News

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph are set to begin their 2020 home slate next weekend, as the club’s home opener against the Richmond Kickers was announced today by the United Soccer League. Following their opening match on the road at Fort Lauderdale, the club will return home to take on the regional rival Richmond Kickers Saturday, July 25th, at 7:00 PM. Familiar voices Chris Mackowiak and Ross Devonport will call the match on ESPN+.

The Triumph have also announced that the match versus Richmond will be held without fans out of an abundance of caution and in line with current state regulations. Triumph leadership continues to be in contact with local health and governmental officials about the potential to open LEC Stadium to fans in a safe, responsible manner for subsequent home matches. Though the match will be played behind closed doors, fans will be able to watch the home opener and all Triumph matches on the popular ESPN+ platform.

With the first home match and potentially other matches being played behind closed doors, the club has announced multiple options for impacted 2020 Season Ticket Members and single-match purchasers. These options can be viewed by clicking here, and ticket holders can reach the Triumph sales/service team by calling 864-203-0565, press 1 for tickets or via email at customerservice@https://www.greenvilletriumph.com.

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph have signed defender and former USL Championship player Harri Hawkins to the 2020 roster, pending league and federation approval. Hawkins had been training with the club prior to the coronavirus shutdown in mid-March, and recently returned stateside to rejoin the club ahead of this weekend’s restart.

Hawkins joins the second-year club after spending last season with USL Championship side, Loudon United, where he made 25 appearances with 24 starts and logged 2,192 minutes played. Throughout the 2019 season, Hawkins tallied a goal and an assist paired defensively with 146 clearances and 25 interceptions. 

A native of Cambridge, England, Hawkins came to the States to attend Hofstra University, where he scored 13 goals and logged 58 total appearances. He was an All-Colonial Athletic Association selection in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Following his four years at Hofstra, Hawkins spent time with the New York Cosmos (NISL) first and second teams, including a start in the first team’s 2-0 defeat of La Liga’s Valencia CF. Hawkins helped the Cosmos second team record six clean sheets with only eight goals conceded throughout the 2017 season.

Hawkins and the Triumph head to South Florida this weekend to take on Fort Lauderdale CF in a USL League One Opening Weekend fixture. The teams will kick off Saturday evening at 8:00pm in Inter Miami CF Stadium, with the match being broadcast on ESPN+.

Welcome back to 11 Questions presented by Piedmont Natural Gas — a weekly questionnaire series designed for you to get to know the people that make up Greenville Triumph Soccer Club. Each week, our own Marion Cole will ask someone from the organization the same ten questions, but the eleventh question will be from the previous interviewee. With players, coaches, and front office staff involved, we hope to bring you a fun look inside our club!

This week, I’m speaking with team manager and technical staff member, Josh Shaw. A resident of Greenville and graduate of Clemson University, Josh began working for the Triumph as the club’s Community Relations Manager.

1. If you had a podcast, what would it be about and why?

If I had to create a podcast, I would definitely do something with music. Anytime that I’m alone, I have some type of music going whether it’s EDM, Rap, Jazz, Indie, or in RARE cases, Country. There is rarely a silent moment. So yeah, I think it would be really interesting to have artists come in and talk about lyrics, new songs and any other topics we run across. So maybe a cross between music and cultural influence. I think it’d be pretty insightful and entertaining. My first guest would be Quinn XVII. He’s a great lyricist and talented musician.

2. How do you decompress after a long week of work or training?

To be honest, I have a lot of trouble with decompression. My week is pretty full with work, so the weekend is the only time I get to really get after my hobbies. Golf is near the top of my list, but often times that can just stresses me out more. But going out for a good meal with friends or trying something new always seems to make me happy. This past weekend, I went river tubing and that was super relaxing.

