Warhorse soccer star signs with Randolph-Macon College

Elijah Caro closes out Owen career with final celebration

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 31, 2024

Elijah Caro celebrates with his Warhorse teammates, May 28, as the Owen senior commits to Randolph-Macon College. Photo by Fred McCormick

Throughout much of his four-year high school varsity soccer career, the Warhorses turned to Elijah Caro when they needed a big play, and he responded by delivering some of the biggest moments in the history of the program.

While on-field celebrations were numerous during the senior’s time at Owen, there was one last accomplishment to commemorate, May 28, as Caro committed to continue playing the game he loves at Randolph-Macon College.

The center midfielder, known for his creative playmaking abilities as the Warhorses won their first state championship in 2022 and returned to the west regional round a last season, will take “great vision and confidence” to the NCAA DIII program, according to Owen head coach Trei Morrison.

“I’ve been coaching Elijah since he was 8 years old,” said Morrison, who was the director of coaching for the Highland Football Club for nearly two decades before stepping into his current role. “He was always a precocious player who wanted the ball and enjoyed having it. He was never satisfied with just getting the ball and giving it to another player, without putting his own flare on it.”

As Caro’s style evolved, he became a dual threat for a Warhorse attack that outscored opponents by a combined total of 224-31 in 2022 and 2023. As a junior, he led the eventual state champions in assists and was the team’s second-leading scorer. He set the team standard for both statistical categories last season, when he was named to the 2023 Men’s 2A N.C. Soccer Coaches Association All-State team.

Morrison was not surprised by his player’s high school soccer success.

“Having such a creative player in the midfield who understands how we want to move the ball and create quality chances is awesome, as a coach,” Morrison said. “When we got in tight situations, Elijah wanted the ball. He always wanted to make something happen, whether for himself or a teammate.”

Owen senior Elijah Caro celebrates a game-winning penalty kick in the third round of the 2023 NCHSAA State Soccer Playoffs. Photo by Fred McCormick

Caro, surrounded by family, teammates and coaches as he embarked upon his Yellow Jackets career, reflected on a pair of “unforgettable” seasons at Owen.

“I wouldn’t have wanted my senior season to go any other way; I loved every second of my four years playing soccer here,” he said. “It’s surreal to think about the amount of kids who play soccer in N.C., and so many of them never get the chance to do some of the things we did.”

Those experiences helped shape his search for a collegiate program, as Caro sought an opportunity to contribute immediately. It came when Randolph-Macon head coach Josh Laux contacted him following a club tournament in Greensboro last fall.

“He wasn't there to watch me play, he just happened to be there watching a family member,” Caro said. “He also happened to be watching my game, and I played well that day. He emailed me and told me he really liked how I played.”

Caro was impressed with the Yellow Jackets program when he visited the Ashland, Virginia campus.

“It’s not a very big school, but I really liked it there,” he said. “You can tell that the athletic programs really support each other and the college itself feels like a community where everyone is connected. I was impressed with the whole experience.”

Senior Elijah Caro signs with Randolph-Macon College in a May 28 ceremony at Owen High School. Photo by Fred McCormick

Competing for the Randolph-Macon program in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference represents a new challenge for Caro.

“It’s all going to be new to me, but I just want to keep working hard and getting better,” he said. “Hopefully, I can bring something a little different to the team. I want to come in with a lot of energy, a good work rate and confidence.”

He credits his long-time coach for nurturing his bold style of play.

“Coach Morrison has always believed in me and always had confidence in me, and when you have somebody like that behind you, it gives you a belief in yourself,” Caro said.

It is a foundation the Owen coach expects Caro to build upon Randolph-Macon.

“He’s going to be fantastic, and he wants to continue having an impact on the field, which is something I support,” Morrison said. “He’s got so many tools: great vision, confidence, a desire to have the ball and he makes really good decisions. I believe those things will help him shine.”