping push the Bulldogs to the Big East Tournament Semi-Finals for the second time in his career.
“I always knew AFC Ann Arbor was a good team and program to be a part of,” said Nasser on his first year at AFC Ann Arbor. “I was humbled to get the call to come to play for the team and I look forward to a good season.”
Apart from his college career, Nasser was a stand-out in the Flint City Bucks’ 2019 USL League Two championship run. Nasser, who was only 17 when he first joined the Bucks, provided a solid pass that led to the lone penalty goal which would decide Flint City’s championship victory over Reading United AC.
On his long-awaited return to Michigan, Nasser didn’t hesitate to hide how grateful he was. “It feels great to be back home. The pandemic has really given us the opportunity to sit back and appreciate what matters: family, friends, and of course, soccer. So to have it all back to somewhat normal makes me excited again.”
Nasser gave some insight on him as a person and a competitor, saying, “As a player, I believe that I do whatever it takes for the team to win. I always try to stay humble and thrive with my teammates to victory. As a person, I'm an easy-going guy who loves to have fun with his teammates and enjoy new experiences. I’m definitely a fun guy to be around.”
Nasser has already experienced USL League Two, not only playing in the league but lifting the championship trophy. He is eager to integrate his championship pedigree and winning mentality to the squad facing the inaugural season at a new league. Where he is aiming is the very top. Nasser noted, “The goal for the season is to win the league. No doubt. No task is easy, but I feel with the team we have we can do it.” Nasser was also looking forward to personal development. He would continue, “Ultimately, I want to end the season knowing that I benefited as a player to be better and gave it my all. If you give it your all, the sky is the limit. We got to let everything else happen.”
Eric Rudland, Club Sporting Director for AFC Ann Arbor, elaborated on how he is looking forward to having the local lad in the squad. “Hemi comes to us off high recommendations and boasts a solid playing history. We are expecting him to make a big impact for our club on the field.”
AFC Ann Arbor welcomes Hemi to his home state and to the AFCAA Family, and we look forward to a strong, competitive summer with him.
About AFC Ann Arbor
Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor) was founded in 2014, and competes in USL2 (men’s) and USLW (women’s) national amateur leagues. We are a community-based club, focused on equity, justice, and anti-racism. We consider all of our stakeholders, including supporters, players, staff, and ownership to be part of the #AFCAAFamily. Come On You Mighty Oak!