The Nashville SC Unified Team has officially launched its 2025 season with an electrifying road matchup against Atlanta United FC Unified on Saturday, May 3rd, at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team hit the road Friday afternoon, brimming with energy and determination as they set off for Atlanta. After a great battle on the pitch, the match ended in a 0-0 tie.
This year’s roster brings fresh faces and new talent, with several athletes ready to make their Unified Team debuts and take the pitch together for the first time.
Ahead of the season opener, athlete Braden Jenkins sat down with Charlie Milhizer—a first-year member of the Nashville SC Unified Team and Special Olympics Tennessee—to hear about his journey and what he's most excited about this season.
“[I’m looking forward to] playing in Chicago,” Milhizer shared. “I have family there.”
Milhizer was introduced to the team by fellow athlete and current teammate Carl Ramey, who encouraged him to try out this season. That encouragement paid off, as Milhizer now finds himself on the field, proudly representing Nashville.
Jenkins also caught up with returning Unified Partner Harper Gibson, who will be joining him at this year’s MLS All-Star Game—an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage.
“It’s a really cool experience because you get to hang out with people you might not have met before,” Gibson said. “Just playing soccer with a bunch of people and getting to travel is definitely a highlight of my year.”
Harper also shares the field with her brother, Gray, who plays as an athlete on the team. The sibling duo is entering their second season together, building unforgettable memories on and off the pitch.
“It’s really fun to get to play with Gray because there aren’t a lot of co-ed teams or opportunities like this for people with disabilities,” Harper said. “It’s really special to have that sibling bond.”
Want to see the Unified Team in action? Don’t miss their next home match on Saturday, May 10th, when they take on Charlotte FC Unified at GEODIS Park in Nashville. The team will then wrap up their season on the road with a final showdown against Chicago Fire FC Unified on June 14th.
To learn more about Unified sports, click here.
