KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - One Knoxville SC today announced the signing of two-time USL Championship title-winning winger Rich Ballard, pending league and federation approval. 

The 29-year-old joins One Knoxville SC after spending last season with Detroit City FC in which he recorded 1,226 minutes and 26 matches across all competitions for the USL Championship side in 2023. 

A graduate of Indiana University, Ballard began his professional career in his hometown with USL Championship heavyweights Louisville City FC, recording five goals and six assists across 39 matches. In three seasons with LouCity, Ballard helped the club advance to three consecutive USL Championship Finals between 2017 and 2019 and claim back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.

During the 2021 and 2022 USL Championship seasons, Ballard competed for Miami FC, totaling two assists across 33 appearances for the club.

"Ballard's pace and ability in one-versus-one situations will excite our fans this year as he will be one the Scruffs will want to watch week in, week out," Knoxville Head Coach Mark McKeever said. "Rich Ballard could be one of the most exciting signings One Knoxville SC has had."

"I am excited to play for a coach I have been in contact with for a while," Ballard said. "I know what he is building in Knoxville, and I'm really looking forward to playing exciting football this season."