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Graham Kittle named April Athlete of the Month

Fri, 01 May 2026 19:57:00 GMT

Graham Kittle named CFC Youth April Athlete of the Month

We are delighted to highlight Graham Kittle as our April Athlete of the Month!

Kittle currently plays as a goalkeeper with the 2012 Boys Elite Team.

"Graham has played a key role during the season with the 2012B Elite in the Elite Academy League," said CFC Youth Senior Boys Program Director Emanuele Cocuzza. "Against strong competition, he performed consistently with key saves that kept our group competitive in many games. In addition to showing outstanding goalkeeper capabilities on the field, Graham demonstrated high performance leadership skills. He supported his teammates, stayed positive in difficult moments, and encouraged others around him to raise the standards while remaining constructive. His impact as a person in the group goes beyond his technical qualities, and the coaching staff was proud to see Graham grow in the year as a person and as an athlete."

"Graham did a fundraiser for the Children's Advocacy Center in Fort Oglethorpe in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month for the month of April," said Kittle's mother, Holly. "He donated $1 per save in his tournament in Gatlinburg last weekend (April 18/19) and asked friends to match his donation. He had 33 saves in 3 games and raised a little over $825. The Children's Advocacy Center is a local non profit that provides FREE services to child abuse survivors.

"Graham is in eighth grade at Boyd Buchanan School. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and was voted President of the NJHS by his classmates where he has served the last year. Graham has received the social studies award the last two years and last year he was voted Buc of the Year, which is an award that goes to the student for outstanding examples of leadership, character, and heart, while demonstrating excellence in every area of school life.

"Graham has been team captain for his school soccer team as well as his CFC team. He has been a volunteer at the Chattanooga Zoo and The Children's Advocacy Center in Fort Oglethorpe.

"Last year Graham competed in Keeper Wars, a tournament designed specifically for goalkeepers and he qualified for Keeper Wars Nationals where only 230 Goalkeepers earned a spot, out of thousands."

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Graham and the outstanding example he sets on and off the field.

Ayanna Hamler named March Athlete of the Month

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:38:00 GMT

Ayanna Hamler named CFC Youth March Athlete of the Month

We are delighted to highlight Ayanna Hamler as our March Athlete of the Month!

Hamler currently plays as a forward with the 2010/2011 Girls Elite team.

"Ayanna exemplifies what it means to be a CFC athlete," said CFC Coach and Senior Girls Program Director Juan Hernandez. "She consistently demonstrates leadership, commitment, respect, and competitiveness; values at the very heart of our program.

"Beyond her remarkable athletic talent, Ayanna brings a contagious positive energy to every practice and game. Her smiles, encouragement and enthusiasm uplift everyone around her, making our environment not just better but truly joyful. It is an absolute privilege to coach her, and she sets a standard for her teammates both on and off the field."

"Ayanna is an avid reader and loves historical fiction and murder mysteries," said Hamler's mother Tersheia Hayes. "She can be found at a local escape room or playing board games with family and friends. She is navigating Spanish 3 and looks forward to studying abroad to refine her conversational fluency through cultural immersion. Ayanna has supported her local community with projects while she was with the Girl Scouts. She also actively participated in community service, leadership, and philanthropy work as a member of Jack and Jill of America. She loves playing the clarinet and making music come alive from the page.

"Despite her busy schedule, Ayanna values the quality time with those she loves! Ayanna’s dedication to being her best self is evident in all facets of her life as a student leader athlete! She has maintained straight A’s her sophomore year at Baylor with a 4.3 GPA while balancing the intensive training regiment of school and club ball. Ayanna contributed to her high school achieving the State Championship as the leading scorer with 26 goals for the 2025 TSSAA season. Ayanna knows the power of the collective working together to reach a common goal and also understands how there is no “I” in team. She’s well loved by her teammates, classmates, teachers, and coaches. Ayanna brings an electric energy to the field unlike any other while her humility keeps her eager to learn from every interaction on or off the field! Her teammates value her leadership, knowledge of soccer and how she naturally finds and celebrates the joy in their hard work as a team! From Ayanna’s dedication and love for the game to her work ethic in her studies, the integrity she has models to those around her exemplify why she should be CFC’s Student Athlete of the Month."

