One Knoxville SC kicks off its 2025 season with a new head coach and new place to call home
One Knoxville SC is preparing for a big season. One of the most anticipated changes is the club’s move to Covenant Health Park in Old City. For Drew McKenna, One Knox’s general manager, this is more than just a relocation: “The growth and opportunity that’s going to exist for us because of Covenant Health Park is something we wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else.”
Beyond the stadium, the move integrates One Knox into the atmosphere of Old City, which McKenna describes as a perfect match for the club’s identity.
“If One Knox were a Knoxville neighborhood, we think it’d be Old City,” he says. “It’s vibrant, it’s growing, it’s got a little bit of grittiness to it—that’s who we are.”
A Fresh Approach
The arrival of new head coach Ian Fuller, who spent the last 12 years in MLS both playing and coaching, signals a shift in playing style for the club. Fuller brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to attacking soccer.
“He’s really focused on playing exciting soccer,” McKenna says. “This is entertainment. We’re here to entertain the fans, and you’re going to see a style of play that’s very oriented towards scoring.”
Brian Canever, co-host of the Knox Soccer Podcast and who has served as both a color commentator and in-stadium announcer for the club, echoes this. “Last year, they just couldn’t score goals. They had one of the best defenses in the league, but finding the back of the net was a real struggle,” he recalls. “With Fuller’s approach, we should see a much more aggressive and exciting team.”
The team’s roster has been crafted to reflect Fuller’s style. Twelve players return, including club veterans James Thomas and Danny Fernandez, who have been with One Knox since its inception.
“It’s fun to see them here on their fourth year,” McKenna says. “Their first game ever with us was at Austin-East High School. Now their first game this year will be at Covenant Health Park. They’ve seen the full growth of the club.”
In addition to its returning core, One Knox has brought in eight new players this season, many with the attacking prowess that will bring Fuller’s coaching style to life.
“We really focused on offensive players, attacking players,” McKenna says. “Two of them came from USL Championship which is a league above us, and then there’s some great international representation, too.” In addition to American players, the club has signed players from Senegal, Ireland, and Denmark. “We’ve seen them score and create goals—and that’s what we’re looking to do.”
A Start on the Road
While excitement builds for the April 26 home opener, One Knox will spend the first portion of its season away. McKenna acknowledges the challenge, but says it builds the anticipation of the home games.
“It’s a little bit of a challenge for our guys to travel…” he says, “but on the back end, we get to play a lot of games at home. So extra work at the beginning, but a reward at the end.”
Canever says he’s hopeful that the team “riles up the fans and gets the Scruffs, the supporter group, throwing orange and blue…It’s part of the culture of soccer that when a team scores, you sing and dance. Hopefully it will be a rowdy, raucous time in the Old City stands this year.”
Community Engagement and Growth
Beyond the team, McKenna says the club boasts 1,600 youth soccer players and 2,500 adult rec players, evidence of its deep community ties. “We want to democratize the sport, making it available to every kid in Knoxville.”
This commitment extends to community outreach. Eight One Knox players coached youth teams last year, an experience McKenna found invaluable. “These guys are heroes to kids in our youth club. When you’re 12 years old and your coach is a pro player, that’s something special.”
Adding to the excitement, One Knox has been teasing a “major announcement” for March 8, which McKenna describes as “the missing piece of the puzzle.”
“Soccer is growing across the country, and it’s not just on the men’s side,” McKenna hints. “We feel like we’re missing one piece that Knoxville needs.” (Cityview will keep readers posted as the announcements unfolds.)
Between a new home, a new coach, an upgraded roster, and a more attacking style of play, there’s plenty for fans to be excited about this season. “We’re always building,” McKenna says. “This is just year three or four of what we see as a 25-year vision. Our hope is that this club will be here in 50, even 100 years.”
To follow along with One Knox, visit oneknoxsc.com, and we will see you at the season opener.
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