Athletics News

TFS Legend: Austin Ball

From the age of three, Austin Ball could be found on the pitch. Fast forward 15 years, and he’s found atop the record books at TFS. His love for the beautiful game started all those years ago, and propelled him throughout what was nothing short of a stellar career.

“I loved the early years where my best friend and I played rec soccer together,” says Ball. “Our dads were the coaches and it made me fall in love with the game.”

For Ball, it was more about the relationships than the records, though they went hand in hand. In total, Ball is the school’s all-time leading scorer with 86 goals. He holds the single-season mark also of 39 set in his junior year. With 48 career assists, he’s got the most there too, including the top single-season mark of 16. He has 15 career hat tricks and a record nine in a single season.

“The records to me show the success as a team,” adds Ball. “I only had the opportunity to break any records because of the players around me. This shows our ability to win and play as a team. I like to know that the mark I left was bigger than myself and all about the teams I got to be a part of.”

That team success includes being a part of 49 wins, winning two region titles, and a pair of Sweet 16 runs as well as four playoff runs and two state-ranked teams. The final two seasons for Ball saw TFS go 31-3. He’s made several big memories, but two stand out.

“My sophomore year we played away at Prince Avenue and won in a penalty shootout,” adds Ball. “We celebrated as a team and it was in a game that we would have probably been considered underdogs in. Another special moment was my junior year when we won the region championship and celebrated in preparation for the playoffs.”

Ball has signed to continue his soccer career at Belmont Abbey College, where he no doubt will take his team-first attitude and talent to new heights. While he has worn the Tallulah Falls jersey for the final time, his DNA will linger on for years to come in the Indians soccer program.

“My teammates have been a brotherhood on and off the field,” states Ball. “Our team is always with each other and there for each other when others need it. We constantly have graduated teammates come back to hang out with us and see everyone. I know once I leave this team, they will always be there if I need them. I will miss the excitement of putting my TFS jersey on before a game and being able to represent the team in front of our energetic student section.”