When Isaiah Johnston tells the story, there's still an excitement in his voice.

"It brought so much happiness," he says.

It was November 2019 and the midfielder had picked up the Atlantic University Sport Rookie of the Year award after an eye-catching campaign with the Cape Breton Capers. At nationals, the team finished third and it was when they returned from the tournament in Montreal that Johnston's dream started to become a reality.

He'd already got a taste of The Nine Stripes, training with the first-team during pre-season and also during their stint in the Dominican Republic. But this conversation was a lot different.

"After our flight, I was on the bus and I got the call to say they were going to draft me and that it would be announced the following day," Johnston says.

"I was super excited. Being only 17 when it happened, it was so special. I knew I had a good season but a lot of teams were looking to use their picks for senior players. I'd already been in with them so I knew all the guys. But just because you were there once doesn't mean you deserve to be there again if you didn't prove it in your play. You have to make sure that you've had the best season possible so they'll say, 'Yeah, we trust this kid' and bring you in full-time. I went to Cape Breton to initially get into the draft and become a pro - that's what I wanted to do, that was the dream. So when my name was called - and especially by the team from home, which meant I could play in front of my family and friends - it was just a surreal feeling."

Johnston, a native of Milton, ON, faced a big decision. But it was one he'd prepared for. Conversations were had with his parents and constant communication proved crucial to how the process worked itself out.

"We wanted to see what the season would hold," he says.

"Then there was a possibility I could be drafted. It started off with an email saying I was eligible. So I had to decide whether to sign up or not. I talked to my parents and we felt it was a good idea. Then there were more questions. If it happened, is it the right decision? I was really young so was it the right time to leave school? When I told them a professional contract doesn't come along every day and if I didn't take the opportunity then it might never come around again, they fully supported me. I thought it was best for myself and my career so it was good to have their complete backing."

Johnston made three appearances at The Island Games tournament in PEI last year and is hungry for more. He looks back on his draft experience with an enormous sense of gratitude and is quick to point out the role his alma mater had on his soccer career too.

"It was only made possible because of Cape Breton University," he says.

"Moving out there turned me into a man because it progressed my maturity level. Coach Deano (Morley) progressed me on the field, progressed my game and allowed me to be the best player I could possibly be in his program and prepared me for that pro level."

And for those taking part in this year's CPL-U Sports Draft later this week, does Johnston have any advice?

"Be prepared for your name to be called and and make sure you're ready to come in," he begins.

"Be ready to work, be fit and be fully focused."

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