3. What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had and why?

Oof. That’s a toughie. I have had the opportunity to try all sorts of food and eat at tons of restaurants over the years, but I will never forget a meal that I had off the coast of Florida. I went deep sea fishing with my dad and few of his buddies, and I was super nervous because it was the first time I went fishing in the ocean, and I have a tendency to get motion sickness. As we it got late into the day, we started running on a hot streak and brought in close to 20 fish in less then an hour and a half. We were so excited, so we ended up eating so much ceviche, probably too much, and watched the sunset. Wahoo was the best ceviche we had. The memories created on that day will always have a spot in my mind.

4. What was the most nervous you’ve ever been?

I always try to keep a cool head under pressure, but honestly the most nervous I can remember being was during a summer semester in college. I had enrolled myself in Calculus for the third time in my academic career. Needless to say the first two didn’t go well… And I was failing by one point going into the final. I remember my heart beating out of my chest for the entire two hours, and I would literally pray after every question in hopes of passing the final and in turn the class. My shirt was soaked after I left the room. Within the next 48 hours, I probably checked my grades every 30 seconds. I passed by three points and properly treated myself to an entire $5 Little Caesars Pizza.

5. If you’re up at 2AM on a Saturday night, what are you eating?

Easiest question ever! I am getting into ice cream, it doesn’t matter what kind, but I do have a special place in my heart for Jeni’s. The Lavender flavor is tremendous. If you have never had that ice cream, you are really missing out. And if you’re curious, no there are no healthy options! There’s something about the consistency and how subtle all the flavors are, never too sweet.

6. What’s something you learned recently that blew your mind?

Anyone that knows me well knows that I am a Reddit fiend. That being said, I have come across some pretty interesting things. But the thing that blew my mind most recently is the fact that the average person will spend six months of their life waiting on red lights to turn green.  No kidding, half a year! That’s astonishing that we spend half a year of our lives sitting in a car, much less at red lights. But, wait, I propose another fact: Five of those six months waiting on the light to turn are when you’re already running late!

7. Triumph SC announces they’re bringing a celebrity to the next match and wondering if you have enough time to say, “Hello.” Who’s the celebrity you’re most excited to have at a match?

Interesting question, assuming that they must currently be alive, I think I would go with Tony Dungy, former Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He is just an incredible person and exudes so many good quality character traits. I am a huge fan of anyone that sets a positive example with their platform, and he’s been through a ton of adversity and still has unwavering faith. I have read his devotional and it helped me through a tough time in my life. “Hello” is the least I would say. My first question to him would be, “What’s the biggest parallel between sports and faith?”

8. What’s the most memorable sports moment you’ve had as a fan?

Apart from the obvious choice of being at both of Clemson’s National Championship victories, right? In 2018, I went to visit one of my friends in Washington, DC. At the time he was working for DC United, and he got us tickets to a game. United was taking on Orlando, and it looked to be an entertaining game on paper. Plus I got to watch Wayne Rooney play in person, and even though he was with Man U, which is my least favorite team, he is a legend and deserves respect for how he plays. 

But onto the actual moment you asked me about…It was tied 2-2, and in the last minute of stoppage time, Orlando broke pressure and created a breakaway. Right before playing the final pass, out of nowhere, Rooney makes an incredible slide tackle from behind! Then plays a 50-yard ball on a rope to the back post where Luciano Acosta finished to make it 3-2 as time essentially expired. The place erupted. I was jumping around, hugging random people, screaming. Best part was that slide tackle happened 20 feet in front of me. Absolute INSANITY!

9. What sporting event have you always wanted to go to and why?

The World Cup, no doubt in my mind. Everything about it seems to be perfect. The destinations, the venues, fans from all over the world and soccer of course! Being surrounded by so many different cultures all whilst being in a new place with the beautiful game uniting everyone. A truly ideal scenario.

10. If you’re part of a PK lineup, what number are you taking your penalty kick?

I am going 4th. PK’s are one of the most exciting parts of soccer and probably my favorite thing to take part in! Over the years I have taken thousands of penalties in practice, coaching, games, and so on. And the feeling of scoring one-on-one with a keeper is unmatched. I choose fourth because most of the time that’s the deciding penalty, and I love the pressure!

