FORNEY — What began as a five-year-old girl chasing a soccer ball across a Forney Parks and Recreation field has evolved into one of the most remarkable athletic journeys this community has ever witnessed. Today, Forney High School sophomore Addison “Addi” Staats is garnering national attention as one of the most promising young soccer players in the country. She not only shines on the Jackrabbit roster but is also a regular invitee to U.S. Soccer’s elite national team development programs.
A Humble Beginning
Staats’ path did not commence with private academies or high-profile showcases. Instead, it began, like many local stories, with Saturday mornings at Mulberry Park, a simple love for the game, and a competitive spark that set her apart from her peers. That initial spark has since transformed into something much grander.
National Recognition
Since the U14 age group, Staats has received invitations to the U.S. Soccer National Team program each year, a distinction held by only a select few players nationwide. Earlier this year, she was called up to the U16 U.S. Soccer National Team Camp. Her training schedule resembles that of professional athletes more than that of a high school sophomore. Next Wednesday, she will report once again to a U.S. Soccer Talent ID Camp. In January, she will train with Gotham FC, a National Women’s Soccer League club that boasts some of the sport's most recognizable players.
Training with Legends
Staats already has experience in that professional environment. Over fall break, she trained with Bay FC in California under the legendary Brandi Chastain, one of the most iconic figures in American soccer history, best known for her decisive penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final. A recent photo of Staats and Chastain captures a significant moment between a pioneer of the game and a young player aspiring to follow a similar path.
Achievements at Home
While her national and professional training opportunities continue to expand, Staats has also made a notable impact at home. At Forney High School, she earned District 10-6A Rookie of the Year honors, followed by the District Utility Player of the Year award, and was named Academic All District. She played a crucial role in guiding the Jackrabbits through district, bi-district, area, regional, and state postseason success, including a run to the state semifinals. Her academic performance is equally impressive; she participates in the Collegiate Academy Dual Credit Program, maintains a 4.0 grade point average, and ranks near the top of her class.
A Rising Star
Staats also plays for Solar Soccer Club, one of the premier youth programs in the nation, where she has contributed to ECNL league championships, conference titles, and deep postseason runs. Her recent competition stats include 15 goals and 26 assists. Coaches commend her game understanding and her willingness to do whatever is necessary for her team, which distinguishes her from most players her age.
Support from Home
Her schedule involves training and travel that rivals the demands placed on much older athletes. Her mother, Tiffany Staats, acknowledges that while the accomplishments are impressive, it is the work ethic behind them that stands out most. “She started in Forney Rec soccer at 5 years old,” Tiffany said. “To see how far she has come, and to know she did it through effort, coaching, and opportunities she earned, is incredible.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The future appears wide open for Staats. College programs have already begun to monitor her progress, and her ambitions extend well beyond the pitch. She plans to pursue a degree in biomedical or bioengineering, aiming to develop medical devices and prosthetics that enhance human movement. She intends to continue her soccer career at the highest level available to her, and those who have observed her development believe that professional play is a realistic possibility.
A Testament to Potential
Her story is significant not only for her achievements but also for her humble beginnings. Forney has always taken pride in its athletes, and Staats embodies what is possible when talent, opportunity, and determination intersect. She serves as a reminder that world-class dreams can take root in the most ordinary places, including a youth rec field where a young girl once fell in love with the game.
Many believe this is just the beginning. If her trajectory continues, the next time Forney residents see Addison Staats wearing the crest of the United States, it may not be at a development camp. It may be on the world stage, representing her country in the sport that first inspired her as a child.
