Q&A With a Parent of a Prospective Student-Athlete

Recently I received an email from a parent whose son is bound for a Division I program. They asked a few questions that will hopefully be beneficial for more than just one parent, as I've seen similar questions asked more than once. I've reformatted the answers and changed the goalkeeper's name to keep anonymity.

 

What’s the average number of years that a college goalkeeper plays before being drafted?

Goalkeepers seem to be an exception when it comes to getting into MLS. A number of field players will leave college early (as they should) but college develops goalkeepers more consistently. So staying all four years isn't a knock on them. The only way a goalkeeper can enter MLS before graduating is through a homegrown contract or a Generation Adidas contract, which the latter is offered to underclassmen specifically. So if I had to ballpark the answer to your question, I would say 3.5+. For every one JT Marcinkowski and Evan Louro, there are another ten goalkeepers who stayed all four years.

 

Does D1, D2, D3, or NAIA make a difference?

Coming from a D1 program most certainly makes a difference, although it's not impossible to overcome the stigma of not being D1. Tim Melia was a D2 goalkeeper and now with USL opening up, there are a number of non-D1 goalkeepers in the system. But for those non-D1 goalkeepers, they either have to be very fortunate (USL teams will occasionally sign local kids, Reno FC and Las Vegas for example) or have an extensive list of connections. D1 goalkeepers can ride off their accomplishments more securely than non-D1 goalkeepers can. It's an uphill climb that favors D1 goalkeepers, but not inherently impossible for the rest.

 

Does conference make a difference (ACC, Big 10, Big East, etc.)?

I would sincerely doubt conferences have any real sway when it comes to draft time. A number of goalkeepers have come from smaller conferences over the past years. If anything, I might think playing in a competitive conference could hurt a goalkeeper in terms of publicity. Teams seem to gravitate towards "first team all-conference" goalkeepers over second teamers, even if the latter was only named behind a stud USYNT goalkeeper. 

In terms of development, you could argue top conferences develop better goalkeepers but I personally haven't noticed that. Top schools recruit better goalkeepers, but I wouldn't say playing in the Pac-12 is necessarily going to make a better goalkeeper than C-USA. There are a lot of other factors that go into it.

 

Once drafted, how long do they last?

There are one or two career goalkeepers in every draft but most goalkeepers have trouble catching on in MLS. If you go back over the last five drafts, I would expect maybe at least a quarter of them to already be out of the league, with most of them with other teams. Teams are either drafting potential starters or guys to just fill the roster. So unless they're really banking on the goalkeeper to blossom down the line, they can easily ship them out. This is an exhausting experience for players so a number of them will retire earlier than they could have, although understandably so.

Ryan Bacic and the Washington Post recently published an article on top newcomers walking away from the game much earlier than expected.

 

Does national team appearances (youth or adult) factor in?

USYNT call-ups absolutely make a difference. If a player is called into a camp or two, they will wear their "USYNT badge" for the rest of their career, similar to how we call people "doctors" after finishing their dissertation. It truly is uncanny of how USYNT alumni are viewed, as if they just need to tap into this unlimited potential they have stored somewhere. This is twice as important for players who were invited into at least one USMNT cap.

I hope that helps, let me add one more thing to help explain the process a little better.

Publicity is more important than talent in regards to getting your foot in the door of a professional team. The USYNT badge is one example of this. MLS academy status and coaching connections are some others. Teams are more likely to bring in a familiar goalkeeper than take a gamble on an unknown. To some extent, I understand the thought process behind this, but it's too extreme for me. Too many goalkeepers are starting their careers with teams in USL or Europe instead of MLS because teams aren't familiar enough with a senior that was off the radar.

So remember this as y'all move forward. Make as many connections as y'all can. Play in a summer league with a good team that will take care of Reece, attend goalkeeper training sessions with different high profile goalkeeper coaches, make sure MLS goalkeeper coaches see his highlight tape, etc. If no one knows of Reece when he graduates, regardless of how good he is, he will have a very hard time making the jump.

Libby Stout Interview: On Her Retirement, Career, and What Lies Ahead

Libby Stout is an American goalkeeper who most recently played for Apollon Limassol in Cyprus, before quietly announcing her retirement. Stout graduated from Western Kentucky University then traveled to France in 2012 to start her career in Europe. After five seasons in Europe and another two years in the NWSL, Stout is stepping away from the game.

