Drew Yates – or Yatesy on the field – brings more than incredible ball skills to Stumptown Athletic. He’s a seasoned player and coach with amateur, college and pro experience and a history of winning. Yates attended the University of Maryland on a soccer scholarship, helping the team win the NCAA Division I title. The Chicago Fire drafted him in the second round (29th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, then had a trial with D.C. United before signing with FC Tampa Bay, then the Harrisburg City Islanders. He headed to Charlotte to play with the Charlotte Eagles, then traveled south to play with the Austin Aztex. Yates is also a coach with the Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club. He and his wife, Maria, have two daughters, two-year-old Evelyn and eight-month-old Eden. 

When did you start playing soccer?

I grew up in Bowie, Maryland, and started playing when I was four years old. My older brother played, so I was always at the field watching him and his friends play. I jumped in with them at times, which inspired me to get better and gave me confidence in my skills, because they were all 5-6 years older than me.

Late in middle school, I realized that I had the ability and drive to play professionally, and I worked really hard. I played club soccer for the two-time national champion Casa Mia’s Bays before attending the U.S. Soccer Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. I played for Dematha High School and was named the Washington Post Player of the Year and the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year, as well as a three-time High School All-American, which helped me get a soccer scholarship to the University of Maryland.

When did your soccer career take off?

I really grew in college at the University of Maryland, where I graduated with a degree in history. We won the NCAA Division I title, which was incredible. I was selected to the ACC All-Academic, Second Team All-Atlantic South Region and Second Team All-ACC teams.

Throughout my early years, I played with several great amateur teams, including the D.C. United Juniors, where we won the Danone Cup, and the D.C. United Y-league.

When did you start playing professional soccer?

After college the Chicago Fire drafted me in the second round (29th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, then I had a trial with D.C. United before signing with FC Tampa Bay, then the Harrisburg City Islanders. My next stop was in Charlotte to play with the Charlotte Eagles, then I traveled south to play with the Austin Aztex.

Who do you admire?

Growing up I loved Zinedine Zidane and Francesco Totti because of their ball skill and vision.  These days I don’t have a lot of time to watch games between working and being a husband/dad. I do really enjoy watching Marco Verratti play for Paris Saint-Germain because of his skill and vision and because he virtually never loses the ball on the field.

What made you sign with Stumptown Athletic?

Coach Steffens was a big reason I chose to play, as well as the mission and philosophy of the club to impact the community and focus on grassroots initiatives. I believe building relationships and caring about the community is just as important – if not more important – than on-field results!

What should fans know about you?

I hope people say, “Drew has fantastic skill and vision on the ball and makes those around him better.” I spend a lot of my time with youth players, serving as a coach and mentor, and that’s important to me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I’m off the field, I like to read and spend time with my family. It’s been a crazy ride – we’ve moved four times since we got married in 2015. We’re looking forward to staying in the Charlotte area for a while.

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