The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of Red Wolves Academy prospect Nathan Villanueva to an Academy contract with the first-team; Villanueva becomes the third Red Wolves Academy prospect to do so. Contract pending league and federation approval.
Villanueva is a homegrown prospect who was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia. Nathan Spoke about his feelings on the contract and the moment he told his family saying, “I’m excited for a new beginning and truly blessed to sign a professional contract. My family are extremely happy for me because they have seen everything I have gone through to get to this moment.”
Club President and General Manager Sean McDaniel raved about Villanueva’s character, work ethic, and ability on the pitch saying, “Nathan is another young prospect that’s come through the Red Wolves Academy demonstrating he’s ready for the next step in his emerging career. Besides all the great soccer skill he brings to us, his ability to display a professional demeanor day in and day out is really what set him apart. He’s the type of player that makes his teammates better.”
Academy Director Luke Winter lamented the importance of the work the Academy has done for youth soccer talent in getting them to the professional level saying, “This is why myself, Mark, the entire staff and our membership are with the Red Wolves. The opportunity to be part of something that can open doors for youth soccer players. It’s great to have another player in a professional environment having come through the Academy.”
On his motivations, goals and advice to fellow Academy prospects after signing a professional contract, Villanueva said “I think what prepared me for this moment is my mentality and ability to keep striving and moving forward and my goal is to get a professional debut with the club. My advice to all the other academy players is to keep working hard and really put your mind to it, and that hard work will pay off.”
Mark Ward, Director of Coaching for the Red Wolves Academy, praised both Nathan and the Academy program saying, “Nate’s signing with the 1st team is a testament to not only the work the Academy and its staff have done but also to Nate’s own work ethic, professionalism, and character. He thoroughly deserves this accomplishment!”
Villanueva marks the third Red Wolves Academy prospect to sign an Academy contract, with Ward describing the signing as, “Another big step forward for the Academy and a proud moment for all involved.”