Stout played for Liverpool from 2013-2014, before returning to the US.

Stout played for Liverpool from 2013-2014, before returning to the US.

You’ve recently decided to hang up your cleats after a positive Champions League run with Apollon Limassol. This seems fairly abrupt as you returned to action from an injury not too long ago. How long had you been weighing retirement?

I started my professional career knowing a few things. I wanted to play out my season in France, play in Germany, England if possible, finish my career in America, and win a championship somewhere along the way. That was a rough outline, but I clearly remember thinking this exact thought when I was sitting in my small 6th-floor apartment in Yzeure, France. I look back on it now and sometimes cannot believe all of that fell into place, not to mention gaining lifelong friends, memories, Cyprus, Champions League and, fortunately, the list goes on and on.

Retiring was always something I contemplated. I’m a planner. Not a diligent planner, but a rough idea planner. So I always thought of life after soccer, wondering what I would do (now leaning towards coaching and/or sales) and the circumstances around that inevitable time.

I came to Boston having recently dislocated my collarbone in England. I had muscle strains throughout that first Breakers season. I came back for the second season as strong and fit as ever but messed up my ankle in a training session. Mentally I was done. Truthfully, each injury mentally chipped away at me, but, selfishly perhaps, I couldn’t muster up the courage to give it up. Someone had to muster the courage for me. And I, from the bottom of my heart, am grateful for Matt Beard knowing me like he does and knowing I wasn’t myself. He did the hard part for me, which seems to be a theme for many coaches: having to do the hard part. It’s not an easy job and the amount of respect I have for my own coaches and teachers, and all those I never had, is immense.

So, in short, I knew I wanted to hang it up after the ankle injury. Matt sat me down and let me go. I was crying tears of rejection and sadness, but surprisingly more so, of relief and freedom. I felt I regained some control over my destiny at that point. Be done for good or give it a short last go. Cogs started turning and I had the opportunity to go on a 3-month retirement trip to Cyprus. And a lovely one it was.

 

After the 2015 season you left Liverpool to join the Breakers but, like you said, were plagued with injuries in 2016. You made ten starts for the Breakers before being released going into the 2017 season. With so many ups and downs, how do you look back on your move to Boston? Is there any regret in making the move away from Liverpool?

I absolutely do not regret leaving Liverpool. I made that decision with 100% clarity and surety. And that is NO slight to Liverpool and my experiences there in any way. That club and my friends I left behind know how much I love them, and if they don’t know they should know how much gratitude and love I have for them.

Boston gave me a new professional and personal challenge. Realistically, I’m a little disappointed I never really got the chance to play my best there but that experience is one I feel extremely fortunate to have had.

 

With Cyprus’ top club, Apollon Limassol, you finished top of the group stage in the Champions League, qualifying for the round of 32. How did you rebound from the setbacks in 2015-16? What advice would you give a young player who is recovering from an injury?

In Cyprus, I felt like myself for the first time in a long time on and off the field. I was training and playing well and genuinely happy. It was a similar feeling to when I first acquainted myself with Europe in 2012, so it was fitting to rediscover that feeling where it started. It was calming to go into that knowing I was giving myself the opportunity to close my career on my own note. All I ever wanted to get back to was the opportunity to do my job to the best of my ability and contribute to the team through my play. I hadn’t done that since my first year at Liverpool in 2014, so three years was a long time coming.

My advice would be not to quit based on just an injury. Use an injury as motivation to come back stronger, smarter, and wiser. Use that off time during an injury to learn and take notes. But, don’t forget to take care of and listen to yourself. If your ultimate goal is to come back stronger and fitter, DO IT. If you feel it’s time to move on to your next chapter, DO IT. You are the only one who knows what you really want and what’s ultimately best for you. And don’t be afraid to seek help.

 

It’s unfortunately much more common for players to retire before 30 on the women’s side than the men’s. As you’re stepping away from the game and looking back, where is the biggest need for the game to grow? And what’s something fans on the outside don’t get a clear picture of?

