Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photos by James Jones. From left: Spyros Stergiotis, Samuel "JJ" Naiwo, Joe Woodley, and Tom Debenham.

NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University men's soccer team was recently selected to finish atop the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference standings in the 2016 CACC Preseason Poll, but getting there relies on having a strong foundation in the program.

The depth of the program over the last few years is continually on display, as a number of former Wildcats have extended their playing career with professional contracts in Europe.

Last playing for the Wildcats in 2013, goalkeeper Spyros Stergiotis continues to play in professionally in Greece in 2016. The 2014 graduate has made two starts in goal for Panelefsiniakos F.C this season, playing in Greece's Football League Division II. The team plays in the southern city Elefsina, northwest of Athens, Greece.

JJ Naiwo last suited up for the Wildcats in 2014 but helped lead the Wildcats to the 2015 CACC Regular Season Championship and a spot in the NCAA East Regional Tournament from the sidelines. He recently signed a contract to play in Sweden's Division 2 Norrland (Tier 4) for Gallivare Malmbergets. The team plays its home games in the northern city of Gallivare, Sweden.

A pair of 2016 graduates recently signed their first professional contract after most recently helping the Wildcats on the pitch last fall. Two-year captain Joe Woodley signed on to play for Solleftea GIF of Sweden's Division 3 Norra Norland (Tier 5). The team plays in the east central portion of the country in Solleftea, Sweden.

Fellow 2015 defender Tom Debenham is the most recent Wildcat to sign a professional contract, joining Bury Town F.C in his hometown of Suffolk, England. The Blues play in the Ryman Isthmian League Division One North, the eighth tier of the English Football League ladder. Bury St. Edmunds is located northeast of London.