Discipline Is Freedom: Tucker Kern’s Relentless Drive at the Heart of the Hops
Wearing jersey No. 8 and anchoring the midfield as a six, Tucker Kern is a crucial piece of the puzzle for Charlotte Hops FC. Now in his second year with the team, he focuses on staying composed, working hard, and keeping things steady in the middle of the field. He’s the kind of player who always wants to be involved and help control the flow of the game. Traits that reflect both his high-level training and his relentless mindset.
Kern’s soccer roots run deep. Raised in a soccer family, he grew up watching and competing alongside his brothers, starting his own journey at six years old with Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA). He advanced through CSA’s Development Academy and ECNL programs before taking a big step in his development. He took a gap year to spend playing semi-professionally in Spain. Now, he's preparing to begin the next chapter of his career at the United States Air Force Academy, following in the footsteps of both his brothers.
“Soccer was definitely the gateway and the doorway for me to be able to create and take advantage of a lot of opportunities that not all people get.”
Tucker Kern’s connection to Charlotte Hops FC goes back to his youth, when his current coach, Morteza Ebrahimi, led his CSA team. Hearing about the team from older CSA players who were part of the Hops’ first season inspired Kern to aim for that level, and he eventually made that goal a reality. When asked about his strengths on the field, Kern highlighted the skills that help him contribute the most to the team.
“My strengths are definitely my communication, work ethic, and technical ability,” he explains. “I love to be on the ball and try to be involved as often as I can.”
For Tucker, the game is about more than just performance, it's about purpose. Off the field, he enjoys playing guitar, spending time with his family and dog, and connecting with others. “I might not look like it on the field, but I’m a big people’s person,” he says.
As for matchday, his approach is mental. “Visualization is a big part of my pregame ritual,” he shares. “I try to clear my mind, go for a walk, stay off my phone, and just mentally prepare.”
Kern lives by a quote that influences him the most. “Discipline is freedom. Being able to do the hard stuff and do the things that you don't want to do really sets you up for the future.” He adds, “The biggest thing I’ve learned is the ability to truly give your all to something, most people don’t even realize how much potential they’re leaving on the table.”
With a team-first mindset and an elite-level focus, Tucker Kern is not just a player to watch, he’s a leader that continues to shape the identity of Charlotte Hops FC.
Written by Sage Branch