CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday announced the signing of Omar Hernández to the 2024 roster, pending league and federation approval, at a player reveal event.

One of the most storied players in Dalton, Ga.'s soccer-rich history, the midfielder led Dalton High School to the 2019 Georgia State Championship and was named the 2018-19 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player Of The Year. During his time with the Catamounts, he set the school record for scoring and assists with 84 goals and 64 assists and was also named Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year on two occasions.

He played for the Red Wolves' USL League Two affiliate Dalton Red Wolves SC where he scored one goal in six appearances during the 2019 season. Hernández also spent time developing in the Atlanta United FC and Chattanooga FC academies.

Hernández began his collegiate career with Wake Forest University between 2019 and 2022 where he scored 13 goals and ten assists in 70 appearances and 32 starts. He was named to the 2022 ACC Preseason Watch List and received a nomination to the United Soccer Coaches' Third-Team All-South Region in 2021.

Hernández then spent the 2023 season as a graduate transfer playing with Mercer University, participating in the Southern Conference. He scored three goals across 18 appearances and 16 starts with three assists. 

"A top talent, but more importantly a top talent with roots in Chattanooga and Dalton," said Chattanooga Head Coach Scott Mackenzie. "Omar is someone all the young players in Chattanooga and Dalton can look to as an inspiration and all our fans can call their own. He had a tremendous college career at two top schools in Wake Forest and Mercer, and I couldn't be more excited to have his wand of a left foot here with us at the Red Wolves."

"Omar represents all the pieces that make the Red Wolves the ideal pathway to professional soccer," said President and General Manager of the Red Wolves, Sean McDaniel. "His influence in the Dalton, Ga. market goes back many, many years. He has brought great notoriety to that city and we are so pleased to be a part of his soccer journey and showcase his talent to the wonderful Red Wolves fans of that proud community and beyond."

"I can't wait to join the team and kick off the 2024 season," said Hernández. "I'm so excited to be here and start my professional career in the Scenic City where I grew up playing. Lots of great things to come this year from the team with opportunities to compete for championships. Can't wait to meet all the fans in person and play in front of you guys in the Den!"