Alley named WNC Coach of the Year, five players earn All-WNC selection

Polk County head coach George Alley and five Wolverines players earned All-Western North Carolina honors from the Asheville Citizen Times for the 2025 boys soccer season.

Alley was named All-WNC Coach of the Year after leading the Wolverines to their first state championship game appearance since 2006. Polk County finished as the 3A runner-up after falling to Wallace-Rose Hill 2-0 in the state final.

Senior forward Cooper Meyer earned All-WNC first-team honors after leading the Wolverines with 25 goals and 13 assists. Senior defender Will Garrison also earned first-team recognition after anchoring a defense that allowed fewer than a goal per game. Garrison was also an all-state selection.

Senior midfielder Thomas Varnadore and junior goalkeeper Charlie Wagoner each earned second-team All-WNC honors while senior defender Mason Hudson was named to the third team.

Reynolds senior midfielder Christian Penland was named All-WNC Player of the Year after scoring 17 goals with 14 assists and earning United Soccer Coaches’ All-Mid-Atlantic regional team honors.