11. Triumph Golden Glove winner, Dallas Jaye, told me you are quite the golf aficionado. He wanted me to ask you, “How would you rank the Triumph technical staff as golfers? Yourself included. From best to worst.”

What an interesting and well thought out question, I know what’s been on Dallas’s mind…So, I present to you Josh’s Technical Staff Golf Power Rankings:

1.  Alex “3 Jack” Blackburn

2.  Josh “Red Stakes” Shaw

3. Marcus “Left It Short” Siler

4a.  Rick “Not Wrong” Wright

4b. John “Shot in the Dark” Harkes

6.  Ryan “Big Mac” McKie

If you want to know how they got their nicknames you can ask them. They’re really accurate is all I gotta say.

He also challenges the technical staff to one round, winner takes all. Any course, any time. Response?

Dallas and team: the Technical Staff responds by formally challenging the players to a Captain’s Choice Match at Fox Run Country Club aka Chambers Bay of the Upstate. Time and Date TBD. Winner gets bragging rights, champion t-shirts and a commemorative ball marker. Practice up, boys, you’ll need it!

Next week, I’m speaking with Triumph defender and former League One Champion, Cesar Murillo. What would you like me to ask Cesar?

As the Triumph’s resident barber, how much do you charge for a haircut?  Also, I’ve seen a lot of fades, what else do you have in the bag?

Smell natural gas? Get out fast! If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 911. Learn more at piedmontng.com

Greenville, SC (July 11, 2020) – As the Greenville Triumph Soccer Club prepares for the start of the 2020 season, the club has unveiled a Triumph-wrapped charter bus to its players that will be utilized for travel to regional away games. The club surprised Triumph players Saturday morning by unveiling the bus to them prior to departing for a scrimmage in Rock Hill against the Charlotte Independence.

“We’re not immune to some long bus trips in this league,” said Triumph vice chairman Doug Erwin. “It was great to be able to unveil this to the guys, and the club was excited to be able to partner locally with Jean’s and the YMCA to make this vision come to life.”

The 56-passenger bus comes from a new partnership the club has formed with local Greenville transportation company Jean’s Bus Service and was wrapped locally by Triumph partner Wrap & Roll Graphics. The club will utilize the bus for away games around the southeast, including scheduled trips to Richmond, Chattanooga and Statesboro. The wrap, powered by the YMCA of Greenville, features the Greenville Triumph script down the sides with the Triumph shield and YMCA logos prominently featured on each side.

The bus is set to go into service for the Triumph soon, as the delayed 2020 season is set to start on July 18th, making the league the first team contact sport league to return to play in home markets since the coronavirus pandemic began. GTSC is set to unveil a full schedule for the season in the coming days.

About Jean’s Bus Service: Jean’s, located near downtown Greenville, has been serving the Upstate since 1980. They offer multiple bus sizes for charters and tours, as well as fleet maintenance services. The company has previously wrapped buses for Furman University athletic travel.

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph are set to begin their 2020 season in just over a week, as the USL announced that the club will travel to south Florida to take on expansion side Fort Lauderdale CF next Saturday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m.

The match joins a Richmond-Tormenta match in Statesboro as one of two fixtures scheduled for League One’s opening weekend. Both matches, as well as all 2020 Triumph matches will be viewable on the popular ESPN+ platform. The league plans to follow with league-wide home opener and full schedule announcements early next week.

With the potential for Triumph home matches to be closed-door or limited attendance during the 2020 season, the club has announced multiple options for impacted 2020 Season Ticket Members and single-match purchasers. These options can be viewed by clicking here, and ticket holders can reach the Triumph sales/service team by calling 864-203-0565, press 1 for tickets or via email at customerservice@https://www.greenvilletriumph.com.

“Together We Triumph” has taken on new meaning this season. While we haven’t been able to be together in the traditional sense, our sponsors and fans throughout the community have rallied to show their support in other ways during this challenging time.

