Olivia Hoffman with coaches Nicole Woody, Natalie Black, and Cal Sneller; Kylan Nash; Evan Officer with coaches Mark Mariakis and punting trainer.
Three senior student athletes from Chattanooga Christian School celebrated their commitments to colleges and universities where they will continue the athletic careers at the collegiate level. Friends, teachers, coaches, and family members gathered on this National Signing Day to help these students celebrate their accomplishments and the next phase of their careers.
Olivia Hoffman has committed to play soccer at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. Olivia is a two-sport athlete, excelling at both soccer and track. She has played soccer since age 6 and has settled in at midfield and forward. In the fall, Olivia and her soccer teammates won District and Region and finished a great season as DII A State Runner-up under Head Coach Cal Sneller. Last spring, she and her track teammates were State champs in the 4x200. A competitive player and a great teammate, Olivia says that her favorite moment in a soccer game is when she assists someone on a goal because it makes her happy to see a teammate score and to know that she has helped them.
When asked about her decision to continue her soccer career at Cedarville University, Olivia stated, “I always wanted to go to a small, Christian school because I want my relationship with God to grow and I want to be surrounded with people who I know will be good influences. The soccer team and the coaches at Cedarville were very welcoming as soon as I got there, and they were intentional to get to know me. When I visited Cedarville, I saw how just like at CCS, the professors make it a priority to get to know their students, and they care about what is happening in the lives of their students.”
Kylan Nash has committed to play golf at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN. She celebrated her commitment with friends and family in November 2017.
Evan Officer has committed to play football at Maryville College in Maryville, TN. Evan is a punter and has played football since 10th grade, joining the Charger in 11th and 12th grade. This past season he averaged 36 yards per punt, and he helped the Chargers reach the DII playoffs under Head Coach Mark Mariakis. Evan enjoys the camaraderie on the football team which he describes as more like a family where they have a common interest and they always have each other’s back.
When asked about his decision to play football at Maryville College, Evan said, “I decided to commit to Maryville because it's a small school with a good family atmosphere. I spent time with head Coach Hayes from Maryville this summer at a camp in Gatlinburg. I got to know him, and he got to know me, and I think we connected well. I plan on pursuing a degree in computer science, and I have met the head of the department, and I feel like it would be a great fit for me. I am looking forward to taking the next step in my education, making new friends, meeting new people, and becoming a Maryville Scot.”
The CCS community congratulates these athletes and their coaches and families on this exciting day.