Club continues to develop players for college, national teams and professional opportunities
Tormenta FC Academy has established itself as a proven pathway for player development in South Georgia and the Lowcountry, guiding athletes from the youth level to college soccer, pre-professional environments and the professional game.
The results speak for themselves. Year after year, Academy alumni have gone on to compete at top collegiate programs, represent national teams and earn contracts with Tormenta FC’s professional USL League One team or women’s USL W League team.
In May 2019, Tormenta FC Academy made history when Tristan DeLoach became the first youth player to sign a professional contract with the club’s USL League One team. That signing marked a turning point, proving that a direct pathway from local youth soccer to the professional game was not only possible but achievable.
Since then, Tormenta FC has continued to strengthen that pathway through elite training environments and clear progression opportunities.
Academy Alumni Advancing to College & Professional Soccer
Tormenta FC Academy has consistently helped players move on to collegiate programs across the country and beyond. Alumni have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, as well as NAIA institutions.
Boys Academy Alumni: Pro Signings with Tormenta FC
- Goalkeeper Sam Jones (Current Tormenta FC player, Winthrop University)
- Midfielder Tristan DeLoach (Clemson University)
- Goalkeeper Stephen O’Hearn (Georgia State University / Mercer University)
- Midfielder Grant Hampton (Mercer University)
- Defender Brittan Gottlieb (Florida International University / Georgia Southern University)
- Forward Tyler Bisseck (University of North Georgia)
- Midfielder Aiden Miller (University of New Hampshire / Cortland State)
- Midfielder Renzo Andreucetti (Limestone University / Emory & Henry University)
- Defender Esteban Quintero (Limestone University / Francis Marion University)
- Midfielder Dodge Brooks (University of Louisville / USC Upstate)
- Forward Liam Healy (Grand Canyon University / University of South Florida)
- Defender Shafer Gottlieb (Stony Brook University)
- Goalkeeper Alejandro Fernandez (Current U19 goalkeeper / Puerto Rico U20 National Team)
Success Within the Women’s Pathway & USL W League
Tormenta FC Academy’s development model extends fully into the women’s game. Several academy players have earned opportunities with the club’s USL W League team, including contributors to a championship-winning squad.
Academy alumni with pro or USL W experience:
- Abi Brighton (Juventus Women)
- Sydney Martinez (Carolina Ascent in USL Super League, Puerto Rico National Team, University of South Florida)
- Tee Headman (Virginia Military Institute)
- Elise Holcey (Campbell University)
Expanding Access & Reducing Barriers
Tormenta FC Academy remains committed to expanding access to elite soccer opportunities. Recognizing that cost is one of the biggest barriers in youth sports, in 2019, the club launched a pilot program to reduce pay-to-play obstacles for select academy teams.
Through the support of donors and corporate partners, Tormenta FC Academy has helped cover registration, uniforms, league and tournament fees, training camps, and travel costs for targeted teams, reinforcing the club’s mission to identify and develop talent regardless of financial background.
To learn more about Financial Aid, families can go here.
Learn More About Tormenta FC Academy & 2026–27 Evaluations
As Tormenta FC Academy continues to build and refine its player pathway, the club remains focused on providing clear opportunities for athletes to grow at every stage of their development. Families and players interested in learning more about Tormenta FC Academy, including program offerings, pathway structure, and upcoming opportunities, can visit https://www.tormentafc.com/tormenta-fc-academy/.Information on 2026–27 Tormenta FC Academy evaluations, including dates, locations, and registration details, can be found here. Additional updates will be shared through the club’s website and official social media channels.
