STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of midfielder Lauren O’Hearn to the 2022 W League roster, pending league and federation approval. The Furman University senior joins teammates Isabella and Helen Gutierrez as the latest additions to Tormenta FC’s inaugural W League roster.
O’Hearn played on Tormenta FC Academy’s ‘99 Girls team and is the sixth academy alumni to join the club’s inaugural W League team.
“I grew up playing for Tormenta, so the opportunity to represent my club in the USL W League is an absolute honor,” O’Hearn said. “I am looking forward to playing with new and old teammates in the Tormenta Women’s inaugural season. I hope we can serve as an inspiration for young girls in the area to pursue their soccer dreams like we did!”
O’Hearn’s hard work has earned her significant playtime throughout her time with the Paladins. The defensive midfielder proved to be a talented and respected player on the team, and her control in the midfield will be a force to reckon with in the Deep South Division.
The 2021 season saw O’Hearn play a crucial role at Furman; As a defensive midfielder, O’Hearn played 18 matches and started in 10 of those fixtures, tallying one assist.
“Lauren is a solid possession-oriented midfielder who can play higher up or sit a bit deeper in our midfield group,” Head Coach Jim Robbins commented. “She does all the little things very well and never looks stressed when she plays. She is comfortable with the ball at her feet, and she plays very simple and effectively which will be a key to our success this summer.
“We will need all of her composure and confidence on the ball in our patient possession style of play. She will get a lot of touches and will need to dictate the rhythm of the game for us when we have the ball.”
Prior to Furman, O’ Hearn played for St. Vincent’s Academy where she led the women’s soccer team to two GHSA 2-AA state titles as a junior and senior. The TFC Academy alumna was also named 2018 Girls Player of the Year for Savannah Morning News and was a three-time All-Greater Savannah Girls’ Soccer Team choice.
In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. For two decades between 1995 and 2015, the W League saw some of the biggest names past and present in the sport compete on the field, and this new era will build on the legacy of its predecessor. In alignment with the USL League Two season, the W League will kick off in May and end with the W League Playoffs and W League Final in late July.
To stay up to date on Tormenta FC’s new women’s team, fans can follow Tormenta Women on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the USL W League, visit USLWLeague.com or follow the W League on Twitter at @USLWLeague.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: bodonnell@tormentafc.com.
