Cleveland High School’s CJ Garrett will be returning to his hometown to continue his academic and soccer career. Raised in Athens, Garrett recently celebrated signing with Tennessee Wesleyan to play for the Bulldogs between the goal posts.

“CJ came to us this year from McMinn. He has had a great season for us. He is extremely hard working, has a great attitude every single day and is really a leader out their on the field. Every day he tries to better himself. I don’t think he has even scratched his full potential as a goalkeeper. He is just going to continue to improve. It’s been a pleasure having him here, and I can’t wait to see him play some games at Wesleyan,” stated Cleveland head coach John Brose.

Garrett, one of the Raiders’ starting goalkeepers, has put up an impressive display this season, and has helped lead his team to a No. 2 seeding in the upcoming District 5-AAA tournament.

“I’m just really excited that everything I have worked for has come to an ending and a new beginning. I’m really excited to start working with the coaches and see what they have in store for me,” Garrett expressed.

He won’t be making the trip alone. Earlier in the season Raider defender Rob Cooke also inked with Wesleyan to take the pitch for the Bulldogs, and Garrett is excited to have a teammate to make the journey with.

“I’m really looking forward to having a buddy on the team. That’s always a positive thing, and I think it will make the transition even better,” he stated.

In addition to manning the goal for Wesleyan, Garrett plans on majoring in business administration and pursuing a possible minor in music.

On the pitch, he expressed how anxious he is to learn and grow in a sport he has come to love ever since he was a child.

“My best friend back in fifth grade got me into soccer. He had a little 5-by-5 goal in his backyard. We would just play a little one versus one from dawn until dusk, and we had a blast,” Garrett explained.