Sustainability-wise I always felt more stable as a pro player in Europe. My contract was guaranteed and the possibilities felt endless. I never really had that feeling in the States and I’m not really sure how to create that feeling. But if there were a goal in mind for the league here I’d make that it, security and stability.

Fans don’t get a clear picture of how important their presence and passion is and how much it’s appreciated. We live and breathe by your cheers and self-motivate and grind by your jeers. May they never stop. And may that little girl on the sideline continue to burst with inspiration.

 

Your career has taken you all over the world, playing in France, Germany, England, and Cyprus. How does a goalkeeper from Louisville, Kentucky reflect on such an illustrious career?

In short, my dreams wouldn’t have formed without the fierce Brianna Scurry, my competitive spirit without my older brother, self-motivation without my competition, championships without my teammates, leadership without my coaches, good looks without my parents. No, but seriously, I’m proud and I’m grateful and I want to say thank you.

 

Can you give fans an update on what's next for you? As you said you're a planner so I assume you have something already lined up?

I'm feeling out my future. Currently, I'm working at the top beer distribution company in Boston, but during my last year of playing, I started to think more seriously about coaching. Ideally I'd love to coach college or professional. I also have my own keeper training platform, Stout Goalkeeping, which provides personalized one-on-one training. I have a vision in mind to provide some type of mentorship and help shed light on the possibilities for women to play professionally abroad, even flirting with the idea of becoming an agent. So we will see. Right now I'm just trying to be patient and enjoy what I'm doing every day, whilst working my way up through the coaching licenses and keeping an ear out for opportunities.

 

Lastly, what’s a moment from your career that you'll never forget?

My lasting memory is parading the FAWSL Champions trophy with my Liverpool Ladies team before a sold-out crowd, standing ovation applause at Anfield. Unforgettable.

Grading Hollywood's Goalkeepers

Everybody Soccer welcomes siblings Tim and Sarah Dobrowolski to the site. The Dobrowolskis have an accomplished goalkeeping family, with Tim entering his third year with Louisville City while Sarah is currently finishing her junior year at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Both goalkeeping siblings bring in years of experience on the field and in the theaters to help break down Hollywood's best goalkeepers. For more inquiries on goalkeeping in film, you can find Tim and Sarah online at @timdobro and @sarahdobro.

 

Bend It Like Beckham

Bill: I know what you’re thinking and yes, I completely agree, this is quite the damning advertisement for Umbro gloves. If flapping wildly at a shot hit straight down the middle of the goal isn’t enough to stop a shot that’s moving at two miles an hour, then I can’t imagine those gloves are worth anything. Aside from the glove malfunction, the goalkeeper should probably set up a better wall than one that is busy transforming into elderly women and back into baggily dressed soccer players. Grade: B-

Tim: I’m never one to complain about the style of goalkeeper jerseys throughout history, but man was that green a hideous color. Besides the fashion blunder, I had two issues with our goalkeeper. First, I don’t recall seeing any communication between the goalkeeper and her wall. Sometimes the environment will swallow up the goalkeeper’s voice, in this case it seemed to be overbearing opera music. Therefore the goalkeeper needs to use any method necessary. Second, it seemed as though the goalkeeper was just as shocked as our main character about the ever-transforming wall! Grade: C+

Sarah: Two things come to mind when I watch this clip, first is how poor the foul is. Was it truly deserving of a yellow card? I will give props to the actor for faking it pretty well though. The second thing that comes to mind is seeing the goalkeeper set up her wall clinging to her near post, and then watching her bat at the shot like a fly is about to buzz right into her mouth. Sub-par shot followed by sub-par goalkeeping. Although I would be terrified too if my Indian mothers and grandmothers were my hallucinated wall! Grade: C

 

Shaolin Soccer

Tim: Other than the disturbing lack of faith portrayed by many of the coaches and players, this clip shows strong determination and belief in oneself. The hand-eye coordination displayed by the goalkeeper is only attained by those who master the highest levels of clarity and transcendence. What I’m most impressed by is the flight of the counterattack ball. It had a near perfect spin and pace that allowed the forward to make a beautiful one-touch volley. Grade: A-

