Tallulah Falls School varsity boys and girls soccer teams will join the Georgia High School Association in the spring of 2021.
According to Athletic Director Scott Neal, both programs have grown in the areas needed to compete at that level.
“We are at a place now where both soccer programs have the passion, the number of players, competitive ability and coaching staff to join the fray in GHSA in the spring of 2021,” Neal said. “President Larry Peevy has always been supportive of providing resources and opportunities for our sports programs to develop appropriately, promptly and with the important facets working together for student-athletes to thrive.”
TFS middle school English teacher Travis Mullis leads the girls’ program.
“TFS soccer has decided to join GHSA for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being player talent and team successes,” Mullis said. “Strengthened by multiple players from the Habersham Rapids Football Club and several involved in Elite Clubs National League, team quality has been enhanced.”
Significant program growth at the middle school also supports the move to GHSA, Mullis said.
“With the middle school boys team winning their league championship in the fall, the TFS varsity boys’ team making great strides,” Mullis said. “Likewise, the middle school girls team is competing well with region schools and the TFS varsity Lady Indians are becoming stronger. Moving into GHSA offers a chance to contend against regional Georgia private schools. This decision becomes the right choice at the right time.”
Mullis said the decision reflects the desires of TFS families.
“My job as a coach is simple when families care and are encouraging, and it’s a pleasure to work on their behalf,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenge inherent in any transition, Mullis said that’s simply the sign of a program on the move.
“It’s a challenge that’s tough enough to seek out new opportunities, new endeavors,” Mullis added. “And, with the trust and support of Dr. Peevy and Coach Neal, along with our hard-working coaches, I look forward to watching what our players can do on this new stage.”
The varsity boys’ program will see new leadership with head coach Jeremy Stille, an upper school history teacher.
“As a program, we are enthusiastic as we face our next challenge, entering into GHSA competition,” Stille said. “The athletic staff, coaches and players look at this next step as growth for the program – its competitiveness and opportunities to exhibit GREAT character.”