PNC shares in our commitment to support the communities in our region. Its season-long sponsorship of Triumph SC benefits not only the fans who will enjoy the new PNC Field Club when live matches resume, but also the Overbrook Child Development Center, a local preschool that helps children lay the foundation for future success. As part of its sponsorship, PNC will make a donation to Overbrook Child Development Center for every corner kick taken at Legacy Early College, the Triumph’s home field. Additionally, when live matches resume, we will dedicate a match to early childhood education teachers who play an impactful role in children’s lives — and who went above and beyond this spring to help children continue to learn and thrive during disruptions resulting from COVID-19.

Overbrook Child Development Center is one of 50 early childhood education programs in the Western Carolinas that participate in Grow Up Great, a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative of the PNC Foundation to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. “Early childhood education is vitally important in helping our community’s children succeed,” said Weston Andress, PNC regional president for Western Carolinas. “This was true prior to the pandemic and has only been amplified as institutions have transitioned to reach students and their families in new ways. We thank the Triumph for helping us bring visibility to the region’s outstanding early childhood educators.”

We’re thrilled to collaborate with PNC to introduce a new fan experience that can be enjoyed in the future, while helping support the future of our community.

ABOUT PNC BANK

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

Welcome back to 11 Questions presented by Piedmont Natural Gas — a weekly questionnaire series designed for you to get to know the people that make up Greenville Triumph Soccer Club. Each week, our own Marion Cole will ask someone from the organization the same ten questions, but the eleventh question will be from the previous interviewee. With players, coaches, and front office staff involved, we hope to bring you a fun look inside our club!

This week, I’m joined by Triumph goalkeeper, Dallas Jaye. A member of Guam’s Men’s National Team, Jaye earned honors throughout the club’s inaugural campaign including Golden Glove, League One Goalkeeper of the Year and All-League First Team honors. 

1. If you had a podcast, what would it be about and why?

Starting off with a bang on that question. I enjoy listening to podcasts, but I can’t say I have ever thought about hosting one. If I were to make one, the focus would be travel, maybe the proper “do’s” and “do not’s” of traveling. Travel requires a certain decorum that the vast majority do not know, and nothing grinds my gears more than oblivious travelers. It boggles my mind when people seem surprised they need their ID’s out? Shoes off on planes? Sure. Socks off? Absolutely not. Sitting in the middle seat? Yes, you are absolutely entitled to both arm rests. The plane just taxied into the gate? YOU DO NOT NEED TO STAND UP INSTANTLY. You are row 34, sir. Please, sit down. Things like that, and travel hacks from my own experiences. Humor would be the forefront, the whole tone I’d want my guests to have. But yeah, I’ve never really given a podcast much thought.

2. How do you decompress after a long week of work or training?

After a long week of training, I can think of a few things that help me decompress. Generally, and hopefully very soon, a usual training week culminates with a match on Saturday. On Sunday’s, it really depends on the time of year. During the summer, I like to hit the pool or the beach when possible and listen to music. Just chill. When the weather cools down, I like to watch any weekend sports that may be going. Love a good NFL Sunday on Redzone. I will almost always cook a big brunch or go for brunch somewhere as well on the morning off. Breakfast is the best meal of the day, and no one can convince me otherwise. 

3. What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had and why?

My head is spinning trying to land on a specific answer for this, so I’m going to give you two. My all-time favorite food is burritos. Specifically, a 2-in-2 Burrito from Lolita’s Mexican Food in San Diego. Piggy back that with an afternoon coffee from Better Buzz Coffee Shop, and you are having yourself a day. 

Now, the most memorable meal I’ve ever had was back in 2018 when I was playing for Phoenix Rising FC. We had just made playoffs and went to watch our upcoming opponent play on TV at one of our teammate’s place, Didier Drogba. Everyone knows him for his legendary feats on the field, but many don’t know he is a heck of a chef. He cooked a huge dinner for the entire team while we all hung out and watched the game. Food was phenomenal, as was the company. And, yes, I know neither of these answers were breakfast.

