Tom Gerlach

Tom Gerlach is a highly respected soccer coach with decades of experience developing youth and high school players at the highest levels. A former four‑year letterman at Carson‑Newman University, Tom went on to play semi‑professionally with the USISL Knoxville Impact before transitioning into an accomplished coaching career. He has accumulated 31 combined seasons of coaching experience across boys and girls programs, ranging from youth development to elite high school, club, collegiate, and semi‑professional levels.

Tom has coached at some of the highest competitive levels, including serving as a head coach in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and as an assistant coach at Tusculum University (NCAA Division II). At the high school level, he has led boys programs at Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) and Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA), coached girls varsity soccer at CPA, and guided Division I club teams for both boys and girls, earning a reputation for player development, competitive excellence, and strong leadership.

A 15‑time Coach of the Year, Tom has guided teams to 14 state final appearances, 9 state championships, and holds the state record for most consecutive high school state titles (5). Beyond the field, Tom is deeply involved in the soccer community. He serves as Director of Eagles Academy Nashville and International Youth Tours with the Charlotte Eagles, both part of Missionary Athletes International. He also sits on several leadership boards, including the United Soccer Coaches Association Faith‑Based Coaching Board, the Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches Association Executive Board, and the United Soccer Coaches Award of Excellence Committee, while chairing the Pinnacle Award and Division II‑A All‑State rankings and team selection.