Chances are, if you are reading this, we share a lot in common. Ten years ago, at the age of 9, my daughter decided that she wanted to trade in her softball cleats for a pair of soccer boots. Our family embraced the change; however, we knew nothing about soccer. Over the next 9 years, we learned everything we could about soccer. We started in rec league, advanced to academy and travel soccer, and finally transitioned to Club Soccer through Middle and High School. Just like all soccer parents in Indiana, we endured the early morning matches, the late practices, the wind and rain, cold and snow, and yes, even a tornado watch or two during our 9-year ride. I even joined our local Youth Soccer League Board of Directors… we were and are fully invested and have become fans of the “beautiful game”.

In high school, my daughter attended and played varsity soccer for a small school in Indiana Class 1A. The team had quite a bit of success in the regular season, in Conference play, and at Sectionals and Regionals. I noticed in watching matches from around the state that a lot of soccer talent exists in Indiana. Consistently successful programs and talented players can be found in every corner of the Hoosier state, yet it appears that it’s the same players and programs that receive local media attention season after season. I feel that a lot of talent goes unrecognized and subsequently unnoticed by college soccer coaches. We learned through watching my daughter manage her process that being seen by a college coach is perhaps one of the largest hurdles a potential college student-athlete will have to overcome.

Our blog and interviews will not only recognize the talented high school soccer players in Indiana but also help them get noticed by College Coaches as potential recruits. Soccer Nation will also look to connect high school coaches, and programs, to college coaches building their recruiting pipelines.

It's common to hear about great soccer players in St. Louis, Michigan, and Ohio. But we also have talented players in Indiana, and their number is increasing each season. We need to come together to support our athletes in getting recognition, being noticed, and getting recruited, no matter the school size, location, or class. It's time for Soccer Nation Indiana to RISE UP!