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Erin Jiminez is the Lady Indians’ new varsity soccer coach. TFS ATHLEICS/Submitted
The Lady Indians’ soccer team opens a new era with the announcement of Erin Jiminez as its new head coach. Jiminez brings a stellar soccer resume with her, and recently assisted the TFS Middle School team, which went undefeated in 2023.
“TFS is excited for Erin to lead our girls soccer program,” Athletic Director Scott Neal said. “An energetic leader who connects very well with her athletes, Erin’s collegiate experience, vision for great character to be evident in all endeavors, and passion for soccer to be the tool for team and individual growth combine for opportunities for TFS girls soccer to build off recent success. We look forward to the profound impact the leadership of Coach Jimenez will have with the soccer program.”
Jiminez’s love for the game began late in middle school, and went on to play high school at Stephens County and collegiately for Toccoa Falls College, where she graduated in Spring 2023.
“I started playing soccer late in life compared to many of my other peers,” Jiminez said. “I started playing in 8th grade and that first season I sat bench 90 percent of the time. Even though I didn’t play much, I fell in love with the sport and worked incredibly hard training by myself over the summer. That next year I not only made the team in 9th grade, but was allowed to move up and be a sub for varsity. I found my groove in high school as a center defender and finished out my career at SCHS as a varsity captain with awards and honors. That last year I also committed to playing for Toccoa Falls College. Flash forward a few more years to my last season at TFC, where I also got to be a captain. That season ended with a 3rd-place title at Nationals for my team and some very cool accolades for myself. My soccer career has been very full and filled with blessings.”
To that end, Jiminez was a first-team All-American, 1st-Team All-Region, and All-Tournament team at Nationals.
On taking on the Lady Indians, Jiminez will take that same work ethic onto the pitch for TFS.
“I have high hopes for this squad,” Jiminez said. “I was the assistant middle school coach, working alongside Laura Higbie, and so I know a few of the girls already. I know how hard they can work, I know what they’re capable of, and I could not be more excited to see all the talent blend together to make an unforgettable team. My goals and plans for them is to first and foremost have fun. Soccer is where I have made so many memories and where I’ve made my best friends. I want this for them as well. That being said, I also want to coach them to be competitive, respectful, and to continue the season of success they are following.”
The Lady Indians are coming off a third straight Region Runner-Up finish and a school-record 12 wins, making state for a third time in a row. The girls advanced to their first-ever Sweet 16, and have increased their win total each of the past three seasons. The No. 6 state ranking achieved in 2023 was the first time the Lady Indians earned a spot in the polls.
Though all-time goal-scoring champion Addie Higbie graduated along with a handful of other key pieces, the team brings back Region Defensive Player of the Year and All-State selection Josie Chesser along with star keeper Kyndal Anderson (1st Team All-Region) and 2nd Team All-Region selections Tessa Foor and Gemma Farris. Rising freshman LB Kafsky is also coming off a 30-goal season and will likely have an immediate impact.
“The potential,” Jiminez said on what excites her most of the opportunity. “I have seen an overwhelming amount of potential in these girls, and I know they are capable of anything they decide they want. I am so excited to see them get together as a team, work together, and reap the benefits of that hard work together.”
Jiminez becomes the fourth coach in TFS girls soccer history, taking over from Travis Mullis, who stepped down from the position after this past season.
– Brian Carter