The roar of the crowd, the sound of a perfectly struck ball, the camaraderie of a team. These are constants in the athletic lives of forward Kate Runyon, known for her attacking abilities, and formidable goalkeeper Ally Zazzara.
But this summer, these Lady Vols standouts are experiencing their favorite parts of the game through a new lens, as their shared University of Tennessee affiliation has extended to One Knoxville SC.
While the collegiate-to-semi-pro dynamic is a unique one, Runyon and Zazzara have found the process to be quite seamless, as the recently established USL W League squad forges a new path for professional women’s soccer in Knoxville.
A semi-pro team with structure, One Knox SC stands out among peers
The structure at One Knox, under head women’s coach Simon Duffy, mirrors the intensity of college training, a welcome change for a summer league. From the first practice, Coach Duffy leaned into his college coaching background to implement set pieces, along with defensive and attacking shapes.
“This is the most structured summer team I’ve ever been on, and I think that’s because Simon is used to the process,” Zazzara said.
This level of organization is a departure from the often-unorganized nature of summer leagues, in which players from diverse backgrounds join a team without the shared experience of training together or a compelling incentive to play on the same page.
The clear structure and emphasis on teambuilding has made One Knox a standout experience for the players on the mostly local roster. Nearly 75% of the players have ties to the area, whether they were born and raised here or play for UT.
Lady Vols coach on board with Tennessee players growing with One Knox
The tactical differences between collegiate and semi-pro play are subtle but ever-present. While the talent level remains high – drawing from top college programs across Tennessee – the condensed preparation time with One Knox necessitates a different approach.
Unlike college teams that have months for detailed tactical instruction and teambuilding, One Knox only gets a few practices before jumping into league play. This condensed timeline means the team relies heavily on each player’s skill and soccer IQ.
The coaching staff focuses on blending the players’ diverse strengths and leadership styles, rather than implementing a new system from scratch. This summer experience with One Knox has proven invaluable for Runyon and Zazzara as they prepare for their upcoming season at UT.
The continuous training and competitive games ensure the pair remain sharp. Playing regularly with One Knox prevents the typical rust that can accumulate during the summer break, Zazzara said, ensuring a seamless transition back into the college preseason.
This continuous engagement is something UT head coach Joe Kirt actively encourages, recognizing its role in maintaining peak performance for his players.
One Knox SC pioneering new era for women’s soccer in Knoxville
Being part of an inaugural season comes with a weight. It’s not just about winning games but setting a precedent.
For Runyon, participating in the first season of a women’s semi-pro league in Knoxville is a significant step for young female soccer players across the city. The opportunity to play in a state-of-the-art stadium further enhances this groundbreaking experience.
Covenant Health Park, despite some speedbumps in converting its field to a soccer pitch, has been a highlight for the team. Runyon is taking the field conditions in stride, saying she’ll play anywhere as long as there’s a patch of grass, and Zazzara can still vividly recall the thrill of hearing fans chanting her name from the stands.
“To play in that stadium, to hear chants like that − a really cool atmosphere,” Zazzara said.
If the One Knox women’s team can become a prominent and well-supported sports team for young women in Knoxville, that would be a significant achievement for Zazzara. Runyon has even loftier aspirations, hoping team success could lead to Knoxville hosting a USL Super League team, a long-term goal for the future of soccer in the Scruffy City.
Knox News reporter Gabriel Jackson covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC. Email: gabriel.jackson@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: One Knox SC inspiring young Knoxville soccer players with women’s team
