TFC Academy News

Tormenta FC Academy Announces Coaching Staff, Roster For Inaugural USL Academy Girls Season

STATESBORO, Ga. – Tormenta FC Academy’s today announced its roster and technical staff ahead of the start of the 2023 USL Academy Girls Season on Thursday, May 25. TFC Academy is set to travel to Columbia, South Carolina to take on SC United Bantams. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET.

SCHEDULE

The TFC Academy USL Academy girls team roster features 57 players set to compete throughout the summer with the USL Academy side. The roster includes local players from South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina.

The USL Academy Girls team is led by Head Coach Jim Robbins, who was announced as the USL W League Head Coach and TFC Academy’s Girls Director two years ago. The rest of the coaching staff features assistant coach Jason Bouchea, Frank Prentiss and Becca Esworthy.

Leading the charge will be Robbins, who comes into 2023 with winning experience and now looks to lead a new team with a strong group of four returners to another W League title in 2023. Robbins has 11 years of experience in women’s soccer across the country, serving as the Head Coach at Long Island University Brooklyn, LaGrange College and Oxford College of Emory University, as well as an assistant coach at North Dakota State University. Robbins also serves as Tormenta FC Academy’s Girls Director, where he identifies the upcoming talent around the 912 and Lowcountry of South Carolina.

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Committed to raising the level of soccer locally and across the country, Tormenta FC Academy has programs for ages two to 19. It is the only youth academy in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina with a path to the professional ranks. Follow Tormenta FC Academy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for other Academy news and content.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta FC USL Academy Girls Roster Pool:

GOALKEEPERS:
Dayanara Figueroa Jada Gittings Kamryn Martiinez Keira Dawley Kaylin Long Trinity Grace Maxwell

DEFENDERS:
Allyson Leyva Arden Lister Ashlyn Parsick Brooke Burns Camryn Hampton Elena Laygo Gianna Pacheco Hailie Burmeister Hannah Dye Harley Murphy Haven Main Mia Castaldi Madeline Schlieman Madison Dibert Madison Haldeman Reese Myers Raigan Young Reis Scholl Satori Bell Sienna Haffner

MIDFIELDERS
Abbigale Akins Andrea Tapia Adyson Worl Brianna Pinot-Banegas Brooke Norris Callah Dando Claudia Barrow Courtney Campbell Edyne Anderson Ellie Gallagher Eliza Peterson Ella Peterson Gabriela Gallegos Johana Martinez Julia Prentiss Kaitlyn Dibert Kate Crunkleton Maggie Brannen Sara Castaldi Selena Duncan Sierra Gies Stephanie Garza Zoe Stevenson

FORWARDS:
Celeste Baladi Chloe Baladi Gwenna Townsend Kate Hunter Riley Wilbert Siara Moore Taliyah ‘Tee’ Headman

Tormenta FC Academy Summer Camps: Growing The Game Across South Georgia, Lowcountry of South Carolina

STATESBORO, Ga. – Tormenta FC Academy is set to return its annual summer camps for children aged four to 13 across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Tormenta FC Academy summer camps offer a dynamic and comprehensive program that caters to all skill levels.

“The Tormenta FC Academy soccer camps are uniquely designed to promote fun, learning, exercise, play and friendship for all participants. We have created our camps to allow for success to happen for the individual that has never played all the way up to the seasoned player. All kids taking part in our soccer camps will thrive within this environment and look back on their camp experience as a best memory for the summer of 2023.”
Brad Nein, Tormenta FC Academy Vice President

With a carefully crafted curriculum, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their dribbling, passing, shooting and team play skills throughout the week.

The action-packed schedule kicks off on Mondays with a focus on dribbling techniques. From quick footwork to precise ball control, the Tormenta FC Academy coaches will guide players through engaging drills and exercises that will take their dribbling skills to new heights.

On Tuesdays, players will work on improving distribution and creating scoring opportunities for teammates.

Wednesdays are dedicated to refining shooting skills. Coaches will teach techniques, positioning and accuracy, ensuring that every shot is aimed toward finding the back of the net.

Players will also learn the importance of communication, coordination and collaboration as they engage in small-sided games on Thursday.

Fridays are all about celebrating the week’s achievements and having fun. From soccer-related games to team-building challenges and exciting surprises, players will create lasting memories while showcasing their newly acquired skills.

