With a promising senior season just days away, Austin Ball has penned his letter of intent with Belmont Abbey College to pursue his athletic and academic career post-graduation.
The soccer standout from Tiger, GA already holds several records for Tallulah Falls, as he is the all-time (52) and single-season (39) goals leader, as well as the all-time (39) and single-season (16) assists leader. Ball will take his talents to Belmont, NC to suit up for the Crusaders, who compete at the NCAA D-II level in the Conference Carolinas.
“Committing to Belmont Abbey has made me feel reassured that my hard work and dedication are getting me to my goals and dreams,” says Ball. “Belmont Abbey strives for greatness in more ways than just athletics. The sports team is made up of great men who work together to lift each other. The coaching staff is all amazing men who work to better their athletes in all forms of life.”
The coaching staff reciprocates those feelings about having Ball join their program.
“Belmont Abbey is a unique and special place,” says coach John Keating. “We try to recruit student-athletes to our college who are of the ‘both-and’ variety: Good, strong men of character who are also talented, young soccer players. In Austin, we think we have that combination. He has good soccer pedigree, good parentage, good schooling, and is an ideal fit for our program.”
“Congratulations to Austin on this remarkable achievement,” exclaims Stille. “It has been an absolute pleasure to witness Austin’s growth and leadership throughout his time with the TFS soccer program. From captaining the team since his freshman year to showcasing continuous success on the field, Austin has truly exemplified dedication and skill. As he embarks on this exciting journey to play for Belmont Abbey, we wish him all the best. May his passion for the game and exceptional leadership continue to shine at the collegiate level. We know he will make his family, peers and community as he continues to pursue his dreams at Belmont Abbey.”
Stille and the TFS program have been instrumental in helping get Ball to this point.
“Coach Stille has helped form me as a leader and helped build my work ethic,” adds Ball. “He taught me to take more in-game challenges head-on and be more competitive.”
Ball was the 2023 Region 8-A DI Player of the Year and was a GACA 1st Team All-State selection. The three-time All-Region honoree opens his senior season with 52 goals and 39 assists, as well as nine hat tricks. He becomes the third TFS athlete this academic year to sign an LOI and the seventh in school history to play soccer at the next level. He, along with all others in 2023-24 who sign a letter of intent, will be recognized at the second annual Next-Level Signing Ceremony in May 2024.
