Chattanooga FC Women made history in its 2025 WPSL campaign, seeing the program's best-ever finish. The club soared to new heights under new leadership from Head Coach Juan Hernandez and Associate Head Coach Maryn Beutler, ending the season with an 8W-2L-1D overall record and only allowing seven goals in 11 matches this summer.
"There are many moments to be proud of, but what fills me with the most pride is not just the wins, it's the transformation of the entire program," said Hernandez. "As a club, we evolved from focusing solely on pathway development to establishing ourselves as a nationally competitive club. That growth was made possible through a strategic blend and the balance of youth and experience.
"Our Academy Pathway continues to produce athletes ready to embrace the next level, and when combined with the leadership and talent of experienced external athletes, it led to a historic season with our first-ever South Region title and we reached the national semifinal, the furthest in club history. Chattanooga FC Women earned their place among the WPSL elite and proved that we are not only a great organization but also a truly competitive one.
"In all honesty, there is not one favorite memory but a compound of feelings and emotions that I experienced through the season," continued Hernandez. "I am extremely proud of the workrate and togetherness of the coaching staff and athletes. That unity showed in the way we played, making it not only enjoyable to watch, but an absolute joy to coach. More than anything, the people that were part of this experience will always be at the center of the memories. Their character, commitment and passion made this season truly special."
Chattanooga was off to a hot start, opening its campaign with a 5-0 victory over UFA Gunners and a 2-1 win over Georgia Impact. The Sky Blues saw their first hard-fought loss 2-1 against Decatur FC at home before bouncing right back to defeat UFA Gunners 1-0 on the road and Atlanta Fire United 2-0 at home. After a 1-1 draw at Georgia Impact, Chattanooga finished its regular season with a 5-1 victory over Atlanta Fire propelled by the team’s leading goalscorer Reese McDermott (8), who scored a hat trick.
Finishing second in the division behind Decatur FC, who declined to participate in the postseason action, Chattanooga FC Women were invited to represent the Peachtree Division in the Southeast Conference Championship against Nashville Rhythm. Facing in-state rivals at Fort Finley, CFC Women came out on top 1-0, earning their first Southeast Conference Championship since 2018.
Moving on to the South Region playoffs at RavenTek Park in Leesburg, Va., CFC defeated Arlington Soccer Blue 3-1, earning its spot in the South Region Final for the first time. The very next day, Chattanooga took down LA Krewe Rush 4-0 to be crowned the WPSL South Region Champions for the first time in club history.
As the South Region Champions, CFC Women advanced to its first-ever WPSL Championships in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In the semifinals, CFC would face defending champions California Storm, representing the West Region. Chattanooga dominated play throughout the match, but fell just short 1-0 after a late second-half goal from California.
"I am most proud of the championship culture we built with the CFC Women and how focused and committed they remained throughout the journey," said Beutler. "Their commitment to the team and the process was what set them apart from all other clubs across the country. I am proud of the soccer we played and the impact that we had on the Chattanooga community and across the country.
"My lasting favorite memory will always be the national semifinal game," continued Beutler. "I was so proud to watch our team deservingly compete and showcase their abilities on the national stage. We had nothing but pride and class in the way we ended our season. CFC Women 2025 was a special group and we will never forget our run in making history."
With such a historic season this year, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the season before preparing for next summer. Come along as we recap the highlights of the Chattanooga FC Women’s season!
Goal of the Season: EG Dillard’s header against Nashville Rhythm
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga standout EG Dillard scored the lone goal in the Southeast Conference Final against Nashville Rhythm that helped book CFC Women’s ticket to the South Region Playoffs.
Academy players stepping up: Kennedy Ball’s flicked finish against UFA Gunners
Chattanooga FC Academy standouts have had the opportunity this summer to step up and make an impact with the first team. Academy product and Girls Preparatory School Alumna Kennedy Ball kicked off her season with two goals against UFA Gunners, including this impressive flick. Ball finished the season with four goals, the second-most for Chattanooga.
Match of the Season: Chattanooga FC Women vs. Nashville Rhythm
The Southeast Conference Championship was a turning point for Chattanooga FC Women, when newly acquired winger Amy Neal connected with EG Dillard for her close range header that propelled CFC forward just minutes before the end of regulation.
Notable WPSL accolades:
- Offensive Player of the Week (Matchweek 9): EG Dillard
- Defensive Player of the Week (MW 9): Maddie Smith
- South Region Best XI: Maddie Smith, Grace Ambrose, Reese McDermott, Kaylie Smith
- All-National Team: Hannah Tillett, Reese McDermott
