STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced on Thursday it had signed forward Christopher Hellmann for the 2019 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. The Cologne, Germany native was selected 29th overall by Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Hellmann also played professionally with the USL Championship’s Charlotte Independence and German club FC Astoria Walldorf.

"Chris is a player who is a proven goalscorer,” said Tormenta FC Head Coach John Miglarese said. “His experience in the USL and playing in Germany will provide much-needed quality and maturity in our front four. He is a great fit for what we are trying to build here."

Hellmann attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla, where he had an exceptional collegiate career, tallying a total 49 goals and 29 assists across 45 appearances. Ranking second in the history of Lynn’s men’s soccer program for goals, points and game-winning goals, he is also one of only five players in the program to collect 100 points in his career.

In 2014, Hellmann helped his team win the NCAA Division II National Championship while also leading the Division II in goals that season. The forward was named NCAA Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and made the All American First Team in both 2014 and 2015.

While in college, Hellmann played two seasons with USL League Two’s Des Moines Menace and was a named a finalist for the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 2014. In 2016, he joined the Independence, which was followed by two seasons with FC Astoria Walldorf. In 2017, he helped the team reach the Round of 16 in the DFB Pokal German Cup.

“Tormenta is an exciting club with great owners who are making a lot of smart decisions,” Hellmann said. “The club is going in the right direction, and I am proud to be part of this path. I want to help the club carry over the success they have had in [League Two] and recreate that in the professional ranks.

“After my conversations with John Miglarese, I knew pretty quickly that Tormenta FC is a good fit for me both personally and from a football standpoint. I also know many of my teammates already which helps a lot. I am excited for the upcoming season!”