Memories of the 2025 season for the Greenville High Hornets soccer team are still fresh in the minds of fans all over town. The upstart Hornets became the number one team in the state towards the end of the regular season before exiting in a home playoff game. Players like Willie Wilson Jr., also known as “Teddy,” took their lifelong love and participation in the sport and ignited a fire in the community like never before. And the momentum continues as Wilson just made history by becoming the school’s first All-Star by participating in the 5A State All-Star game. “I think I fit right in with all of the rest of the All-Stars,” Wilson said. “I played in about 75 percent of the game. Wilson’s North Allstars emerged victorious 2-0, Tuesday, July 8, in Brandon.
As he embarks upon his senior year, Wilson will have more responsibility and the Hornets lose key players to graduation. This is nothing that he is unable to handle. According to Wilson’s father, Willie Sr., “I started off coaching him when he was five years old and he tried other sports. But he always preferred soccer and he started playing organized soccer with GYSA (Greenville Youth Soccer Association).”
Wilson is like most teenagers who like playing video games and hanging with friends. He said that not too many days go by where he is not practicing in the yard at home. “Teddy is an amazing young man,” said Greenville High head coach B.J. Lance. “He is a hard worker and loves to have fun at the same time. He is one of those kids who works on his game on his own and has fun doing it.”
Exciting times still lay ahead for the young history-making athlete as his final season with the Hornets approaches. His father said that Holmes Community College and Hinds Community College have expressed interest in his son playing collegiately. Being named an all-star, more offers are certain to come. But until then, there is unfinished business awaiting.
“Last year was one of the best seasons we ever had,” Wilson Jr. said. “I felt like we had a chance to win it all and I’m excited about this year.”