Friday night will also feature the “Coaches vs. Campers” game. The summer camp players get a chance to test their skills against coaches.

With highly qualified coaches, a safe and nurturing environment, and a focus on individual development, Tormenta FC Academy summer camps are the perfect opportunity for young athletes to hone their soccer skills while making lifelong friends.

For additional information on Tormenta FC Academy soccer camps, call (478-538-7824) or email lgibbons@tormentafc.com.

Tournament Forecast: Tormenta FC at MLS NEXT Flex

BOYDS, Md. – As the 2023 MLS NEXT Flex begins, Tormenta FC Academy’s U15, U16 and U19 teams are gearing up to represent South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina in the annual MLS NEXT Flex Tournament.

MLS NEXT Flex will occur May 12-16 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland, featuring the best 256 teams in MLS NEXT looking to clinch a berth in the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

The U15 group has been placed in Group F, where the team will face Minnesota United, South Florida Football Academy and the Portland Timbers. The U15 group begins play against Minnesota United on Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m. ET. South Georgia will then take on South Florida FA the following day and end the group stage phase against the Portland Timbers on Tuesday, May 16.

The U16 group is set to compete in Group K, where they will take on Alexandria SA, FC Boston Bolts and SC Del Sol. The U16’s open play this Friday when they take on Alexandria SA in the first match of the group stage. The U16s then take on the Boston Bolts the following day at 3 p.m. ET. South Georgia closes out the group stage on Monday, May 15, when the team takes on SC Del Sol in what will be an important game for the young side.

Tormenta FC’s U19 team will compete in group J against the Players Development Academy, FC Dallas and Murrieta Soccer Academy. Tormenta FC’s U19 team debuts in this year’s MLS NEXT Flex tournament this Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET, when the team takes on the Players Development Academy. On Sunday, South Georgia takes on FC Dallas and will close the group stage against Murrieta Soccer Academy on Monday. The U19 group is confident in its abilities and is ready to take on any challenge that comes its way.

The MLS NEXT season concludes with the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, which will be held June 17-25 at Toyota Soccer Center and MoneyGram Soccer Park in Dallas-Fort Worth.

For the single-elimination competition, 32 teams per age group will qualify based on regular-season play or by winning their group at MLS NEXT Flex. Teams that do not qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs can participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, which will be held at the same venue.

MLS NEXT Flex will also provide an opportunity for North America’s top youth talent to be seen by college, youth national team and professional coaches, as well as scouts and evaluators, in a single location. The MLS Match Evaluator program, which features former professional players who are trained on-site to identify top talent, will continue at both MLS NEXT Flex and in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta FC Academy Girls 2009 DPL Team Wins Southeastern Conference

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Tormenta FC Academy Girls 2009 team has accomplished a remarkable feat by winning the DPL Southeastern Conference, automatically qualifying them for the DPL Finals in Cincinnati, Ohio, from June 22 – July 2.

The 2009 DPL team ended its regular season with a record of 20-1-1 (W-L-D), finishing with a club record-high 61 points. The team’s strong performance, teamwork and dedication helped the team clinch the league title in the final game of the season with a 1-1 draw, edging out Charleston with 60 points.

“This group has been together for about three years and has been a force since. This is their third league title, and they have shown they can compete with anyone. This is a very hardworking, disciplined and talented group of young ladies. We are excited to see them compete at the DPL Finals in Cincinnati and are confident that they will represent our club with pride.”
TFC Academy Head Coach Miguel Lopez

The DPL is a national league providing an elite competition platform for top youth soccer clubs in the US. Clubs must apply and meet competitive standards to be admitted to the league. DPL is the highest competition level of soccer available to U13-U19 female players in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta FC Honors 2009 Ibis Boys, 2009 Magenta Girls Academy Teams at Peach States Derby

STATESBORO, Ga. — South Georgia Tormenta FC honored its 2009 Ibis Boys and 2009 Magenta Girls TFC Academy teams on Saturday night after both teams were crowned champions at the 2023 Tormenta FC Ibis Cup.

During halftime of the Peach States Derby, fans at Tormenta Stadium rose to their feet in appreciation of the young champions.

