This story first appeared on Oglethorpe.edu.

More than 50 alumni, friends, and family members gathered on Sept. 14 on the Conant Performing Arts Center veranda to honor and remember remarkable former Stormy Petrel athletes.

Men's and women's soccer alumni reconnected, shared memories, and celebrated foundational figures in Oglethorpe Athletics: Coaches Brett Teach, Mike Mitchell, and Todd Yelton, along with the late Terra Winthrop '96 and John Schaefer '92.

Hosted by Head Men's Soccer Coach Jon Akin, the men's team fell 1-0 in a hard-fought battle against No. 10 Babson College, while the women extended their winning streak to five with a commanding 6-0 victory over Huntingdon.

Three coaches who shaped Oglethorpe soccer in the early 1990s were honored at the tailgate. Brett Teach led the men's program from 1990–94 and the women's program in 1992–93 before going on to coach at Georgia State, Auburn Montgomery, Tusculum, and now Mount St. Mary's. Alongside him was longtime colleague Mike Mitchell, who served as his assistant from 1990–94 and guided the women's team in 1991. Although unable to attend, former women's head coach Todd Yelton (1994–96) was also recognized. Since 2002, Yelton has led Samford University's men's program, where he is the winningest coach in school history.

"Coaches Teach, Mitchell, and Yelton did tremendous work in the early '90s for our men's and women's soccer programs. The caliber of their coaching is clear from the success they went on to achieve at Division II and Division I schools," Akin said. "We are so grateful to have welcomed them back and to honor not only their dedication and hard work, but also the outstanding student-athletes they recruited and coached here at Oglethorpe."

The ceremony also provided a special moment to honor the late Terra Winthrop '96 and John Schaefer '92, celebrated by their families and former teammates.

"Perhaps the most profound moment of the weekend for our Oglethorpe community was the chance to honor the memory of two remarkable soccer players and people, Terra Winthrop '96 and John Schaefer '92," Akin said. "Creating space for their families and friends to see how deeply they shaped our programs made this occasion truly special."

Winthrop, represented by former teammate Tinnie Waterston Weber '97, remains one of the most decorated players in Oglethorpe women's soccer history. A 2011 Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Winthrop holds the single-season goals record and ranks among the program's all-time leaders in scoring and points. Beyond the field, Winthrop and her wife, Katina, raised four children, served as foster parents in Port Richey, Florida, and dedicated themselves to community service. She served 17 years as a corporal with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and volunteered as a youth coach. Winthrop passed away in 2020.

Schaefer, represented by his wife Lori Schaefer '90 M.A. '98, his two children, Jacob and Becca, and former teammate and roommate, Henry Broitman '91, devoted his life to family, teaching, and coaching. He was an elementary school teacher and coached multiple sports at Lanier High School, including baseball, soccer, and swimming. Schaefer passed away in 2023.

"It was great to return to Oglethorpe and reconnect with former players and coaches," said Broitman. "What truly drew me back was the program honoring my fallen teammate. Seeing the OU community support the Schaefer family and pay tribute to John with a halftime jersey presentation was incredibly meaningful."

It was a special day for Oglethorpe Soccer, with alumni and friends gathering to celebrate the programs and cheer on the Petrels.

"This celebration reminded us of the lifelong bonds that begin on the Oglethorpe field," said President Kathryn McClymond. "By honoring the coaches and players who came before, we recognize these remarkable alumni and leaders. They have built a legacy that continues to shape our soccer programs and strengthen our community today."