FHS History

The first Lady Rebel soccer team began as a club team in 1982. Under head coaches Cecillia Dodd( '82-'84) and Kala Wiggins('85), the team compiled a record of 42-0-2, going undefeated 7 straight seasons until the state finals in 1988. This record unbeaten streak of 96 games still stands today. Both Coach Dodd and Coach Wiggins earned State Championship titles in 1984 and 1985 via the TN Independent Lady Soccer League, precursor to the TSSAA.

In 1986, The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association sanctioned the sport of soccer; and first year Coach Gary Shrader continued a success story that may never be duplicated. From 1984 to 1993, the Lady Rebels won 9 State titles and 1 second place finish. During this time three national records were set: 1) most state championships(9), 2) most consecutive wins (83), 3) most consecutive games without a defeat (96). The team was also ranked in the top twenty in the country for 5 consecutive years.

The Lady Rebels came under new leadership in 1997, when Jimmy Burchett was named head coach. During his tenure, the Lady Rebels have compiled a win% of 75%. Beginning in 1999, FHS appeared in 5 consecutive State Championship games, winning State titles in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2011. The Lady Rebels have also advanced in the State Tournament Finals in 1999, 2001, 2009 and 2010; Semi-Finals in 2008, and Quarter-Finals in 2006 and 2007. With the 2009 season, Burchett became the most visited coach at the TSSAA State Tournament, advancing in 11 different seasons.

Burchett's 2011 State Championship team was the most successful single-season Tennessee H.S. soccer team of all time (boys or girls), going 24-0-0, and being named the #1 H.S. soccer team in the nation by both adidas NSCCA and Powerade ESPN.

Since its beginning in 1982, The Franklin High Lady Rebels have compiled a record of 480-97-40. All American honors have been awarded 13 times: Shauna Christiansen('86); Trish Sisson('87); Jenger Burchett('90,'91,'92); Jennifer Burchett('91, '92); Brittney Potts('00, '01); Katy Rayburn('02); Lucy Brient('08), Morgan Zigelsky('09), and Jessica HIskey('11).

Many, many hard working and dedicated young ladies, club and developmental coaches, and parents have contributed to make this program one of the greatest traditions in Tennessee High School Athletics.

Of all High Schools Nationally, Franklin High School is currently ranked 11th on the most all-time State Soccer Championships list, 5th on the all-time most games without a defeat list, and 3rd on the all-time most consecutive victories list, according to the NSCAA.

The Lady Rebels Historical Pictorial - 1982 until Present

(Click on the thumbnails of pictures to view full size.)