Malik Henry-Scott grew up learning soccer in the FC Dallas Academy and was always a prolific goal scorer. Still, he took a different route to a coveted Homegrown contract than the 36 who went before him. Nevertheless, he’s living his dream of playing professionally alongside his brother, Tarik, and setting his sights high for the remainder of his debut MLS NEXT Pro season.
In the Academy, Henry-Scott shared the field with top-level prospects from all over DFW and across the world. His goal-scoring exploits took him across the world, exploring new places and cultures with various trips and tournaments. Those shared adventures gave him a taste of his future career.
“It was a really good experience. I played alongside some great players from all over the world and in Texas,” Henry-Scott said. “It felt like you were a professional as a kid. My favorite memory would be going on away trips. We played in Mexico and all over the country.”
When it was time to take the next step, Henry-Scott relocated four hours north of his hometown and committed to play and learn at the University of Tulsa. As a Golden Hurricane, he netted 17 goals and registered 7 assists in 48 matches over his four-year career. He experienced a new form of soccer and learned how to balance life on the field and life in the classroom.
“Playing soccer for Tulsa was great because I did not get to experience (the rigorous academic responsibility) while I was in high school. It helped me mature and it made me more responsible in the aspect that I had to balance both school and soccer. I knew that taking the college route was an alternative to the pathway to pro afterward.”
That dream may have been delayed, but it was not denied. On December 18, 2023, FC Dallas announced Henry-Scott as the club’s 37th Homegrown player. He fulfilled his dream by signing for the club that developed him as an athlete. For him, it was time to get to work and show what he is capable of.
“I was in complete shock to be honest (on signing first professional contract). The opportunity was right in front of me and I give all glory to God. I got the foot in the door and then it was all about getting better every day.”
Of course, Henry-Scott didn’t fulfil that dream alone. On April 14, he started a game alongside his younger brother for the first time for North Texas SC against Tacoma Defiance. They became the second set of brothers to both appear in the starting lineup for NTSC since 2019.
“Starting alongside my little brother (Tarik Scott) was a great family moment for us. That is the kind of stuff that does not happen often. It was a blessing to play alongside him and hopefully, we can continue to develop and improve together.”
That unique experience has made his first year as a professional even more special. But the work does not stop there for Henry-Scott. He has bigger goals for both himself and the team. The message is clear heading into the final seven games of the season.
“The goal is to score more goals and help the team with goals and assist for the rest of the season. I want to get to the playoffs and eventually win the conference as well. This team has a lot of big goals and big dreams, we just have to capitalize and keep going.”
Dreaming big and working hard brought Malik to this point. He plans to stay the course.
