MANCHESTER, N.H. – Former Southern New Hampshire University men's soccer stars Dominic Samuel and Kenny Doublette have inked professional contracts with the Rochester Rhinos and Louisville City FC, respectively, both of the United Soccer League (USL).

Samuel, who wrapped up his SNHU career this past fall, joins the defending USL Champions following a career in which he captured an NCAA National Championship, was a three-time All-America selection, a four-time All-Region pick and a four-time Northeast-10 All-Conference choice, including three times to the First Team. Samuel registered 32 career points on 15 goals and two assists in 87 matches over the course of four seasons in a Penmen uniform.

This past season, Samuel helped anchor a back line that featured the league's best goals-against average (0.47), which was nearly twice as low as the next closest opponent. He also scored three goals, including a game winner, for six points. Samuel earned a plethora of accolades, including NSCAA All-America, CCA All-America, NSCAA All-East Region, CCA All-East Region and Northeast-10 All-Conference First Team, as well as Northeast-10 Defender of the Year.

"Dom had one of the most memorable careers in SNHU history as he was a 2013 National Champion, won four straight NE-10 Championships and was the first ever three-time All-American at SNHU," said head coach Josh Taylor. "He has put a ton of work in over his four years here and deserves this opportunity to play with the defending USL champions. Dom was a mainstay at the center-back position since his arrival and will certainly be missed."

Doublette, who graduated in 2014, amassed 59 points on 23 goals and 13 assists in 66 matches over three seasons. Doublette was a CCA All-America Third Team and Northeast-10 First Team selection his senior year after leading the league in points (35) and goals (15). Doublette was also the team's fourth-leading scorer during its run to the national title as a junior in 2013 with four goals and two assists for 10 points.

"Kenny, who was also a part of the 2013 National Championship team, has a very inspiring story and I am extremely happy for him in signing his first professional contract," Taylor said. "He progressed well each year at SNHU and finished his senior year as the leading goal scorer in the NE-10 conference. Hopefully he can continue his scoring trends at the next level."

Added Taylor, "We look forward to watching Kenny and Dom compete at the next level and wish them both the best of luck. SNHU has shown to be a place for players to not only compete at a high level and get a fantastic education, but also prepare them for the next chapter in their life, whether it is on the field or off. Fortunately enough, SNHU has a strong tradition of players continuing their playing career at the next level. We hope to continue to attract the best players, domestically and internationally, as SNHU provides one of the best environments in the country to be successful."  

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