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Ayanna and the exemplary example she sets on and off the field.

Levi Stone named February Athlete of the Month

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:16:42 GMT

"His work ethic sets the standard within the group"

We are delighted to highlight Levi Stone as our February Athlete of the Month!

Stone currently plays as a defender with the 2011 Boys Elite team.

"Levi has been a longstanding CFC youth athlete who consistently represents the club’s values on and off the pitch," said CFC Youth Senior Boys Program Director Emanuele Cocuzza. "His work ethic sets the standard within the group, and his understanding of the game reflects maturity and awareness beyond his years. Tactically intelligent and positionally versatile, he has shown the ability to perform effectively in multiple roles at a high level.

Levi leads by example — through consistent effort, strong duels, and clear communication with his teammates. During his season with the Senior Boys in the Elite Academy League, he delivered outstanding defensive performances that kept the team competitive and helped secure important results.

His impact was recognized with selection to the CFC Youth EAL Team of the Season as a center back. In addition to his soccer achievements, Levi is a dedicated multi-sport athlete and a positive presence in the Chattanooga community, representing CFC with professionalism and pride."

"Levi is a multi-sport athlete playing club soccer, school soccer, basketball and LaCrosse at McCallie which is highly competitive and nationally ranked in most sports," said his father, Jacob Stone. "He is competing with local, national and international talent within his school to make cuts for these sports. Levi is also on the varsity handbells team in the music department. All of this while maintaining academic honor roll at McCallie which is an internationally acclaimed academic boarding school.

Additionally, Levi is very active in his church and serves in his community and on mission for the church and school.
Levi has played for the CFC Academy for eight years dating back to the IDP. Coaches and players have always given him high praise for his positive attitude and joyful approach to the sport and team relationships. Coaches Danny Silva and past coaches have commended him on being coachable and having great commitment to his club soccer team considering how involved he is with other sports, academics and church."

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Levi and his outstanding example on and off the field.

Chattanooga FC announces full player pathway

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:02:52 GMT

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 13, 2025) — Chattanooga FC announced today its full player pathway for both its Boys' and Men's program and Girls' and Women's program for the 25-26 season.

The club is committed and dedicated to providing a multitude of opportunities and appropriate levels of play for all young athletes in Chattanooga, North Georgia and the greater region.

The pathways serve youth beginning at the U8 level all the way through college and professional levels.

“One of the most transformative developments in our Academy is the strengthening and expansion of our player pathways,” said Chattanooga FC Sporting Director Sebastian Giraldo. “Our goal is to create a more inclusive and dynamic system—one that opens doors for a wider range of youth players, from grassroots participants to elite-level athletes. We’re building a club that meets players and families where they are.

Giraldo added, “Flexibility is key—players can move between pathways as their development and ambitions evolve. The strength of our pathways will only continue to grow from here.”

Chattanooga FC Athlete Pathways

Pro Pathway

MLS NEXT Pro: Chattanooga FC has been professional since 2019 and has competed in MLS NEXT Pro beginning in the 2024 season. Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro, which occupies the third tier on the US Soccer pyramid, enters its fourth season in 2025 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, Connecticut United FC and West Michigan Soccer. MLS NEXT Pro matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS Learn more about MLS NEXT Pro here .

UPSL (U16-U23, Pro): Chattanooga FC II will compete in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) beginning in the fall of 2025. Founded in 2011, the UPSL now stands as the largest and most competitive professional development league in North America. The league occupies the fourth tier on the US Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional tiers in the pyramid. With a participant average age of 22.5 years, the UPSL fills and brings structure to the large gap that exists between the youth game and the professional game, serving thousands of aspiring players and coaches as they strive to further their aspirations. Chattanooga FC II will compete in the Premier Division of the Georgia Conference. The club will also compete with a UPSL Division I Chattanooga FC Elite U20 team comprised of U16-U19 athletes. Learn more about the UPSL here .

MLS NEXT (U13-U15, Pro): Chattanooga FC will play in its inaugural season in MLS NEXT beginning in the fall of 2025 with three fully funded elite boys teams—U13, U14 and U15—and will compete in the top youth soccer development league in North America. MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life.