4. What was the most nervous you’ve ever been?

The most nervous I have ever been was the few moments just before I made my professional debut. Nerves are natural in a moment like that, but they were heightened because that moment came very unexpectedly. It was in 2016 with FC Cincinnati. I was a rookie and the backup goalkeeper. We were playing against NY Red Bulls II in Red Bull Stadium, and my mom and cousin were at the game because it was a great excuse to go visit New York. The unique thing about this game was it was an early test of the VAR system in the US. So, I assumed my normal spot on the bench as the game began. Business as usual. About 10 minutes in the game, our starting GK attempted to save a breakaway and partially collided with a Red Bull player. The referee blew the whistle and decided to go to VAR, which none of us had ever experienced before, and ultimately gave our goalkeeper a red card. I realized I was going to be subbed on, so I had to quickly wrap on my shin guards which is a seemingly simple task but is very difficult when your hands are shaking. I stepped onto the field and my first professional moment was facing a penalty kick. No heroics here, he bagged it and they went on to win 2-0. I settled in and played pretty well, and my mom was there for it. so it’s a moment I can look back on and smile. 

5. If you’re up at 2AM on a Saturday night, what are you eating?

I’m an early riser so I’m usually getting to sleep early. “If you hoot with the owls at night, you can’t soar with the eagles at dawn” are my words to live by. With all that said, if I am munchin’ a late night snack, it’s probably some sort of sweet. I have a pretty serious sweet tooth. Not so much candy, but anything that includes chocolate. It’s honestly a daily battle to curve it. Most days, I do not.

6. What’s something you learned recently that blew your mind?

Only until a few months ago, for whatever reason, I always thought you had to buy the entire gang of bananas at the grocery store. I never knew you could just pluck one or two off the set and head to the register. Game changer. They should really post more signs about that. I’m quite certain I’m not the only confused one.

7. Triumph SC announces they’re bringing a celebrity to the next match and wondering if you have enough time to say, “Hello.” Who’s the celebrity you’re most excited to have at a match?

The Triumph need to get the cast of Friends to Legacy for a game. That’s the dream. So not just one celebrity, but six. I could really see it: Ross going Red Ross and getting rowdy with the Riot. Joey and Chandler fighting over a field-level seat because one of them sat there last. Monica helping the staff clean and disinfect after the game. Phoebe waving one of those “Number One” foam phalanges around. And Rachel serving up a mean cup of Bridge City coffee to a fan who probably ordered a Riot Blonde Ale instead because she never gets the orders right. So, I would not say “Hi,” to them. I would simply ask them, “How you doin?”

8. What’s the most memorable sports moment you’ve had as a fan?

As a fan, I’ve been fortunate to have a few. I’m from the Bay Area so I grew up loving all the Oakland teams. 2002 was a wild year as a fan. I was actually in the crowd for the A’s 20th straight win to break the MLB win streak. I went to Game 3 of the World Series when the Giants played the Angels, and I watched my beloved Raiders live and in-person as they won the AFC Championship Game to punch a ticket to the Super Bowl. I still remember my dad telling me on the way out of the stadium that he was going to make sure we were there for that. And, sure enough, two weeks later, I got to see the Raiders get their doors absolutely blown in by the Bucs led by hero turned villain, now here again, Jon Gruden. Yeah, I’m officially a fan of a Las Vegas sports team now. Nope, don’t love it. But when you bleed silver and black, there is nothing you can do about it. Viva Las Raiders!

9. What sporting event have you always wanted to go to and why?

As I mentioned in the last answer, I’ve gotten to go to a few awesome one. Tack on the Home Run Derby, the Warriors Championship Parade, Barcelona at Camp Nou, I’ve been very fortunate to have had some incredible sport experiences. An absolute must in my lifetime, though, has to be a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. I’ve always wanted to watch Tim Howard play, and during his nearly ten years with Everton, I found myself watching them as much as possible. They really became my team. So getting to see them in person, against that other team in town who wears red, would be incredible. Up the Toffees!

