The stars are returning to the Southside, and they’re wearing sky blue.

The Chattanooga FC Women’s team is back for its 2023 summer campaign with an eight-game schedule and a roster packed with talent. It all starts this Saturday, May 20th, at 3:00pm as the team welcomes Nashville Rhythm to Finley Stadium. 

“I’m personally looking forward to getting the season started. The ‘23 squad is more experienced, more athletic, and has a higher acumen for the game,” said head Coach Randy Douglas.

“We know Nashville is currently the gold standard, so I count it as an opportunity to see what advances we’ve made as a unit, and hope to give our fans a team that not just puts it on the line game in and game out, but actually gets results.”

National Team Experience
Four new faces come to the Scenic City with the honors of playing for their country. Nadiia Ivanchenko earned her first call-up for the Ukrainian National Team at the age of 13. In 2019, her goal against Serbia was named best goal among men’s and women’s soccer teams in Ukraine in 2019.

"It means a lot to be a part of Chattanooga FC," said Ivanchenko. "It means that I will put 101% effort into each session and each game. It means that I will do my best to help the team perform on the field."

Krysan St. Louis is a four-time National footballer of the year for St. Lucia. In her debut for the St Lucian National Team, she scored three goals.

"Being a part of this club's history means a lot to me because it will offer me more exposure, experience what it's like to play with other players, and teach me about different playing styles," said St. Louis. 

Defender Kedie Johnson has proudly trained with the Trinidad & Tobago National Team since the age of 11, and first earned senior national team honors at the age of 16.

"I feel absolutely privileged to be a part of this team and its story," Johnson said. "I love being involved in things that are greater than myself because it builds a sense of motivation and confidence knowing that I can positively contribute.”

“Having players with national team experience is certainly an advantage,” said Coach Douglas, “and we should be more equipped to face the challenges that come our way.”

Hometown Heroes Return
A pair of soccer sisters return to the pitch for CFC this year. Last year, defender Anna Lanter captained the 2022 CFC Women squad in their return to competition, earning All-WPSL honors.

"The thing I loved about CFC last year was how relational everyone in and surrounding the club was," said Lanter.

This year, Lanter brings along her sister and former CFC great, Summer Hernandez. Summer played in all five seasons of the first iteration of the CFC Women’s team, and returns with great memories of seasons past. 

"I am excited to be coming back to the CFC Women’s team," said Hernandez. "I had a great experience in the past when I played with CFC and look forward to a great upcoming season."

“Having Summer and Anna on the same team is a very unique experience for them, but should prove to be an exciting experience for supporters to watch,” said Coach Douglas.

International Flavor
This season will certainly bring an international flair to the Scenic City, as the women playing for head coach Randy Douglas will represent seven nations this year: USA, England, Russia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, and Ukraine.  

Players with Local Connections
Brooke Alvarez - NW Whitfield HS, Dalton State
Kailey Burrell - Dade County HS
Avery Catlett - UTC
Addie Chapman - Silverdale HS, CFC Academy
Bailie Dull - CFC Academy Alum
Avery Engels - Signal Mtn HS, Lee University, CFC Academy
Summer Hernandez - Soddy Daisy HS, Lee University
Brianna Hurtado - SE Whitfield HS, Dalton State
Anna Lanter - Soddy Daisy HS, Lee University
Brady Livingston - CFC Academy
Sage Sammeli - Lee University
Lucy Sandhoff - CCS, Covenant College
Ana Silva - Coahuila HS, Dalton State, CFC Academy
Ava VanDoren - Dalton State

Previously announced players, Mara Grutkamp and Michaela Leal, opted to return home and not continue with the season.

CFC Women’s 2023 Schedule

May 20 - Nashville Rhythm (home)
May 27 - Birmingham FC (home)
June 2 - 865 Alliance (away)
June 4 - Atlanta Fire United (away)
June 10 - Nashville Rhythm (away) 
June 16 - 865 Alliance (home) 
June 24 - Women’s FC Charlotte (away)
July 1 - Soda City FC (home)

Tickets: ChattanoogaFC.com/tickets

Meet the Roster: https://www.chattanoogafc.com/women-roster

About Chattanooga Football Club
Chattanooga Football Club was founded in 2009. The CFC Men's team competes in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), which is in the third division of professional soccer. The CFC Women's team is a summer amateur team that competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Chattanooga Football Club became the first soccer club to offer true ownership to the fans in 2019 with 3,200+ investors from Chattanooga, all 50 states, and 31 countries. CFC plays all home games in Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.