Roane State Athletics expands to include women’s soccer

Roane State recently announced the addition of women's soccer to its athletics division and recruitment for the new team is well underway.

The college currently has men's and women's basketball, cross country, and golf teams in competition, as well as baseball, softball, and women's volleyball. Lady Raiders soccer will commence its inaugural season in the fall of 2024.

"We are busy recruiting quality student-athletes to continue developing a culture of success," said David Lane, Roane State's director of athletics. "Excitement is building, and we cannot wait to see the first Lady Raiders soccer players take the field. It will be a great moment in the history of Roane State."

Donnie Green was named head coach for the women's soccer team earlier this year. He is joined by Nathan Worley as assistant coach. Green said his personal coaching philosophy includes a focus on developing players both athletically and personally.

"My goal is to help our team members be successful on the game field as well as the game of life," Green explained. "We will use soccer to educate and prepare players for the future, help them have fun, teach technical skills, and show them how to strive to win. All Lady Raiders will be people first and athletes second."

Green has more than 20 years of experience coaching and training at various levels, including at Grace Christian Academy, Oak Ridge High School, and the Soccer Club of Oak Ridge (SCOR).

Roane State's soccer team is part of the National Junior College Athletic Association's (NJCAA) region 7, which includes colleges from across the State of Tennessee. Home games will be played at Roane State's flagship campus in Harriman. Work on the soccer field is underway.

Prospective Lady Raiders can complete an interest form on the Roane State Athletics website at rsccathletics.com/sports/wsoc. Prospect soccer camps planned for spring and summer 2024 will also be announced soon.