by Wes Sparkmon
As to be expected from a multiple time national champion club, Tennessee Soccer Club has produced some of the top talents in the state of Tennessee and has sent as many as 40 a year to play at the next level. This year, four former Tennessee Soccer Club standouts who led TSC to national titles led their teams to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Final Four in Division I, Division II, and Division III.
Karlie Paschall, freshman Forward/Midfielder formerly of Ravenwood High, helped to lead the traditional power Duke Blue Devils to 23-2-1 during her first season in Durham. The Blue Devils fell in the semi-finals of the College Cup to UCLA, where after remaining scoreless through regulation and two overtime periods. Duke would fall to the Bruins 4-3 on penalty kicks.
“Wow. To be in the Final Four, especially in my first season of college soccer, is an unbelievable gift and experience in and of itself,” said Karlie.
Allie-Anne Blackburn, sophomore Forward alumna of Brentwood High, played on the Carson-Newman Eagles team that finished 21-0-2. The only loss the Eagles suffered was in the Division II National Championship final to Central Missouri, where after a 1-1 tie through two overtime periods, Carson-Newman fell on penalty kicks.
“I am so unbelievably proud and honored to be part of this amazing team! The amount of hard work we have put in over this entire season has paid off,” said Allie-Anne.
At the Division III level, two former Tennessee Soccer Club standouts led the University of Chicago to the D-III national title game. Mackenzie Peebles and Whitley Cargile, both All-Conference defensive performers for the Maroons, helped a stifling Chicago team to allow a mere 7 goals over the course of Chicago’s 22-2 season. The Maroons fell in the national final 1-0 to Williams.
“I am thrilled that we made it back to the Final Four again this year. It is a true testament to the hard work on the part of both the team and the coaching staff. Our team is so cohesive on and off the field. I believe this is what all led us to be successful this year,” said Mackenzie
“We are so incredibly proud of our players… Whitley, Mackenzie, Allie-Anne and Karlie have all made incredible sacrifices for their soccer careers. And, I am so happy that all of their commitment has put them in a position to play for a National Championship. ” said Brown, Executive Director of TSC.
