GRAY DEYOSports Writer

Seven Tullahoma boys’ soccer players–Gage Allen, Daniel Eldridge, Jude Smith, Eli Martinez, Gunner Green, Aiden Walker, and Chase Dodson–earned district awards based on their performance in the 2024-2025 season.

Gage Allen

Allen was awarded forward of the year in the district.

Despite missing some games early in the season due to being on the basketball team on their run to state, Allen put together a great sophomore season. The second-year player scored nine goals in the nine games he played.

“What was great with Gage is that he provided us with a true target forward. And obviously his finishing. He had some great finishes in the district matches,” said head coach of Tullahoma, Richie Chadwick, on what Allen provided the team this season.

With his skills on the pitch, Allen also showed signs of leadership that would be typically seen in upperclassmen. He is a great communicator. With his great knowledge of the game, he is constantly talking with his teammates to try to put them in the best position to succeed.

It will be fun to see how Allen continues to grow as both a player and a leader in his junior season next year.

Daniel Eldridge

Eldridge was named to the all-district first team.

The senior displayed some of his best play in his final year as a Wildcat. He had 66 saves in 15 games and posted three shutouts–all were in the Wildcats’ final five games.

“His technical side of the game really elevated this year. From a tactical standpoint, he knew how to play goalkeeper and played it well, but his technical components were just elevated this year,” said Chadwick regarding his senior keeper.

Eldridge’s flashy saves and intense focus in the box will certainly be missed going into next season.

Jude Smith

Smith was named to the all-district first team.

The junior had the second-most goals on the Wildcats this year with six. He tied for the most assists on the team with three.

“His ability to read the game in the middle and distribute. It is outstanding that he is just a junior,” said coach Chadwick on what stood out in  his third-year attacker’s season.

Smith can do a little bit of everything–shooting, passing, and scoring. With him and the rest of the returning class of players, the Tullahoma 2025-2026 team has a real chance to be one of the better teams the program has had in a while.

Eli Martinez

Martinez was named to the all-district first team.

The junior is a menace on the defensive end, and was key in keeping trouble out of the Wildcats final third, especially in the Wildcats final five games. Tullahoma only allowed three goals during that span.

“He just brought so much energy to our backline. He was a defensive presence against opponents and just fit,” said Chadwick regarding Martinez.

Martinez is also a part of the tennis team at THS. Chadwick credits him for his great footwork showcased on the defensive side and thinks it stems from what he does on the tennis court.

Aiden Walker

Walker was named to the all-district second team.

In only his second year, Walker showed real promise on the pitch. He scored five goals in fifteen appearances and also had two assists.

“He can play several different positions. I think his ability to take players one-on-one is what made him a special player to be recognized by the other district coaches,” Coach Chadwick said about Walker.

Coach Chadwick is spoiled in his forward room with the talent and youth of Walker and Allen. The two sophomores accounted for 45% of the Wildcats’ goals this season.

Gunner Green

Green was named to the all-district second team.

Green, once the keeper for the Wildcats, played multiple positions on the pitch for Tullahoma this year. His ability to do this made him a valuable player.

“His strongest position without a doubt is playing central defensive mid, just with his speed, his endurance, and his ability to not get knocked off the ball,” said Coach Chadwick on Green.

Every good team needs a Swiss Army knife, and that is what Green was for the Wildcats this year.

Chase Dodson

Dodson was named to the all-district second team.

He was another versatile player for the Wildcats this season. His strong leg was vitalized throughout the season by the Wildcats.

“Chase has really elevated his game, too. He is a threat with long kicks, as the season progressed, he was able to have a little more control with these kicks,” said Coach Chadwick regarding Dodson.

Dodson will be a senior next season, and with another offseason under his belt to continue to improve, the excitement for the 2025-2026 season only builds.