Chattanooga FC recently announced its full technical staff for its first season in MLS NEXT . Learn more about MLS NEXT here .

Chattanooga FC will compete in the MLS NEXT Tier 1 Southeast Conference alongside the following clubs:

AFC Lightning
Atlanta United
Carolina Core
Charlotte FC
Charlotte Independence
Chattanooga FC
Hoover-Vestavia Soccer
Huntsville City FC
Inter Atlanta FC
KSA
Lanier Soccer Association
Nashville United Soccer Academy
Nashville SC
Queen City Mutiny FC
Southern Soccer Academy
Triangle United Soccer Association
Wake FC

SCCL (U11-U12, Elite): Chattanooga FC will provide two age group teams, U11 and U12, to compete in The Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL) beginning in the fall of 2025. The SCCL was formed in 2018 and has grown quickly to include some of the best teams in the Southeast. The SCCL's mission is to provide a high-quality matchday environment allowing players to be students of the game for their growth and development. This environment stresses the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Learn more about the SCCL here .

Tier 1 Pathway

ELITE ACADEMY LEAGUE (U13-U19): Chattanooga FC has been granted full Elite Academy League (EAL) membership status beginning with the 2025-2026 season and will participate in the U13-U19 age groups. The EAL is composed of member clubs that represent Elite competitive clubs in their market and have shown to be of the standard and will benefit from being part of this platform. The EAL provides a national platform and Talent ID opportunities for the U13-U19 age groups. The EAL will be directly connected to potential entry to the club's Tier 1 Boys' Pathway. There will be an opportunity for a Tier 2 Boys' Pathway athlete to transition to the Tier 1 Boys' Pathway at any point in a season based on the needs of the individual athlete considering holistic development. These decisions will always be made in collaboration with the athlete's family support unit. EAL athletes can still participate in high school soccer and are highly encouraged to do so. Learn more about the EAL here.

Chattanooga FC will compete in the Southeast Conference beginning in the 2025/2026 season, alongside the following clubs:

ALBION SC Atlanta
All-In FC
Georgia Impact SC
ALBION SC Atlanta Metro
Covered Bridge
Chattanooga Football Club Academy
ALBION SC Nashville

CFC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (U8-U12, Navy): Designed for boys ages 7–12 (birth years 2014–2018), the CFC Development League is a new program that blends fun, skill-building, and age-appropriate competition—all in a format that fits your family’s lifestyle. Whether your child is just discovering the game or already showing passion for soccer, this league provides a positive, supportive environment where players grow as athletes and teammates. With a focus on development over pressure, your child will gain confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy the game they love.

We’ve partnered with over 15 local clubs to create a league that delivers:

Exciting, meaningful game days your child will look forward to
Balanced competition that matches each player's stage of development
A consistent training and game schedule that supports both growth and family balance
A clear pathway for long-term soccer development

Tier 2 Pathway

CFC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (U8-U14, White): Designed for boys ages 7–14 (birth years 2012–2018), the CFC Development League is a brand-new program that blends fun, skill-building, and age-appropriate competition—all in a format that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Whether your child is just discovering the game or already showing passion for soccer, this league provides a positive, supportive environment where players grow as athletes and teammates. With a focus on development over pressure, your child will gain confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy the game they love.

We’ve partnered with over 15 local clubs to create a league that delivers:

Exciting, meaningful game days your child will look forward to
Balanced competition that matches each player's stage of development
A consistent training and game schedule that supports both growth and family balance
A clear pathway for long-term soccer development

CFC SHOWCASE (U15-U19, White): CFC Showcase is a new program designed for boys ages 14–19 (birth years 2007–2011), tailored to meet the unique needs of players in this stage of development. This program offers a more local and convenient option for training, development, and competition, while maintaining access to high-quality resources and opportunities.

The Development League emphasizes flexibility for both athletes and families, providing a balanced approach that aligns with individual goals and levels of commitment. While these teams receive many of the same benefits as our other CFC programs, the primary distinction is a stronger focus on local and regional play, reducing travel demands while still supporting player growth.

Specific teams will also participate in regional and national events, including college showcase tournaments and qualifying competitions, offering enhanced exposure and advancement opportunities.

