One Knoxville SC Overview
One Knoxville Sporting Club is a professional soccer team based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 2021, the club competes in USL League One, the third tier of American soccer. The team plays its home games at Covenant Health Park, a multi-use stadium shared with the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball team. Owned by Drew McKenna and coached by Ian Fuller, One Knoxville SC quickly established itself as a competitive force, winning the USL League One regular season championship and league title in 2025.
Founding and Organizational Origins
One Knoxville SC was established in 2021 with the goal of creating a professional soccer presence in Knoxville. Initially unveiled as Knox Pro Soccer, the club began as a semi-professional team competing in USL League Two. The official club name and crest were announced in mid-2021, with the crest designed by artist Matthew Wolff. The club’s founding vision focused on building a strong local soccer culture and eventually moving up to the professional ranks.
Growth Into USL League One Competition
After a successful inaugural season in USL League Two, where One Knoxville SC won the South Central Division in 2022, the club announced its move to the fully professional USL League One in October 2022. The team signed its first professional player and assistant coach, forward Ilija Ilić, in December 2022. During its early professional years, One Knoxville SC played home matches at Regal Soccer Stadium before moving to Covenant Health Park in 2025. The club also developed rivalries with teams such as Lexington SC, enhancing its competitive profile.
One Knoxville SC Competitive Journey
One Knoxville SC’s competitive journey began in USL League Two, where it quickly found success, and progressed to USL League One, where it achieved significant milestones including a league title within three years of founding.
Early Seasons and Development (2021–2022)
In its first season in 2022, One Knoxville SC competed in USL League Two, playing home games at various local high schools and colleges. The team recorded an 11–1–2 record, winning the South Central Division and advancing to the playoffs. This strong start laid the foundation for the club’s professional ambitions. The team’s early approach emphasized local engagement and competitive performance, attracting a dedicated supporters group known as The Scruffs.
Breakthrough in USL League One (2023–2025)
One Knoxville SC joined USL League One in 2023, marking its transition to professional soccer. The club’s first professional win came against Lexington SC, with midfielder Jimmie Villalobos scoring the team’s first professional goal. The team played at Regal Soccer Stadium during its initial USL League One seasons, setting attendance records and building a fan base. In 2025, One Knoxville SC moved to Covenant Health Park, a stadium designed for both soccer and baseball. That year, the club won its first USL League One regular season championship and secured the league title by defeating Spokane Velocity FC in front of a record crowd. This breakthrough established One Knoxville SC as a rising power in the league.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
Currently, One Knoxville SC is owned by Drew McKenna and coached by Ian Fuller. The team benefits from modern facilities at Covenant Health Park, which includes a retractable pitcher’s mound to accommodate both soccer and baseball. The club continues to build on its competitive strengths, focusing on sustained success in USL League One and expanding its community presence. In 2025, the club also announced the addition of a women’s team to compete in the USL W-League, furthering its commitment to soccer development in the region.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
One Knoxville SC emphasizes a competitive and community-driven approach, excelling in building strong home support and fostering local rivalries. The club’s strategy focuses on consistent performance, player development, and leveraging modern facilities to enhance the matchday experience.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones include winning the South Central Division in USL League Two in 2022, achieving the first professional win and goal in USL League One in 2023, setting attendance records, and winning the USL League One regular season and league championships in 2025. The move to Covenant Health Park and the launch of a women’s team are also significant organizational achievements.
One Knoxville SC Achievements and Results
One Knoxville SC has rapidly accumulated notable achievements, including division and league championships, attendance records, and the establishment of a professional soccer culture in Knoxville.
USL League One Achievements
In 2025, One Knoxville SC won the USL League One regular season championship, securing the League One Players’ Shield. Later that year, the club captured its first league title by defeating Spokane Velocity FC 2-0 in front of a record crowd at Covenant Health Park. These accomplishments marked the club’s arrival as a top competitor in the league.
Conference Achievements
While specific conference championships are not recorded, One Knoxville SC’s 2022 South Central Division title in USL League Two highlighted its early competitive success and set the stage for its professional progression.
Divisional Achievements
The club won the South Central Division in USL League Two in 2022 with an 11–1–2 record, demonstrating strong performance in its inaugural season and advancing deep into the playoffs.
Series Achievements
One Knoxville SC has developed regional rivalries, including the Smoky Mountain Series against Asheville City SC and the Battle of the Barrel rivalry with Lexington SC. These series have enhanced the club’s competitive profile and fan engagement within the broader soccer community.