The ‘09 Magenta Girls fought hard and displayed great skill, securing a narrow 1-0 win in a tense final match against South Side Goal. The victory was all the more impressive given the tough opposition they faced throughout the tournament. The team was coached by Carson Shope, while Makayla Rockwood, Tristen Mays, America Garcia, Marisol Miller, Rylee Mackiewicz, Emma Hardy, Yoanna Mitchell, Emma Kate Tracy, and Mia Weathers all featured in the team’s cup run.

The ‘09 Ibis Boys also shined during the tournament, putting in a series of solid performances and ultimately claiming the Ibis Cup in emphatic fashion with a convincing 7-1 victory in the final against CESA. The team was coached by Bill Cheshire and Mike Smith, while Ben Lujan, Isaiah Puente, Jeremy Galvez, Isaac Burford, Mason Sellers, Michael Mitchell, Jaysin Milliken, Kevin Escobar, Ivoe Perigo, Elliott Smith, Hayden Scott and Fabricio Guerra all featured in the team’s historic cup run.

“It’s a great honor for us to celebrate the achievements of our youth academy teams. These young athletes are the future of our club, and we are committed to supporting them in their development and growth. We congratulate them on their fantastic victory and look forward to seeing them continue to excel on and off the pitch.”
Lily Gibbons, Tormenta FC Academy Recruiting Coordinator

Contact Lily Gibbons for any questions regarding the latest Tormenta FC Academy news or to schedule your team’s recognition ceremony during Tormenta FC halftime breaks at lgibbons@tormentafc.com.

The Tormenta Way: Peer-to-Peer Recognition

STATESBORO, Ga. – For Tormenta FC Academy and Junior Academy Director Kian Brownlee, winning the United Soccer Alliance 2023 Showcase in late February represented much more than winning; it represented unity and inclusion to one of the team’s newest members.

Following the tournament’s conclusion, Marco Bolivar, who moved from New York a few months ago and currently plays for TFC ’14 Boys IBIS SC, was awarded the MVP trophy – a tradition started by Brownlee to recognize and celebrate the outstanding performance of a specific individual who has shown exceptional skill and sportsmanship on the field.

Brownlee says the team names an MVP following each tournament or event to not only recognize the entire team effort but also build a team culture centered around celebrating each other’s successes.

“As a coach, seeing the joy and excitement on my players’ faces when they receive the MVP trophy is priceless. I know that this tradition will continue to inspire and motivate my players to strive for excellence both on and off the field because, at the end of the day, it’s not just about winning the game.”
Kian Brownlee, Tormenta FC Academy and Junior Academy Director

What makes this tradition even more special is that the MVP gets to take the tournament title trophy home for a few days and share the joy with their family and friends. When they return the trophy to the team, they get to select the next player to take it home or nominate the “Player of the Night.”

This not only creates a sense of awareness and honesty in the feedback system but also allows all the kids to share the love and take pride in holding onto the trophy for a few days. It’s a small gesture, but it has a huge impact on the team’s morale and motivation.

Contact Lily Gibbons for any questions regarding the latest Tormenta FC Academy news or events at lgibbons@tormentafc.com.

Tournament Forecast: Tormenta FC at the USL Academy Cup

TAMPA, Fl. – As the USL Academy Cup begins, Tormenta FC Academy’s U13, U15, and U19 teams are gearing up to represent South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina in the third annual USL Academy Cup.

The U13 group has been placed in Group A of the Premier Division, where the team will face Detroit City FC, St. Charles FC and regional rival Greenville Triumph SC. The U13 group begins play against Triumph SC on Thursday, March, 30 at 10 a.m. ET. South Georgia will then take on St. Charles FC the following day and end the group stage phase against Detroit City on Saturday, April 1. The U13 are ready to leave it all on the field and give their best effort in every game.

The U15 group are set to compete in Group A of the Elite Division, where they will take on Indy Eleven, Real Colorado and Phoenix Rising FC. The U15’s opened play this morning when they took on Indy Eleven in the first match of the group stage. Despite defeat against one of the top teams in the tournament, the U15 group was able to score once and will now look to regroup ahead of its second group stage match against Phoenix Rising FC on Friday. South Georgia closes out the group stage on Saturday April 1, when the team takes on Real Colorado in what will be an important game for the young side.