Tier 1 Pathway

WPSL: Chattanooga FC Women competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). CFC plays all home games at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. The WPSL is the longest-active women’s soccer league in the United States. Boasting more than 140 clubs nationwide while occupying 32 states coast-to-coast, the WPSL solidifies itself as the largest women’s soccer league in the world. Team rosters feature elite collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep student-athletes. Many of the United States’ most accomplished women’s national team players have played in the WPSL since its inception in 1998, including household names such as Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach, and Brandi Chastain. Chattanooga Football Club will compete in the Peachtree Division of the Southeast Conference beginning in 2025. Learn more about the WPSL here .

DPL (U13-U19, Elite): Chattanooga FC will play its inaugural season in the Development Player League (DPL) beginning in the fall of 2025. The move sees teams from the U13 to U19 levels elevated to a national platform. The DPL is a national league that provides elite competition for some of the country's top youth soccer programs. College coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA programs regularly attend DPL showcase events. Learn more about the DPL here .

Tier 2 Pathway

CFC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (U8-U14, Navy): Designed for girls ages 7-14 (birth years 2012–2018), the CFC Development League is a brand-new program that blends fun, skill-building, and age-appropriate competition—all in a format that fits your family’s lifestyle.

We’ve partnered with over 15 local clubs to create a league that delivers:

Exciting, meaningful game days your child will look forward to
Balanced competition that matches each player's stage of development
A consistent training and game schedule that supports both growth and family balance
A clear pathway for long-term soccer development

CFC SHOWCASE (U15-U19, Navy): CFC Showcase is a new program designed for girls ages 14–19 (birth years 2007–2011), tailored to meet the unique needs of players in this stage of development. This program offers a more local and convenient option for training, development, and competition, while maintaining access to high-quality resources and opportunities.

Specific teams will also participate in regional and national events, including college showcase tournaments and qualifying competitions, offering enhanced exposure and advancement opportunities.

Food City donates to CFC Youth Scholarship Fund

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:02:49 GMT

Food City donates $5,000 to CFC Academy Scholarship Fund to help grow and develop the game in the city.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 30, 2025) — Chattanooga Football Club (CFC)'s official partner Food City has donated $5,000 to the CFC Academy Scholarship Fund in an effort to help more young athletes participate this upcoming season.

CFC Academy’s vision is to foster a stronger community in Chattanooga by building relationships through the sport of soccer, the world’s game. As part of the club's commitment to the game and community, CFC Academy offers a partial scholarship program to eligible players to reduce club fees based on financial need.

For the 2025/2026 season, CFC Academy has financially assisted over 135 young athletes to varying degrees, totaling $100,000. Thanks to Food City's generous donation, more players are able to continue their passion and love of playing the game of soccer in an elite development environment.

"Chattanooga FC is a community club committed to removing the financial barrier of participating in the beautiful game," said CFC Academy Director of Coaching Miguel Rodrigues . "Thanks to the generous support from Food City, we’re able to provide financial assistance and ensure that players in our community have the opportunity to play, grow, and belong through the game of soccer."

"Food City is proud to partner with Chattanooga Football Club to support youth soccer in the Chattanooga community," said Food City VP of Marketing at K-VA-T Food Stores Kevin Stafford .

The applicants for scholarships come from diverse backgrounds and with many stories of need for assistance and hope in continuing to play soccer. Many applicants are raised in single households with multiple children. Families state they are just trying to survive and maintain a normal life for their kids. Without scholarship assistance, the players would not be able to play.

"Partners like Food City allow Chattanooga FC Academy to assist in meeting the needs of families who are experiencing loss of jobs, loss of family members, medical issues and so much more," said CFC Academy Registrar Kim McCroskey .

"Last year we had an outstanding player who paid all of his fees and also paid a family member gas money to bring him to practices and games. This year, thanks to the generosity of Food City, this player was awarded a scholarship for his club fees. His story is just one of many where the contributions of the community help support the dreams of the players. We also have two young ladies who play with the Academy whose father is a firefighter with the City of Chattanooga. These ladies love the game of soccer and continue to grow and improve in the sport each year. Food City's generosity allows the athletes to receive scholarships towards their club fees to alleviate the financial burden on one of our city's finest employees."