10. If you’re part of a PK lineup, what number are you taking your penalty kick?

I love shootouts. Always a fun time to be a goalkeeper. You get the chance to be the hero. That being said, I would grab the opportunity to shoot. It’s never happened, but who knows, maybe one day. Let me take the third, though. I’ll save their first three. We’ll make our first two, and then I can step up third and smack one top bins to win. Shirt off, knee slide, the whole sha-bang. Wouldn’t that be something?

11. Triumph’s Director of Ticketing, Stacey Wise, wanted me to ask you, “What kind of music do you listen to before a match?”

This past year, I got stuck with locker room DJ duties before games. I say “stuck with” because it’s a pretty high pressure situation. So many different music tastes in our locker room too, so pleasing everyone can be tough. My personal preference before a match is sort of techno, club mix type music. On SoundCloud, they have these hour-long mixes that mash up popular songs to cool beats. You don’t have to fuss with switching from song to song which is nice. 

Next week, I’m speaking with the club’s newest equipment manager, Josh Shaw. What would you like me to ask him?

Rumor has it you are quite the golf aficionado. We have a few players on the team who can hack it around. My question is, “How would you rank the Triumph staff as golfers? Yourself included.” So basically, I want him to put himself, John Harkes, Alex Blackburn, Rick Wright, Ryan McKie and Marcus Siler in order from best to worst.

I would also like to publicly state here, in front of all the fans in our incredible Triumph fan base, that the players formally extend a challenge to the staff. One round of golf. Winner takes all. Any time, any course. Tell them we look forward to their timely response.

Smell natural gas? Get out fast! If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 911. Learn more at piedmontng.com.

Greenville, SC – As the Triumph move closer to beginning the 2020 season, the competition structure was announced today in a release by the United Soccer League.

The 20-match season spread over 15 weeks will see each club forgo playing one opponent in favor of an additional road trip versus a regional rival. Greenville and Richmond were paired, and the clubs that competed for the Bon Secours Cup in 2019 are set to face off four times across the next four months.

The league will operate as a single table, with the top two clubs from the regular season slated to contest the League One Final on the week of October 31. The USL will also adopt the five-substitute rule that many leagues back underway have utilized. The league plans to announce home openers and full team schedules in the coming days ahead of the scheduled start date of July 18.

All league activities for the duration of the 2020 season will be coordinated in compliance with both local health authorities protocols and those previously published by the USL, which were created in consultation with medical and infectious disease experts along with required government approvals.

Greenville plans to release additional ticketing and stadium information in conjunction with the release of a full schedule.

Greenville, SC – The Triumph are set to resume full-squad training for the first time since early March, as the United Soccer League announced a lifting of the training moratorium that had been in place for nearly four months.

“We’re excited to get the full squad back on the field,” said head coach John Harkes. “As we progress into full-sided training, we will continue to be diligent and safe in our approach. Training in small groups has been positive for our development and mentality. We’re staying focused on the road map laid out by the league and state guidelines, and are looking forward to continuing to progress as a squad.”

The Triumph continue to work with the league and local health officials to ensure a safe resumption to play. In conjunction with the league’s Return-to-Play protocols, the club began regular COVID-19 testing ahead of today’s training announcement. 

The club continues to evaluate the potential to host fans in a safe manner later this summer. The 2020 USL League One season is set to begin July 18, with the updated schedule set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Welcome back to 11 Questions presented by Piedmont Natural Gas — a weekly questionnaire series designed for you to get to know the people that make up Greenville Triumph Soccer Club. Each week, our own Marion Cole will ask someone from the organization the same ten questions, but the eleventh question will be from the previous interviewee. With players, coaches, and front office staff involved, we hope to bring you a fun look inside our club!

This week, I’m joined by Director of Ticketing, Stacey Wise. Stacey, a life-long Greenville native, got her start in sports with the Bon Secours arena before transitioning into the ticketing office for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. She’s been with Triumph SC since its inception in 2019. 

