Age: 21
Position: Forward
Hometown: Seattle, WA
School: University of Connecticut
Height: 6-3
Get to know Charlie:
If you’ve seen the Bridges in action the past two seasons, you’ve no doubt seen Charlie Holmes somewhere out on the pitch. Playing any position along the sidelines as well as attacking midfield and forward, the Swiss-Army Knife of the squad returns for a third season with Ballard FC. #16 looks to use whatever tools he can to help the team, explaining, “Whether that’s starting or coming off the bench, I just want to impact the game as much as I can… I like to be dynamic and direct, do whatever I can to get us back to that winning standard that Ballard FC has been known for, with winning the conference and then making a run in the playoffs.”
When reflecting on the success of Ballard FC throughout the seasons, the Seattle native was quick to note, “I know what it takes to be at that level. Here, the level is so high on a day-to-day basis that it becomes an elevated standard. I don’t think you can find that anywhere else in the area playing USL 2.” Mentality remains key for the club to deliver results on the scoreboard, with Holmes asserting, “I like to be constructive in a positive way and applaud my teammates’ hard work and good plays. I’m first to say, ‘hey, next one, keep going’ and sometimes that’s all they need.” A veteran presence within the Ballard squad, Holmes supports his teammates through his natural desire to set the bar and be match-ready at all times. He exclaimed, “I don’t have trouble staying motivated in the offseason. I love to work out and stay healthy. I’m looking forward to my last year of college, which is motivating me to have a really good season this summer.”
Biography
Charlie Holmes is a third year player for Ballard FC. Before college, Holmes played in the Seattle Sounders Academy and for Lakeside School where he was team captain and twice received First Team All-Metro honors. He started his collegiate career with Bucknell University in 2022 where he played in all 17 matches and made 16 starts as a freshman. Holmes scored two goals and one assist in 2022, receiving Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors once. Then after winning a national title with Ballard FC, Holmes returned to Bucknell for his sophomore season. Holmes started in all 16 matches as a sophomore, scoring three goals and dishing out two assists in 2023. His efforts earned him Third Team All-Patriot League honors as well as a transfer to the University of Connecticut (UConn). After another summer and second straight division title with Ballard FC, Holmes arrived for his first season at UConn. He would go on to play in 17 matches, and make 15 starts for the huskies this past fall. Holmes scored a goal in his UConn debut and would go on to have two goals and two assists on the season. Holmes still has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining.
With Ballard FC: Holmes has been a very versatile player for Ballard FC over the past two summers. He has primarily been a winger for both Bucknell and UConn, but for Ballard FC he has also played in midfield and defense. In 2023, Holmes made his Ballard FC debut and scored his first goal in a 5-2 win against Cultures United. Then in 2024, he played in six matches across all competitions and made three starts as he helped the club win its second straight division title.
