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From the Pitch – "Driven by Passion"

By LUKE VERCOLLONE, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 04/26/18, 5:00PM EDT

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Meaning of the game extends beyond the white lines for service-oriented veteran

My journey as a pro has been driven by PASSION.

A passion for soccer, but more powerfully, a passion to impact. This fire has fueled me to be a part of teams, businesses and projects that have influenced lives tremendously; especially mine.

I love the game and am so thankful for the platform and opportunities it has awarded me. Getting drafted into the MLS in the 2004 Superdraft was a dream come true!

I soon realized that this dream could turn into a nightmare if the right perspective isn’t adopted.

I came from being the top dog in college to a small fish in a large talent pool in the pros. Sitting on the bench with the New England Revolution in ’04 and ’05 was devastating for me. This killed my confidence and nearly sucked my passion for the sport dry.

I was blessed that I was living in Massachusetts, near my family and friends who offered amazing support and distraction to help me overcome the initial challenges of pro soccer. I was also able to mature as a pro by dealing with the business of the game, learning from the examples of veterans and developing the character to sustain the adversity. Those challenging initial seasons helped me realize my identity apart from just being a “soccer player” and put things into a well-ordered perspective.

In 2006, I joined the USL and played two years with the Charleston Battery. Having success on the pitch helped rekindle the love for the game; but understanding that I am far more than just a soccer player inspired me to start giving back to the community through the game that has given me so much.

I started Mighty Kicks (then operating as Little Kicks) in 2008 after getting married (to Andrea, love of my life!) and moving to Richmond to play for the Kickers. My heart wanted to continue with soccer, but now I had other priorities and it wasn’t just me I had to be concerned with.

In addition to giving back to the game with Mighty Kicks, I’ve been involved in helping aspiring youth players with their mental fitness.

"Having success on the pitch helped rekindle the love for the game; but understanding that I am far more than just a soccer player inspired me to start giving back to the community through the game that has given me so much. "

It was the desire to effectively transfer our experience, along with the experience of other pros that led me, Jordan Burt and James Riley to start “Pro Performance” – Elite Mental Training and Mentorship.

We are so honored and grateful to have created a business that benefits so many players in such a critical and underserved area of the game – the mental approach. The impact has been remarkable! Not every player who goes through the program sees significant improvement, but there are players on every team that we work with that dive deep into the curriculum and are forever changed and transformed for the better. We receive letters from players and parents all the time about how certain lessons and stories have changed their lives!

My own career has continued with the Switchbacks where playing in Colorado is a dream come true for many reasons. First and foremost, my wife and I always imagined raising our kids in Colorado, near family. We’ve really enjoyed the entire Switchbacks organization, and the community as a whole. Our supporters group, the Trailheads, have been so encouraging and supportive of me even when I’m not performing my best! They have been close to my family and even helped my wife watch our kiddos during games.

Pride soccer club has been absolutely amazing as well, and allowed me to be a part of their club and help their players.

Finally, Soccer Haus, the best indoor soccer facility I’ve ever seen, has been extremely supportive! They host the Mighty Kicks classes and I train there every offseason.

Throughout my USL career, I have had many ups and downs - as any pro has. My faith has carried me through the successes and failures and I’ve been able to learn valuable lessons along this journey. The reason why my passion has stayed high over a lengthy career is because I take it one day at a time; I enjoy what I do; I play for a greater purpose (to glorify God), and I strive to get better everyday. My family has helped me stay grounded and keep the game in perspective.

They love and support me win or lose! They motivate and inspire me!

Sometimes some of my younger teammates will ask me for advice as if I am some wise old sage with hidden wisdom. I smile and encourage them to lead their passions! Don’t let your passions and emotions control you; instead, use them to fuel you in the direction that you would like to go!

My passion for my faith, family and football has given me the opportunity to make a lasting impact and serve the community. This is what I am blessed to do for a living right now and this is what I am excited to do when the stadium lights fade on my playing career!

"The reason why my passion has stayed high over a lengthy career is because I take it one day at a time; I enjoy what I do; I play for a greater purpose (to glorify God), and I strive to get better everyday."


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