1. If you had a podcast, what would it be about and why?

It would be a toss up between reading, sewing and crime drama.  Probably would end up being about crime. I love to watch Law & Order SVU, Criminal Intent, Elementary and CSI. I find it very interesting to watch the way the detectives figure out how the crime happened with all the clues. I think I’d probably focus on murder cases.

2. How do you decompress after a long week of work or training?

I’ll make a meal for the family and enjoy a glass or two of wine. We’re eating vegetarian right now, so trying to find new recipes has been a fun challenge. My favorite one to make so far has been black bean enchiladas with salsa verde. Then we typically veg out in front of the TV. We’ve been binge watching the Sopranos while we had free HBO. We also watched it when it originally aired and loved it, obviously. Also just finished the entire run of How I Met Your Mother recently.

3. What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had and why?

It would have to be the meal at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.  About 12 years ago we took the kids to Grove Park Inn so they could see the Gingerbread houses at Christmas time. We decided to splurge and treat ourselves for dinner at the Blue Ridge dining room with the kids. It was “Grand Buffet Night” where it was anything and everything you could imagine, including a chocolate fountain! It was exciting to share with the family and have a fine dining experience with an eight and ten year old. The best part was Nathan, my youngest, announced on the way to the car that his pants wouldn’t stop popping open because he ate so much. Goodness.

4. What was the most nervous you’ve ever been?

26 years ago, the day I got married to my husband, Greg. Having my two kids is a close second. Two different kind of nerves. Getting married changed my life, in the best way, so it’s more about that. But having kids, the nerves was more about worrying that they were healthy and the process went smoothly.

5. If you’re up at 2AM on a Saturday night, what are you eating?

I am sorry to say that I have not been up at 2AM in twenty years.  No eating in the middle of the night for me now – maybe some wine, but no food. I have honestly never been a night owl in my life.

6. What’s something you learned recently that blew your mind?

My oldest turned 21 years old this year. How can I be old enough to have a kid that can legally drink?! How can I be that old? Time flies by too fast.

7. Triumph SC announces they’re bringing a celebrity to the next match and wondering if you have enough time to say, “Hello.” Who’s the celebrity you’re most excited to have at a match?

I would love to see Billy Joel. We have had the chance to see him in concert several times — even at Madison Square Garden. That was actually my favorite performance. He only played the hits and sang for three hours straight. I love his music and think he is very talented. And, besides, who wouldn’t love to see Greenville Triumph on the pitch?

8. What’s the most memorable sports moment you’ve had as a fan?

This would have to be when I won a gold medal in the Junior Olympics at age 15 for synchronized swimming. Shocking, I know. You don’t find many people that do synchronized swimming, but around age nine, my mom was looking for something to keep us active because we had taken all of the swim classes that were available. We were at the old YWCA downtown and they had started a synchro club, so we joined. It was the only club in the state!

9. What sporting event have you always wanted to go to and why?

I would have to say the Summer Olympics. It would be exciting to see the level of athletes that compete. And if it could be in Italy, that would be an added bonus. I think the Opening Ceremonies would be fun, but I want to see Italy very badly!

10. If you’re part of a PK lineup, what number are you taking your penalty kick?

So, I never played soccer. Not even growing up. But both my kids and my husband played, so I’ve attended more games than I can count. And watching the PK’s for my son, Nathan, I always wanted him to go second or third. Right in the middle to pump up the team or leave room for someone else to score. So that’s where I’d choose.

11. League One veteran and Triumph newcomer, Alex Morrell, wanted me to ask you, “Stacey, what is one thing you really want to check off your bucket list?”

I would love to swim with dolphins. When I was growing up, we were at the pool all the time and swim team practice was four days a week. I always wanted to train dolphins. That was until I learned how many science classes were involved with marine biology…Took that career path right off the table.

Next week, I’m speaking with Goalkeeper of the Year, Dallas Jaye. What do you want me to ask Dallas?

What kind of music do you listen to before a match?

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