ELON, N.C. ? Elon men’s soccer freshman Chris Thomas was recently identified on the annual list of “100 Freshmen to Keep an Eye On” issued by College Soccer News. Thomas, a native of Snellville, Ga., was also honored on the ESPN RISE All-America team a few weeks ago.
 
“It is great having Chris at Elon,” commented Phoenix head coach Darren Powell. “Chris has started off well, as have all the freshmen. He is learning about the players as well as the team system and is showing progress. We are training hard and looking forward to the fall season where we hope Chris will continue to improve and transition into the college game.”
 
Thomas was a standout at Greater Atlanta Christian, setting school records for goals in a season with 53 tallies and career strikes with 143. The forward led GAC to three state titles and was named the 2008-09 Gatorade Georgia Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Thomas was also honored as the 2009 Georgia High School State Player of the Year and was a 2008 NSCAA All-South Region selection. He helped the Norcross Fury 91 club team to the state cup title and the CASL championship in 2008.
 
Elon opens its season with an exhibition at Campbell on Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. The regular-season begins when the Phoenix host High Point on Tuesday, September 1 at 7 p.m.