Player Pathways
Our academy has a proven track record of developing players for college, professional, and national-level soccer.
The Path to Excellence
We are dedicated to providing players with the opportunities they need to grow and succeed. Our U12 — U20 programs allow players to alternate between groups, allowing them to refine their skills, face new challenges, and develop their abilities in the best way possible.
Academy Entry
Foundation Phase
Development
Technical Focus
Pre-Professional
College Prep
Professional
Elite Competition
Academy Entry
Foundation Phase
Development
Technical Focus
Pre-Professional
College Prep
Professional
Elite Competition
Our Development Approach
Utah Red Wolves Academy has a proven track record of developing players for college, professional, and national-level soccer. Our structured U12 — U20 pathway ensures players are constantly progressing toward higher levels of competition.
We are dedicated to providing players with the opportunities they need to grow and succeed. Our programs allow players to refine their skills, face new challenges, and develop their abilities in the best way possible.
Success Stories
Meet just a few of the players who have progressed through our academy to achieve success at the next level.
Gharett
Gharett Morris
Gharett Morris is an accomplished alumnus of the Utah Red Wolves Academy, showcasing the academy's dedication to nurturing talent for higher levels of competition. As a central midfielder, Morris led the Utah Red Wolves Academy to a finals appearance in 2023, achieving a notable victory over the nation's top-ranked team during the tournament. In February 2024, he took a significant step in his professional journey by signing a USL Academy contract with the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Chattanooga's Head Coach, Scott Mackenzie, commended Morris's leadership and adaptability, stating, "Every challenge Gharrett has faced—men's soccer at 15, Academy Captain, playing USL League Two alongside some of the best college players in the United States—he has met with success. As the level of competition increases, so does Gharett's performance." His journey from the Utah Red Wolves Academy at the age of 14 to the professional level highlights the effectiveness of the academy's development pathways and its commitment to cultivating players who can thrive at advanced levels.
The Utah Red Wolves Academy provided me with the perfect environment to develop as both a player and a person. The coaches pushed me to be my best every day, and the competitive atmosphere prepared me for the professional level.
— Gharett Morris
Made his professional debut on May 25, 2024
Toby
Toby Grant
Toby Grant has consistently showcased remarkable talent and dedication throughout his journey. In 2023, he was recognized as a standout player during the USL Academy League Playoffs, highlighting his vital role in strengthening the team's defense. His dedication to excellence led to opportunities to train with the first team of the Chattanooga Red Wolves, where he gained invaluable professional experience. In 2024, Toby joined the University of Vermont's men's soccer program. His involvement with a national championship-winning team reflects the intense competition and development at this level. Toby's journey from the Utah Red Wolves Academy to collegiate soccer illustrates the academy's commitment to nurturing players who can excel at higher levels.
The training environment and competitive opportunities at Utah Red Wolves prepared me for the intensity of college soccer. The coaches pushed me to develop not just technically, but mentally as well.
— Toby Grant
Won the 2024 Division I National Championship with Vermont
Blake
Blake Oberholzer
Blake Oberholzer joined Utah Red Wolves Academy at age 14 and quickly established himself as a standout talent. His exceptional speed and technical ability on the wing caught the attention of scouts from multiple MLS clubs. After three years of development in our academy system, Blake signed a professional contract with an MLS Next Pro team, where he continues to develop toward a first-team opportunity. Blake's journey demonstrates the academy's ability to identify and develop elite talent, providing pathways to the highest levels of professional soccer in the United States.
The individual development plan at Utah Red Wolves helped me identify and improve specific areas of my game. The coaches created an environment where I could express myself while learning the professional habits needed at the next level.
— Blake Oberholzer
Named to MLS Next Pro Best XI in his debut season
Player Destinations
Our players have gone on to compete at top colleges and professional clubs.
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Joon Han | Central Midfielder | DePaul University |
| Ashton Duran | Forward | Westminster |
| Roark Looney | Goalkeeper | University of New Hampshire |
| Ethan Ross | Center Back | Snow College |
| Gabe De La Barra | Goalkeeper | Salt Lake Community College |
| Owen Gaisford | Striker | Utah State University Eastern |
| Toby Grant | Center Back | University of Vermont |
| Ariel Martinez | Goalkeeper | Utah Valley University |
| Duncan Jarvie | Striker | Stanford University |
| Kevin Jara | Central Midfielder | Salt Lake Community College |
| Mathias Del Lago | Goalkeeper | Utah State University Eastern |
| Isiah Ben | Forward | Colorado North Western |
| Dylan Hernandez | Forward | William Jewell |
| Elijah Tenger | Striker | Snow College |
| Ozzy Escalona | Central Midfielder | Utah State University Eastern |
| Cole Pergan | Center Back | Monmouth |
NCAA Division I
Our players have earned scholarships to top D1 programs including Stanford, UNC, Georgetown, and UCLA.
Academic Excellence
Our student-athletes maintain a 3.5+ GPA average, with many earning academic scholarships in addition to athletic offers.
College Preparation
Our college preparation program includes NCAA eligibility guidance, recruiting assistance, and showcase opportunities.
Our Development Process
How we identify, develop, and promote talented players to the next level.
Technical Excellence
Elite players emerge from competitive challenges and intensive training. Our methodology balances individual skill development with team tactics, creating adaptable athletes ready for high-level play.
- Position-specific training
- Tactical analysis
- Performance tracking
Training Innovation
Modern soccer demands quick thinking and tactical awareness. We blend traditional methods with cutting-edge analytics to develop players who excel in both fundamentals and strategic decision-making.
- Game simulation training
- Mental development
- Data analytics
Player Development
Success begins with a personalized roadmap. Each player's development plan combines technical, tactical, and physical training while building mental resilience and game intelligence.
- Elite competition
- Pro pathway mentoring
- Progress monitoring
Individual Development Plans
Each player in the academy follows a customized Individual Development Plan (IDP) to track their progress and ensure they are developing in key areas suited to their playing style and position.
Initial Assessment
Baseline evaluations assess technical skills, fitness levels, and tactical understanding.
Goal Setting & Customization
Coaches work with players to set personalized development targets (e.g., improving weak-foot passing, decision-making under pressure, physical strength).
Ongoing Evaluation
Regular performance reviews with data-backed progress tracking.
Feedback & Adjustments
Players receive video feedback, coach evaluations, and training modifications to ensure they stay on track with their IDP goals.
Start Your Journey with Utah Red Wolves
Take the first step toward a successful soccer career. Join Utah's premier youth soccer academy and develop your skills with elite coaching and competition.