Sparta
In 2025, one moment stood out as a potential turning point for White County athletics — and it didn’t come from a traditional spotlight sport.
Soccer, often overlooked as a non-revenue program, has historically struggled to gain traction and recognition in White County. Wins have been hard to come by, postseason accolades even harder. That context makes what happened this year all the more meaningful: three White County Middle School soccer players earned selection to the inaugural UCMSSC All-Star Game, a milestone that signals real growth for the program and hints at a changing future.
Lane Rogers, Brenam Sandlin, and Kolt Pryor were chosen to represent White County among the area’s top middle school players. The selections alone were noteworthy, but what followed elevated the accomplishment even further. These weren’t honorary invitations — the Warriors made an impact.
The All-Star Game itself lived up to the billing, showcasing the best young talent the conference had to offer. The East team, which featured the White County trio, found itself in an early hole, trailing by two goals at halftime. Rather than folding, the group responded with intensity and resilience, traits that have become hallmarks of the Warriors’ program.
Sandlin emerged as a key figure in the second-half surge, scoring twice to help push the East team into a 3-2 lead. His performance highlighted not only individual skill but also the ability of White County players to compete — and excel — against the region’s best. Rogers and Pryor also played important roles throughout the match, contributing to the East’s structure and pace as the game swung back and forth.
The contest ultimately came down to the final moments. With just two seconds remaining, the West team converted off a corner kick to force a dramatic tie, sealing a finish that perfectly captured the competitive spirit of the event.
“I’m proud of our players for representing White County well,” WCMS head coach Justin Rittenberry said.
That pride extends beyond one game. Seeing three Warriors selected, trusted with meaningful minutes, and directly influencing the outcome of an All-Star contest represents a significant step forward for a program that has long flown under the radar.
More importantly, it may mark the beginning of a shift. Success breeds belief, and belief builds programs. For White County soccer, this moment wasn’t just about recognition — it was about validation. Validation that the work being done at the middle school level matters, and that the Warriors are capable of changing the narrative surrounding soccer in the county.
In a year filled with memorable athletic achievements, this quiet but powerful milestone stands as one of the most impactful — a sign that White County soccer’s future may finally be turning a corner.
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