Tormenta FC’s U19 team will compete in group B of the Select Division against The Miami FC, Charlotte Eagles and St. Charles FC. Tormenta FC’s U19 team debuts in this year’s USL Academy Cup today at 10 a.m. ET, when the team takes on St. Charles FC. The following day, South Georgia takes on the Eagles and will close the group stage against The Miami FC on Saturday. The U19 group is confident in its abilities and is ready to take on any challenge that comes its way.

Despite the fact that only one team can come out on top, the U13, U15 and U19 Tormenta FC teams are committed to giving their all and playing their hearts out in every game. They know that every match is an opportunity to represent the badge and showcase their skills to the world.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

USL ACADEMY CUP RESULTS

Alex Wagner Named Tormenta FC’s Sales and Marketing Coordinator

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of Alex Wagner to the Tormenta FC Front Office, where he will serve as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for the club’s USL League One, W League and Academy teams.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining my hometown club of Tormenta FC. When I was growing up as a young soccer player and fan in Statesboro, I never could have imagined that there would one day be a professional club that called our town home. Having the opportunity to come back and be a part of this championship-winning organization is a dream come true. I look forward to working with our amazing staff to continue strengthening the bond between this club and our community, as well as bringing trophies to South Georgia! Vamos Tormenta!”
Alex Wagner, Tormenta FC’s Sales and Marketing Coordinator

The Bulloch County native brings a wealth of knowledge about Statesboro and the surrounding area to the sales team and will focus his efforts on group ticketing, bringing unique event and sponsorship experiences to Tormenta Nation.

The newest addition to the Tormenta FC Front Office is a Graduate of Statesboro High School and earned a B.S. in Sociology from Emory University in 2020 and a M.S. in Sports Management from The University of Georgia in 2022.

Outside of work, Wagner enjoys watching a variety of sports, especially Atlanta Braves baseball. An avid beach goer, Wagner will take any opportunity to head to the nearest seaside location with family and friends.

Make sure to stop by and say ‘hi’ to the newest member of our Tormenta Family! Contact Wagner for any questions regarding ticketing or events at awagner@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta Made: Aidan Miller, Renzo Andreucetti, Esteban Quintero Sign Academy Contracts with Tormenta FC’s USL League One Team

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC continues to create a proven path to the professional ranks for its youth players. Tormenta FC Academy players, as well as South Georgia and Lowcountry of South Carolina natives, Aidan Miller, Renzo Andreucetti and Esteban Quintero have signed academy contracts with Tormenta FC’s USL League One team, pending league and federation approval. Miller, Andreucetti and Quintero made their first team debuts after entering in the 75th minute in Tormenta FC’s pre season friendly against the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship.

USL Academy contracts allow Academy products at USL clubs to sign, train and compete in matches with professional senior teams without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

“We are so proud of Renzo, Aidan, and Esteban as they get this opportunity of a lifetime to be a member of the Tormenta FC professional team on an Academy Contract. The hard work these boys put in at the Academy level over the course of numerous years has allowed each one of them to acquire the skills on and off the field that they can compete at the professional soccer level. We look forward to watching the impact the boys will have with the group over the course of the season.”
Brad Nein, Tormenta FC Academy Vice President

In the latest USL Academy Cup, Miller was featured as one of the top players to watch throughout the tournament. Captaining the Academy side, Miller played a crucial part in Tormenta FC’s victory against Louisville City FC, one of the most decorated academy teams in the USL. Miller recently graduated from Richmond Hill High School and is now taking time off to experience the professional atmosphere that Tormenta FC offers.

“Signing an Academy contract with Tormenta FC is something I have been working on for a long time; it is a dream come true. I thank the organization for this opportunity of growth. I am hoping to learn how to play the game better and learn from some of the best professional players in the league.”
Aidan Miller, Tormenta FC Midfielder

Andreucetti graduated from Hilton Head High School and has spent eight years playing and developing his skills through the Tormenta FC Academy. Last season, Andreucetti appeared for Tormenta FC 2, helping the team end the 2022 USL league Two season and gaining valuable minutes with one of the best League Two teams in the nation. Andreucetti’s work ethic, passing and finishing skills make him an attacking threat in the final third of the field. Andreucetti is of Argentine and Colombian descent, making him one of two players of Latino descent to sign on Academy contracts with Tormenta FC.

