The Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club is excited to announce the signing of Omar Hernandez to the 2024 roster, pending league and federation approval.
One of the most storied players in Dalton’s soccer-rich history, the Dalton native led Dalton High School to the 2019 Georgia State Championship and was named Gatorade’s National Player of the Year. During his time with the Catamounts, he set the school record for scoring and assists with 84 goals and 64 assists. He played for the USL League Two Dalton Red Wolves where he scored one goal in six appearances during the 2019 season.
Hernández began his collegiate career with Wake Forest University from 2019 to 2022 where he scored 13 goals and ten assists in 70 appearances and 32 starts. He was named to the 2022 ACC Preseason Watch List and received a nomination to the third-team, All-South Region in 2021.
Hernández then spent the 2023 season as a graduate transfer playing with NCAA Division I
Mercer University participating in the Southern Conference. He scored three goals across 18 appearances and 16 starts with three assists.
“A top talent, but more importantly a top talent with roots in Chattanooga and Dalton,” said
Chattanooga head coach Scott Mackenzie. “Omar is someone all the young players in
Chattanooga and Dalton can look to as an inspiration and all our fans can call their own. He had a tremendous college career at two top schools in Wake Forest and Mercer, and I couldn't be more excited to have his wand of a left foot here with us at the Red Wolves.”
“Omar represents all the pieces that make the Red Wolves the ideal pathway to professional
soccer,” said President and GM of the Red Wolves, Sean McDaniel. “His influence in the Dalton, Georgia market goes back many, many years. He has brought great notoriety to that city and we are so pleased to be a part of his soccer journey and showcase his talent to the wonderful Red Wolves fans of that proud community and beyond.”
“I can’t wait to join the team and kick off the 2024 season,” said Hernández. “...[I’m] so excited to be here and start my professional career in the Scenic City where I grew up playing. Lots of great things to come this year from the team with opportunities to compete for championships.
Can’t wait to meet all the fans in person and play in front of you guys in the Den!”
The Chattanooga Red Wolves will host a special community event to announce his signing on Saturday, January 20th in Dalton, Georgia. D Food Collab and Birdies on Morris, two local Dalton businesses, will host the festivities with a meet and greet session with Hernández from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at D Food Collab followed by an official announcement and jersey presentation. A live podcast recording will be conducted
at 6:15 p.m. with Sean McDaniel and the newest signing. Fans and guests can then continue the fun enjoying tee time at Birdies on Morris. There will also be a raffle of Hernández’s jersey in addition to other giveaway items.
Additional player announcements will be shared on the club’s official social media and website as the 2024 roster continues to grow. The Red Wolves begin the season on Friday, March 15th on the road against Lexington SC and will host Union Omaha for the home opener on Saturday, March 30th. Season tickets for the upcoming season are on sale now and can be purchased at the event or online.