Founders Federal Credit Union is proud to support women's sports programs at USC Upstate, please enjoy the latest feature on USC Upstate women's soccer presented by Founders FCU.

Savannah Noll had a decision to make.

She was coming off a standout freshman season at Longwood University, where she earned Big South All-Freshman honors, started 14 games, and made an immediate impact for the Lancers. She loved her teammates. She loved competing. She even loved the program overall.

But there was something in the back of her mind she couldn't shake.
"I realized pretty early on that psychology wasn't for me," she admitted. "I knew I wanted to pursue physical therapy and exercise science instead, but Longwood didn't have the program I needed."

So after just one season, Noll took a big leap of faith—entering the transfer portal in search of a place that could fulfill her academic and athletic goals. That search led her closer to home and ultimately to USC Upstate, where she has flourished ever since.

What she found when she stepped on campus surprised her.

"I had never really heard of USC Upstate even though it's just an hour from Charlotte," she admitted. "I thought coming to a smaller town from a bigger city would feel boring. But honestly, I've never been bored here. There's always something to do, and the campus is interactive. I've been able to connect with professors and have some amazing academic opportunities."

On the field, the senior exercise science major with a concentration in pre-physical therapy quickly became a key contributor for the Spartans.

After earning Big South All-Freshman honors at Longwood, she joined Upstate in the spring of 2023. She helped the Spartans to back-to-back Big South Championship Game appearances, including a 2024 tournament title and NCAA appearance.

Her transition was seamless thanks to the inclusive culture within the team. "It honestly didn't feel like I was left out at all," she said. "The girls were super welcoming from the start. Coming in during the spring gave me time to bond with everyone and settle into how the team played."

That playing style was another adjustment—and one she embraced.

"Coach Sharif really wants us to understand the game, not just play it," she explained. "At Upstate, everything is so much more structured and thought out—there's a reason behind everything we do. It was a challenge at first, but I've learned more about soccer and myself in the last two years than ever before."

Head coach Sharif Saber noticed her curiosity and commitment right away.

"Savannah is a natural fit for what we value in this program," Saber said. "She's genuinely passionate about health and performance, always asking why we do things, and taking ownership of her development. That mindset raises the standard for everyone."

It's no surprise, then, that Noll has become something of a go-to resource for her teammates off the field as well. "My senior legacy role has been like the team nutritionist," she said with a laugh. "People come to me for advice on what to eat before or after games, how much protein to get, hydration tips. I love that side of it—helping people, seeing them improve."

That passion extends beyond soccer. After graduation, Noll plans to attend physical therapy school and work in sports medicine. She's already logged more than 200 shadowing hours, conducted two research projects—including one that earned a Magellan grant from USC Columbia—and presented her findings at symposiums.

"Being able to do research and get some funding will really help set my applications a part from others," she said. "The grants haven't been exactly  PT-related, but it shows I'm dedicated to learning and improving, just like on the field."

And her goals don't stop there.

"I've always wanted to run a marathon after graduation," she added. "It's something I've been thinking about for years."

Coach Saber is quick to talk about how Noll fit the program's identity on and off the pitch.

"Savannah reflects exactly the kind of student-athlete we want," Saber said. "Driven, informed, and fully committed to what we're building here."

For anyone considering following in her footsteps, Noll's advice is simple.

"Upstate has been everything I hoped for and more," she said. "Soccer is competitive, but it's also smart and purposeful. The academics open doors. And the people? They make it feel like home."

She may be known among teammates for her health advice—or even her unique love of cottage cheese as a go-to snack—but more than anything, Savannah Noll has made her mark at USC Upstate by caring deeply about others and the overall process of success.