Media Contact:
Hayes Creech - Director of Communications
E: hayes@chattanoogafc.com

ABOUT CHATTANOOGA FOOTBALL CLUB
Chattanooga Football Club was founded in 2009. The CFC Men's team competes in MLS NEXT Pro, while the CFC Women's team competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Chattanooga Football Club became the first soccer club to offer true ownership to the fans in 2019 with 3,200+ investors from Chattanooga, all 50 states, and 31 countries. CFC plays all home games at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.

ABOUT FOOD CITY
Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 161 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.

Layton Williams named August Athlete of the Month

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:02:47 GMT

CFC Youth is delighted to highlight Layton Williams as our August Athlete of the Month.

Williams plays as a wide forward on the 2010B Elite team.

"Layton is a great player, but more importantly, a great teammate," said 2010B Elite Head Coach Charles Collins. "He brings a strong work ethic to every practice and game, and he encourages his teammates to match his energy and enthusiasm for the game. Layton sets the standard for being a well-rounded and high-achieving athlete and is an exceptional leader on and off the pitch."

Layton's father, Taylor, also expressed his pride in his son's achievements, on and off the field.

"Layton has a natural, and frankly impressive ability to push himself, while simultaneously lifting others up around him. This is evident when watching him play soccer, both club and for Ringgold High School, or even when he’s performing on stage. Soccer has been a big part of his life since he could walk. Having played at Redoubt from age 4 - 13, he then came to CFC Academy. He also plays for Ringgold High School, where he received the Rookie (Freshman) of the Year award and Man of the Match for their game against their county rival Heritage High School.

"His talents extend far beyond the soccer field though. He is also commonly found on stage at Ringgold High, as well as having performed in multiple other shows around the Chattanooga area throughout most of his life. He is also a kicker for Ringgold’s football team! All of this and he still manages to make good grades."

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Williams and his tremendous work ethic both on and off the field.

Kaidence Shoelen named September Athlete of the Month

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:50:41 GMT

"She lives out the values of our club my making those around her better."

We are delighted to highlight Kaidence Shoelen as our September Athlete of the Month!

Shoelen plays as a left-back on the 2009/2010 Elite team.

"I see Kaidence as a great example of quiet leadership and a reflection of what we value at CFC," said her coach and CFC Academy Girls Director Juan Hernandez. "She is dependable, consistent and always present for her teammates and coaches. Whether it’s helping with equipment, stepping in where she’s needed or volunteering her time to support some of the youngest CFC athletes, Kaidence shows what it means to put others first. Her empathy, selflessness and team-first mentality shows that she approaches every situation with positivity and a genuine heart. She lives out the values of our club by making those around her better and supporting CFC in other ways than just performing on the field.”

Kaidence's mother Shauntae also expressed her pride in her daughter's achievements and leadership.

"Kaidence goes above and beyond on the field and at school where she shows great leadership at both. She is a quiet and strong defender who often goes unnoticed. Kaidence maintains academic excellence while taking rigorous honors courses in every subject area. She serves as a FCA leader at her school where she leads devotions in small groups. She does a great job at balancing school, soccer, church, and family time. She is a great example of a leader to both her siblings, who also play for CFC. She helps them with volleys, runs through ladder drills and is always there to encourage them both at games and practices. Kaidence also regularly helps her dad, a CFC coach, with his two younger teams. She is the perfect example of being a patient, hardworking and kind leader. Kaidence is an encouraging teammate and has been committed to her team for five seasons."

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Kaidence and her tremendous contributions and leadership.

Sebastian Adasme named October Athlete of the Month

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:50:38 GMT

"He has put together several impressive performances lately but most importantly, he has demonstrated respect, discipline and commitment."

We are delighted to highlight Sebastian Adasme as our October Athlete of the Month!

Adasme plays primarily as a winger for the 2014 Elite team.

"Sebastian has shown tremendous growth this month, and throughout the entire Fall season," said 2014B Elite Head Coach Alex Earl. "He has put together several impressive performances lately but most importantly, he has demonstrated several of the CFC Core Values notably, respect (to coaches, teammates and officials), discipline (does more than is asked) and commitment (has perfect attendance this Fall). Well done, Sebastian!"

