News Summary
Savannah Noll, a senior transfer from Longwood University, has made a significant impact on the USC Upstate women’s soccer team and is pursuing a career in physical therapy. After transferring due to the lack of relevant programs at her former school, Noll quickly adapted to her new environment and has been recognized for her contributions both on and off the field. With aspirations to attend physical therapy school, Noll is dedicated to her studies and her athletic career, showcasing the value of supportive educational settings for student-athletes.
Spartanburg, SC – Savannah Noll, a senior exercise science major at USC Upstate, has transitioned from Longwood University to her new academic and athletic home in pursuit of greater opportunities in physical therapy. Noll, who previously earned Big South All-Freshman honors at Longwood University, transferred after one season due to the lack of specific programs available at her former institution.
At Longwood, Noll made a notable impact by starting 14 games during her freshman season. However, the absence of a physical therapy and exercise science program prompted her to seek a new environment where she could thrive both academically and athletically. Upon her arrival at USC Upstate in the spring of 2023, she found the campus to be engaging and interactive, allowing her to build meaningful connections with professors and explore diverse academic opportunities.
Since joining USC Upstate, Noll has rapidly established herself as an integral player on the women’s soccer team. She has played a significant role in the team’s accomplishments, which include reaching the Big South Championship Game twice and winning the 2024 tournament title, leading to participation in the NCAA tournament. Her smooth integration into the team has been aided by feeling welcomed by her new teammates, which helped facilitate her transition into the culture of collegiate athletics at USC Upstate.
Soccer Coach Sharif Saber has praised Noll’s curiosity and commitment to the game, noting that she embodies the core values of the program through her passion for health and performance. In addition to her on-field contributions, Noll has taken on a senior legacy role within the team as a nutrition resource, providing her teammates with guidance on diet and hydration to enhance their performance.
Looking ahead, Noll plans to continue her education by attending physical therapy school after graduation and is ambitious about carving a career in sports medicine. She has already completed over 200 hours of shadowing professionals in the field and has engaged in two research projects, demonstrating her investment in her future. Her dedication has also been recognized with a Magellan grant for research, further highlighting her commitment to her studies.
Noll has personal aspirations beyond her academic and career goals, including a desire to run a marathon after graduating. This goal reflects her long-standing passion for fitness and endurance sports. Coach Saber has expressed support for Noll’s aspirations and her unwavering dedication to the athletic program, emphasizing her driven nature and informed approach to both sports and academics.
Noll has characterized her experience at USC Upstate as fulfilling, attributing her satisfaction to the competitive yet purposeful environment of the soccer program and the supportive community surrounding the campus. This nurturing atmosphere has helped her feel at home, allowing her to excel both in the classroom and on the soccer field.
As Savannah Noll closes out her senior year, her journey from Longwood University to USC Upstate embodies the pursuit of personal and academic growth, showcasing the significant impact that a supportive educational environment can have on student-athletes. With promising plans for her future in physical therapy and a continued commitment to soccer, Noll represents the dedication and passion the university seeks to instill in all its students.
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Additional Resources
- USC Upstate News: The Right Fit for Savannah Noll
- USC Upstate News: Developmental Team Addition
- Daily Tar Heel: NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament
- USC Upstate News: 2025 Women’s Soccer Schedule
- Google Search: Women’s Soccer USC Upstate
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