Club News
Saylor Schalk named CFC Youth August Athlete of the Month
We are delighted to highlight Saylor Schalk as our August Athlete of the Month to kick off the 2026/2027 season!
Schalk played a key role in leading the CFC Youth 09/10G Elite team to the DPL National Championship this past summer, Chattanooga's first-ever national time in girls youth soccer. Schalk was also recently selected to the ODP South Region Team.
"Saylor is a team leader," said Marya Schalk, Saylor's mother. "She is also the biggest cheerleader and optimist on any team she is on. Even when she isn’t actively making saves or involved, she uses her voice to give direction and encouragement. She believes that encouraging her teammates will achieve better results than saying anything negative. She also knows how important her team is to her success. The easiest saves to make are those she does not have to. Saylor helped lead her team to a national championship this summer, conceding only one goal - a penalty kick in the tournament. She also made one penalty save during nationals using her head. She will do whatever is necessary to make a save.
"Saylor also worked hard this summer and competed at the ODP South Region camp to earn a spot on the ODP South Region Team. She will compete in November to try and earn a spot on the 2010 ODP National Team. She went to Portugal in April with the 2010 ODP National Team as one of two keepers — they were undefeated and won the IberCup.
"Lastly she maintains a high GPA as she enters into a critical time for college recruitment. She plays in the field for her high school team - and was the leading scorer last year. She has four goals in her first two preseason games and is determined to break her own record this year. She made the all-state team as a sophomore and was named to Chattanooga Best of Preps this summer. She is also on the basketball team and was a house leader at school last year. Saylor and her family also help with fundraisers for the Arthritis Foundation."
"Saylor is a fun and competitive person who is constantly smiling and bringing joy to all around her," said Juan Hernandez, CFC Youth Senior Girls Program Director. "She loves to joke around, enjoys working hard, and is always willing to help others. She embraces a good challenge and thrives in high-stakes moments. It is during those moments that her leadership, confidence and personality truly come out, bringing out the best of herself and others. I’m excited to see her continuing to make history with CFCY and in the women's team."
Everyone at Chattanooga Football Club celebrates Saylor and the outstanding example she sets on and off the field.