“I have been with Tormenta FC since I was 10 years old, so to me, signing an academy contract is something that has been in the works for eight years. To see Brittain Gottlieb, Tristan DeLoach and all my other teammates go through this process inspired me even more to get to this stage in my life. I hope to inspire those in the youth academy to continue helping grow the brand around South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.”
Renzo Andreucetti, Tormenta FC Midfielder

Graduating from Hilton Head High School, Quintero joins the League One team as a top prospect hoping to learn from experienced center backs in Preston Kilwien and Jake Dengler. Quintero is of Colombian descent making him one of two players of Latino descent to sign Academy contracts with Tormenta FC.

“It is a great opportunity to grow as a player and as a person. I thank Tormenta FC for the opportunity. I am eager to learn from established players. It has been a fun experience to transition from the USL Academy team to the USL League One team. Aidan, Renzo and I push each other everyday to continue to grow and motivate ourselves.”
Esteban Quintero, Tormenta FC Defender

All three players featured for Tormenta FC’s USL Academy team, which helped the players develop and prepare for the opportunity to play with Tormenta FC’s League One team. The Tormenta FC coaching staff aims to emphasize development for the local USL Academy talent around South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina while also allowing them to experience a professional soccer setting.

“Since moving to center back, Esteban has made great strides and has the attributes to be a well-rounded defender. He excelled last summer with our USLA team and has continued on that positive trajectory since. Renzo has been one of the top players in our Academy for a couple of years now. He is technically very sound, has a good understanding of the game and has a personality that has helped him seamlessly fit into the group. Aidan has performed excellently for our Academy, he has tremendous mobility and ground coverage as a central midfielder and has shown great maturity with his leadership skills within his own age group. We are excited to welcome these players into our USL League One group and help enhance our first team environment.”
Jordan Melia, Tormenta FC USL League One assistant coach and USL Academy Head Coach

Andreucetti, Miller, and Quintero join the likes of Tristan Deloach, Brittain Gottlieb, Stephen O’Hearn, and Grant Hampton in representing Tormenta FC on the pitch in either USL League One play or during the preseason. USL Academy contracts allow Academy products at USL clubs to sign, train and compete in matches with professional senior teams without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Lars Eckenrode Joins Tormenta FC Front Office

STATESBORO, Ga. – Lars Eckenrode has joined the South Georgia Tormenta FC Front Office as the Coordinator of Special Projects. To note, Eckenrode becomes the first player in Tormenta FC history to join the front office after retirement.

Eckenrode will seek to put on community events, and camps and clinics on behalf of the Tormenta FC organization. Additionally, Eckenrode will be an avid advocator for Tormenta FC and his local Statesboro community. He will proactively be seeking to strengthen relationships and partnerships with local youth soccer clubs, organizations and schools.

“I am extremely excited to embark on this new chapter of my life working with Tormenta. I have been with the club from the beginning and although I am no longer able to help by contributing on the field, I am really looking forward to growing the club with the amazing front office staff that I have come to know throughout my four years as a player. I am very grateful to the organization for having created this role for me in which I can channel the same work ethic, hunger and passion I had as a player into a new direction.”
Lars Eckenrode, Tormenta FC Front Office

Eckenrode spent four years playing with South Georgia’s USL League One team, where he quickly became a fan-favorite and a leader on and off the field. Eckenrode is one of four players in Tormenta FC history to wear the captain’s armband after wearing it for four games in 2019.

Overall, Eckenrode featured in 21 games for Tormenta FC, scoring the equalizer against Orlando City B on April 14, 2019, and the first goal in South Georgia’s 3-1 win against Greenville Triumph on June 20, 2021.

In the game against Orlando City B, Eckenrode suffered a concussion and neck whiplash that kept him out for six months. The following year, Eckenrode had a double fracture of my tibial plateau and was ruled out for three months. In 2021, the defender suffered from a torn meniscus which required surgery, sidelining him for three months. In his final season as a professional, Eckenrode tore his meniscus again, requiring surgery and is still recovering from it.

A University of Michigan alumnus, Eckenrode spent four seasons with the Wolverines men’s soccer team, which he captained in 2016. During his collegiate career, Eckenrode appeared on the Big Ten All-Rookie Team in 2013 and the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Big Ten Team in 2014. Eckenrode was drafted in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, where he was picked up in the fourth round by the Toronto FC organization.

Welcome to the TFC Front Office, Lars!

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