The Untold Truth About Going Pro: My Journey from Player to Strength Coach

From Chasing the Pro Dream to Strength & Conditioning Coach: My Unexpected Journey

Life doesn’t always go as planned—but that’s the beauty of it.

If you had told me years ago that I would become a strength and conditioning coach, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Soccer has been my life since I was a kid. I can still picture the countless teams, training sessions, and environments my mom put me through, all in pursuit of one dream—becoming a professional player. Looking back now, I realize that every single moment shaped who I am today. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: never live life with regrets.

The Moment I Declared My Dream

Fast forward to my college years—that’s when I officially declared I wanted to become a professional soccer player. I worked tirelessly, but it wasn’t until my final season that I truly started getting noticed. I’ll never forget the feeling of pure gratitude when I had my first conversation with a professional scout. His name was Brian Crolin, a scout for MLS side Austin FC at the time (now with San Diego FC).

I remember asking Brian, "What did you see in me? Why did you believe I could compete at the pro level?" His answer changed everything.

"You’re very pacey."

That simple statement ignited something in me. It shifted my entire mindset on training. Instead of trying to be good at everything, I realized that the key to getting noticed is to STAND OUT. Strength and conditioning wasn’t just about getting stronger—it was about maximizing the tools that made me unique.

The Shift: Strength & Conditioning Became My Passion

From that moment on, my training approach transformed. I became obsessed with building on my strengths—speed, explosiveness, and power—so that I could change the dynamic of the game. Yes, working on weaknesses is important, but your strengths are what set you apart. That’s what gets you noticed.

The deeper I dove into strength and conditioning, the more it became second nature. What started as a way to enhance my own game turned into something much bigger—a passion that I never saw coming.

Reflecting on the Journey: More Than Just an Athlete

I’ve now lived through every phase of the journey—from playing travel soccer to competing at the Division 1 level to earning pro trials. And now, I find myself on the other side—as a strength and conditioning coach, helping athletes chase the same dream I once pursued.

The beauty of it? I get to share everything I’ve learned—the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the lessons. If I could go back and do things differently, I would. And now, I can help others navigate the process more efficiently.

Because here’s the truth:

- You can have all the talent in the world.
- You can have an elite work ethic.
- But at the end of the day, soccer is a business. And like any business, you need a little bit of luck on your side.

My job now is to help players control what they can—by training smarter, building on their strengths, and giving themselves the best possible shot at success. Because when opportunity meets preparation, that’s when careers are made.