Sebastian's mother, Sara Fuller, also gave her perspective on her son's recent growth and achievements.

"Sebastian has been chasing the game for more than half his life. Ever since he first stepped onto the field at age 5, he’s carried a dream of going pro, not just for the glory, but because he wants to change the world for the better. That vision has shaped the way he plays and the way he treats others: with respect, encouragement, and the belief that every player matters and has something to bring to the game.

Known by his teammates as a gentle giant at 5’4”, Sebastian is quick to laugh, make a joke or lift someone’s spirits off the field. But the moment the match begins, that playful energy sharpens into fierce focus. With his skill, drive and ability to read the game several steps ahead, he becomes the kind of player every team wants: the one who raises the level of everyone around him. His soccer IQ and leadership on the pitch prove that his dedication is paying off.

What sets Sebastian apart most is his thoughtfulness. He notices the strengths in every teammate and makes sure they know it. He’s the first to cheer when someone tries something new, the one who sees potential in others and helps them build on it. He listens to his coaches, leads by example, and carries the “we’re all in this together” mindset that makes soccer more than just a sport, it makes it a family.

Off the field, he balances it all by keeping his grades up, finishing his homework and setting a strong example for his two younger brothers. He loves concerts, being outdoors, riding four-wheelers, sleepovers with friends and singing. He takes school seriously and has even been part of the county choir program. He spent a few holidays in Chile with his dad’s family, playing soccer the South American way - fast, competitive, and full of impressive skill. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught him a lot and gave him some great experience.

At home, he’s an amazing big brother to his two younger brothers - funny and protective. His dream is to make it far enough in soccer that he can give back and help make the game more accessible for kids who might not have the same opportunities."

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Sebastian and his amazing accomplishments on and off the field.

Rachel Baker named November Athlete of the Month

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:50:14 GMT

"Her consistency, determination and passion continue to elevate everyone around her."

We are delighted to highlight Rachel Baker as our November Athlete of the Month!

Baker is a goalkeeper for the 2007/2008 Elite team.

"Rachel has been a valued member of our club for years, and her consistency, determination and passion continue to elevate everyone around her," said CFC Academy Senior Girls Program Director Juan Hernandez. "Her recent college commitment is a testament to her hard work and growth—but her impact goes far beyond her own achievements. By mentoring younger goalkeepers and setting a standard of excellence, she’s helping shape the future of CFC in a meaningful way."

Rachel's mother, Jessica, also gave her perspective on her daughter's achievements on and off the field.

"Rachel exemplifies the spirit of Chattanooga FC Academy through recognized leadership, discipline and character both on and off the field. A dedicated student-athlete, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA every year of school while taking multiple honors, AP and dual enrollment classes. She goes above and beyond to serve others as a tutor in her school’s math and writing labs and is the class officer president, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to helping others succeed.

Her school awards include the prestigious Horizon Award for exceptional Christian character and leadership; 3 ASCI awards for leadership, athletics, and academics; multiple class awards in math, english and poetry, and membership in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and National Beta Club.

On the field, Rachel is a standout goalkeeper who has proudly represented CFC for 10 years, and has been a four-year starter for both soccer and track at her high school, competing in multiple state tournaments for both. She is dedicated to training and competing with her club team, advancing to national semifinals this past season, as well as state cup finalist where she was named to the All Tournament team. She has also played with the Tennessee ODP, won the regional KeeperWars tournament (Top 10 at Nationals), continues private training outside of the club season, and volunteers at soccer camps and kids quest during the summer.

This year, Rachel was hired by CFC as a goalkeeper coach, mentoring and developing junior academy players with patience, technical skills, and encouragement. She is committed to continuing her athletic journey as a goalkeeper for Berry College next year.

Rachel’s sportsmanship, calm leadership, humility, and work ethic sets the tone for her teammates. She consistently leads by example, supports others, and represents CFC Academy with integrity, respect and an unwavering positive attitude.

For her excellence in academics, leadership, community service and athletic performance, Rachel embodies what it means to be a CFC Academy Athlete of the Month.

Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Rachel and her incredible accomplishments on and off the field.