The Georgia Call-Up: Union Grove High School's Andrew Arnold Jr.

This week’s Georgia Call-Up spotlights Union Grove junior Andrew Arnold Jr., one of the state’s most in-form attackers right now. He’s already scored 17 goals this season and has 21 for his high school career, all while playing fewer matches than many of the players around him in the rankings. Simply put, he’s been tough to stop. Performances like his four goals in limited minutes against Eagles Landing Christian show just how quickly he can take over a game.

There’s more to Andrew than just goals, though. He carries a 3.3 GPA and has plans to study business or sports management, while continuing to build his soccer path through Georgia ODP and Georgia Revolution’s UPSL Premier team. In this Q&A, we hear from Andrew and Union Grove head coach Kevin Roberts about his growth, mindset, and what’s driving his strong season.

Andrew Arnold Jr. Q&A:

Q: Who is a player you model your game after and why? 

A: Kylian Mbappé: I’m a huge fan of his movement off the ball; he’s such a clinical finisher and always knows exactly where to be.

Q: Who inspires you the most and why?

A: Jérémy Doku: His dribbling style feels so free and fluid. Watching him is honestly mesmerizing, and I really admire the fact that he’s a great role model off the pitch as well.

Q: What’s one thing people don’t realize about your sport?

A: The Physicality: I love how demanding the sport is. People don't always realize that soccer requires a massive amount of total body strength.

Q: Earliest soccer memory? 

A: My love for the game started back in elementary school, just kicking the ball around with my friends during recess.

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

A: My teammates would describe me as fast, dedicated, and surprisingly funny.

Q: How has been balancing being a student athlete?

A: I give 100% effort while I’m physically at school to get my studying and homework out of the way. That way, the second I step out of the building, I can put my entire focus into soccer.

Q: Favorite memory with your teammates? 

A: Earlier this year, after a tournament game at Jekyll Island, our whole team was in the pool playing volleyball. Afterward, we went stargazing on the beach. All I remember from that night was pure laughter.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: In the future, I see myself playing in Europe, living out my dream of being a professional soccer player.

Union Grove High School Varsity Boys' Soccer Head Coach Kevin Roberts Q&A:

Q: How would you describe Andrew in one word?

A: Dedicated

Q: What has it been like to watch him develop as a player and a person during your time?

A: Andrew’s skills have improved significantly since his freshman year. He has put in consistent work to develop his speed, touch, and finishing ability.

Q: How would you describe Andrew as a player?

A: Passionate – He has a strong love for the game and always strives to give his best effort for the team.

Q: What does their work ethic look like when no one’s watching?

A: He consistently puts in extra work outside of practice and pushes himself to outwork others.

Q: What makes them unique beyond the stats?

A: Andrew plays with a high motor. Even when going up against bigger center backs, he shows no fear and is willing to compete in strong challenges.

Q: What do people outside the program maybe not see about them?

A: He is serious on the field, while off the field he is more laid back. He likes spending time with his teammates and enjoying a lot of laughs.

The Wolverines are back in action on April 13 as they go on the road for their last region matchup of the 2026 season against Locust Grove at 7:30 p.m. For more on Union Grove Soccer, follow them on Instagram.

The Georgia Call-Up, in partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Authority, is our statewide initiative spotlighting high school players that college coaches should know. If there’s a student-athlete who deserves to be seen, we want to hear about them.

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