Forward Madison FC has signed 25-year-old defender Shaun Russell to its inaugural roster, the club announced Monday. Russell signed his first pro contract last year, joining the Richmond Kickers late in the USL Championship season, and will reunite this season with then-teammate Neil Hlavaty, who is now FMFC’s assistant coach.

“It feels great to be here,” Russell said. “It’s the first season, a new team, and I’ve been following everything since they’ve been a start-up, so I’m really happy to sign. I worked with Neil in Richmond before, so I’ve known him for the past year, and I’ve heard a lot about (FMFC head coach) Daryl Shore, I’m looking forward to working with him.”

According to Shore, Russell will feature primarily as a central defender, but can slot in on the left side as well.

“Shaun is an athletic, left-footed center back who will add needed depth to our back line,” Shore said. “Shaun can also play left back, so it will be good to have another left-footed player who can play along the back line in a few different positions.”

Throughout his career, Russell has learned to overcome challenges. Before signing with Richmond, he trained for six months with the team, driving two hours each way from his home in Chesapeake, Va. for practices. He spent most of this offseason on trial with Indy Eleven of the USL Championship, but was not offered a contract.

“It was one of those things, like, maybe it wasn’t meant to be, but I’ve overcome things like that,” Russell said. “Once Indy Eleven decided not to continue with me, Madison opened up right away and I was ready to get to work, I was ready to get started.”

Shaun’s signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval. Follow Shaun on Instagram and Twitter at @big_shaun_15.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is nearly here! The team will kick off its first-ever game on April 6 at Chattanooga Red Wolves, and open at home on April 27 vs Greenville Triumph SC. Get tickets to see Shaun and the rest of the team in Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.