Eli Cook Earns Academy Contract with One Knox

Published on March 13, 2026 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
One Knoxville SC News Release

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - While the present has treated One Knoxville SC nicely, the reigning USL League One champions are always looking towards an even brighter future. On Friday, the club announced that it has signed forward Eli Cook to a USL Academy Contract, pending league and federation approval.

The Academy Contract allows academy players the chance to train and compete with the first team in professional matches while retaining their NCAA eligibility, should they choose a collegiate route for their playing career down the road. The 16-year-old Cook will be available for roster selection beginning with One Knox's home opener on Saturday against Forward Madison FC.

A native of Riverside, California, Cook is now taking his talents to the Volunteer State after a successful and well-traveled youth career. Between 2024 and 2025, the 6-foot attacker was a household name throughout the Elite Club National League (ECNL) ranks, having twice earned All-Conference and All-American honors. Cook also earned a selection to the ECNL National Selection Game roster last November. In 2023, he took part in US Soccer's U-14 West Region ID Camp.

Cook is now ready to build on that momentum as he readies for his first taste of professional soccer.

He and One Knox are set for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on Saturday against Forward Madison FC at Covenant Health Park. Tickets are still available with every fan in attendance to receive a free club-branded flag and treated to a postmatch fireworks show.

TRANSACTION

One Knoxville SC has signed forward Eli Cook to a USL Academy Contract for the 2026 season.

PLAYER BIO

Name: Eli Cook

Position: Forward

Height: 6'0

Weight: 160

DOB: 6/3/09

Nationality: USA

United Soccer League One Stories from March 13, 2026

• Forward Madison FC Signs Keith (Kage) Romanshyn on Loan from Minnesota United FC - Forward Madison FC
• Forward Madison FC Re-Signs Defender Eddie Munjoma - Forward Madison FC
• Velocity FC Signs Reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Sean Lewis - Spokane Velocity FC
• When It Comes to Cosmos Forwards, Sebastián Guenzatti Will Lead the Attack - New York Cosmos
• Eli Cook Earns Academy Contract with One Knox - One Knoxville SC
• Union Omaha Announces 2026 Promotions Schedule - Union Omaha
• Max Rose, 'Patient and Positive Teacher,' Rejoins Fort Wayne Football Club as Goalkeepers Coach - Fort Wayne FC
• Kyle Barganski Becomes First Corpus Christi Native to Sign for Corpus Christi FC - Corpus Christi FC
• Sarasota Paradise Signs Ghananian Goalkeeper Rockson Amedeka - Sarasota Paradise

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