MATT TYSON

Staff Writer

Lilly Matherne’s soccer career at Coffee County may have come to an end, but the next chapter of her journey with the sport will officially begin at the college level starting next season.

The Lady Raider senior signed her national letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Motlow State Community College Tuesday afternoon. The signing was held in the Coffee County Central High School library with family, friends, teammates and coaches present.

“Playing at the collegiate level has always been my dream and just being able to play the sport that I love and continue to play after my senior season is just a blessing honestly,” Matherne said. “I always have loved playing soccer and I just couldn’t think of a better way to end it then to play at the next level after high school.”

Matherne was drawn to the Bucks program due to her familiarity with the coaching staff. She added that she knew many of the team’s other incoming players as well.

“I knew that they (the Motlow coaching staff) were amazing people and I knew that they would work me and just make me work as hard as I could, be the best person I could be, just outside of soccer,” Matherne said. “A lot of the girls who are going to Motlow, I’ve actually played with since I was a little kid, so it’s amazing to be able to play with them a little bit more.”

Off the pitch, Matherne is thinking of majoring in exercise science, as well as other programs in the medical field. While still weighing her options, she said she hopes to pursue a career somewhere in the fields of nursing, athletic training or physical therapy.

Matherne added that she was thankful to everyone that has supported her over the years and helped her reach this milestone.

“Just my family and friends and teammates. They’ve all been amazing,” Matherne said. “And especially my coaches. They’ve been a blessing to me and been able to help me get through any injuries and any boundaries or boulders that have been in my way.”