Young Griffin Yow's March was probably already made on March 16, when he lined up for his first professional start, playing as a winger for Loudoun United against Memphis 901. The 16-year-old has handed a start after coming off the bench in the previous week. Yow's month got even better when, in the first half, his deflected strike earned him the honor of being the first ever goalscorer in the Loudoun's history in the eventual 1-1 draw.

But then March 2019 got even better for the native Virginian when D.C. United announced him as the club's latest homegrown signing. 

"I was super hyped about it," Yow told FloFC this week about signing with United. "I try to stay humble about it, and not think too much of it. Obviously it was a big deal for me, because that was my dream my entire life."

Before signing with D.C., Yow appeared in the USL games with Loudoun as a D.C. United academy player. USL rules allow for players not signed to professional contracts, those looking to potentially remain eligible for NCAA purposes later in their career, to appear in games.

First ever goal in Loudoun United history scored by #15 Griffon Yow!!! ??#SaddleUp #WeAreLoudoun pic.twitter.com/wPJCyCnV47

— Loudoun United FC (@LoudounUnitedFC) March 17, 2019

But the young winger had already spent time training with United, having joined the club in Florida for their preseason training. In addition, Yow had been working with the first team in practices, pulling double duty by then working out with Loudoun to prepare for the USL games. 

This week, D.C. head coach Ben Olsen stated that the founding of Loudoun was a big reason why United was able to ink Yow to a deal this quickly in his development.

"In some ways, signing Griffin without Loudoun doesn’t make a lot of sense," Olsen said. "His development now is going to be sped up, because we can get him 15 games this year."

The last time the Black-and-Red signed a player at the same age, Chris Durkin joined the club in June 2016. Loudoun wasn't around then, which meant Durkin spent most of his time with the Richmond Kickers and the USA U-17 team, only appearing in Open Cup games for United in his first two seasons.

Still, plenty of parallels exist between the two. And that led Yow to chat with Durkin extensively recently, prodding to find out what the might next few years for him might entail.

"Before I even signed, I spoke with [Durkin] for a while, and it was all positive from him," said Yow. "I thought that was another great reason to sign. It’s great having another academy guy around that I can talk to. He’s always there, and a great friend I can go to."

Much like Durkin, Yow also appears to be a big part of this cycle's USA U-17 squad. Yow was called into the Nike Friendlies last November, scoring against Portugal. That tournament, not quite as renowned as other youth tournaments, was still a launching point for other young USA stars including Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Josh Sargent.

In January, Yow was called into the U-17 camp again. The U-17 World Cup will be later this year in Brazil, with the Concacaf qualifying to take place in Florida in the first two weeks in May. Should Yow continue to impress with Loudoun, he will be back amongst his peers, helping the U.S. to try to qualify for the World Cup.

At the same time, Yow is trying to remain grounded during all this hoopla. Everything that has happened recently has been positive, which won't always be the case, whatever happens in his soccer career.

"It’s not going to be sunflowers and daisies the whole time," said the youngster. "When something isn’t going my way, keep my head up, and keep going."

Olsen said this week that if Griffin progresses the way that he hopes this year, that the winger/forward could see some first-team minutes with D.C. That's not a guarantee, but regardless, between Loudoun and the national team, there will be plenty of opportunities for Yow to grow in 2019.

"He is an attacker that understands how to make plays, and that’s a rare thing, especially for American attackers," said Olsen. "He is an intelligent kid, he’s an instinctual player. He’s a good teammate, the guys love him. There’s a lot to like, and I think he has a bright future."

Until he does fully realize his dream and take the field for the Black-and-Red, Yow will continue to play for Loudoun, where he will work under the tutelage of Richie Williams. Amongst that group, Yow is treated by Williams just as any other player would be, despite being a 16-year-old already signed to the first team.

"He treats me just like everyone else," Yow said of Williams. "He doesn’t give me any special treatment just because I signed with the first team. He treats me like the other USL players, and I appreciate that. It’s making me a lot better."