Spencer Woolley breaks away to Mars Hill University
Owen soccer standout takes speed and footwork to Madison County
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 7, 2026
Surrounded by his Owen teammates and head coach Trei Morrison, senior Spencer Woolley commits, May 5, to play soccer for Mars Hill University. Photo by Fred McCormick
Throughout his four-year high school soccer career in the Western Highlands Conference, Owen senior Spencer Woolley was comfortable on the field in Madison County, scoring 6 goals in two road appearances against the Patriots.
While the sight of Woolley dashing toward the net on the outside was common in Warhorse Stadium, the program’s leading scorer hopes to make it a familiar one for fans of Mars Hill University, following a May 5 signing ceremony in the Owen media center.
The striker was a prolific offensive weapon for Owen, scoring 71 goals in 75 shots on goal in four varsity seasons. Woolley tallied 17 assists while playing nearly 2,400 minutes throughout 58 games in maroon and white. As he celebrated the milestone with family, friends, teammates and coaches, the former team captain reflected on the opportunity to continue playing the sport he has loved since he was 4 years old.
“I entered this process a little late, and at first it seemed like it might be hard to choose a college I wanted to attend,” he said. “Mars Hill was a school I really wanted to go to, so knowing that I will get to continue playing soccer at a place like that is really exciting.”
Woolley made his varsity debut for the Warhorses as a freshman in 2022, making an appearance in the team’s state championship victory. He helped lead the program to the west regional match as a sophomore, the second round in 2024, before scoring 42 goals in his senior season, and taking his team back to the third round. Owen posted a combined record of 35-1-1 in the Western Highlands Conference throughout Woolley’s tenure with the program.
“Some of the best years of my life were the ones I spent with this program,” he said. “I’m so grateful to have been part of so many big moments with this team.”
The student-athlete’s career at Owen began with the arrival of current head coach Trei Morrision, who has been working with Woolley joined the Highland Football Club at the age of 8. While his skills were immediately apparent on the field, where he scored 4 goals in the second half last November to lead the Warhorses to a second-round playoff win, his character makes him special, according to his longtime coach.
Spencer Woolley, who committed, May 5, to play soccer for Mars Hill University, scored 71 goals in nearly 2,400 minutes during his four-year career at Owen. Photo by Fred McCormick
“He’s always had athletic ability, but he recognized early the importance of listening to his coaches and developing a real understanding of the technical aspects of the game,” Morrison said. “He worked extremely hard to do that, and while he could have relied on his ability, alone, he didn’t.”
Woolley chose, instead, to embrace the game’s challenges, the coach continued.
“He’s not very big, but he is really strong, and his athleticism and toughness are obvious the second the game starts,” said Morrison, who coached at Mars Hill from 200 to 2005. “But, his real strength is his desire and determination to succeed. Spencer doesn’t quit or give up on himself or his teammates. He always keeps fighting and pushing.”
Woolley credits the coach with playing a key role in his development.
“I was so excited when he came here to coach,” Woolley said. “We won the first state championship in the history of this program and always pushed me to get better. Really,, he made all of us believe that we can compete for championship every year.”
Building a winning culture requires “hard work,” the senior added.
“I think that’s one of the things this program did to prepare me for the next level,” Woolley said. “I’m looking forward to all of the new challenges at Mars Hill, because I understand that’s what is necessary to win.”
Spencer Woolley, joined by his parents and coach Trei Morrison, May 5, signs with the Mars Hill University Lions. Photo by Fred McCormick
The Lions, who compete in the South Atlantic Conference, will add a well-rounded player with a keen understanding of the game, according to Morrison.
“He has such a great talent as a striker and attacking player, but he was always a team player who was willing to do whatever it took to help us win,” he said. “He scored a lot of goals because he knew that was what we needed him to do, and he got really good at it.”
It is a skill Woolley hopes to continue to sharpen at Mars Hill, where he plans to major in recreation and sport management.
“I’m really looking forward to showing the team I am a hard-working player who is motivated to help my teammates and the program,” he said. “Similarly to the process I went through here, I want to establish myself as someone they can trust.”