Sarah: I have never seen this movie, but man do I wish this was how soccer was played. This is the ultimate collaboration between soccer and Avatar the Last Airbender. The goalkeeper handled the shot with beauty and elegance. Starting with a foot save that was brought to the hands, she then turned to her teammate for a tactful counter-attack turned goal. For a bonus they shamed their opponent and their families by literally ripping their clothes off with the sheer power of the shot. Mention note: need to learn how to harvest the powers of the earth and teach it to the youngins. Grade: A+

Bill: I’ve always been a big fan of removing demonic possession from the game and this is a great example of a goalkeeper standing strong in the face of wicked demonry. So it’s nice to see a big corporation like Puma supporting the righteous cause. While a bit unconventional, the distribution is spot on and helps shed the blinders to what the other goalkeeper is: a lousy schmuck. Overall a strong performance but negative points for not using the W handshape for a hard shot on frame. Grade: B+

 

She’s the Man

Sarah: This is a classic soccer movie for any girl. The one thing that drives me nuts, besides the totally unrealistic planning of a second shot off of the goalkeeper save, is that Amanda is playing with her hair down. Any girl can relate that this is totally a pain in the ass and that there is no way she would last five minutes running around with it down. Goalkeeper-wise that was a great first save made by the defending goalkeeper, no less off of a penalty kick. Too bad he couldn’t recreate that save on the opposite side of the net! Just goes to show that girls rule and boys have cooties. Grade: A

Bill: The goalkeeper makes a great penalty save but follows it up with an awkward dive back to his right on the rebound. His shoulders are turned and he's basically skipping towards the post instead of laying out again. Unfortunately, Sarah is probably on to something with the goalkeeper’s high cootie content. It looks like it really held him back from committing to the save. Hopefully, the goalkeeper saw a doctor soon after to receive his vaccinations. Grade: B-

Tim: *Trying not to think about the crush I used to have on Amanda Bynes* I commend the goalkeeper for making a fine save on the initial pk, but what was that atrocious rebound? I understand the obsession over Channing Tatum, but is it that bad to where you feel obligated to give him and Amanda a second chance at a goal? I have to agree with my colleague Bill: the goalkeeper’s form back to the other side was worse than the rebound. Grade: B

 

Kicking and Screaming

Bill: You remember the goalkeeper in youth soccer who just sat on their line for the entire game, never diving for anything, and let a defender take the goal kicks? That goalkeeper would be better than this one. There’s no plan here. He just barrels out hoping his reckless approach just happens to work out. Pass. I'd rather have traffic cone kid. Grade: F

Tim: I wish my AYSO games were as lit as this one was after the game-winning goal went in. That looked a lot like the 2017 USL Championship postgame. For the goalkeeping, there’s not much to be said. I think I would take Plank from Ed, Edd, and Eddy over this guy. How did they manage to make it to the final with this jabroni in between the pipes? Grade: F

Sarah: I do not know why they did not call 911 after that goal because Sam’s move around the goalkeeper absolutely broke his ankles. The goalkeeper couldn’t hold his ground. It looked as though he maybe needed to run to the bathroom. He also could not have attacked the forward/ball in a worse way. I think it’s time for this goalkeeper to hang up the cleats and find a different sport. Grade: D

 

Victory

Penalty save, starting at 10:00

Tim: The hand strength of Sylvester Stallone is extremely impressive, not to mention his ability to follow the ball into hands and eventually tuck and roll. Another fine example of the Allied powers showing the world why Fascism sucks. Grade: A+

Sarah: I always find it interesting to watch older soccer. It's amazing to see how the goalkeepers' abilities and skills evolve as the sport grows. In this goalkeeper-era, we see that their arms are baskets and they must catch that way. We also see the bold “no gloves” tactic. Risky, if you ask me. The key moment is at the end: the stare down. No words need to be said, just the glare from one player to another is enough to say “my balls are bigger than yours. I will save this shot”. Grade: A

Bill: Before going on to beat the best the Red Army had to offer, Rocky Balboa started his sporting career off strong by defeating the Axis alongside Pelé and Bobby Moore. Decades later we have endless hoopla over the advancement of goalkeeping equipment but at the end of the day, you can’t say any goalkeeping gloves have ever aided in the defeat of the Nazis. No, it was superior hand strength, pristine form, and insurmountable self-belief that propelled the Allies to win this war. Grade: A+