I have worked in soccer for 22+ years, coaching, directing, and operating elite-level teams and programs in Chicago. This lifestyle has been a dream I’ve had since being a kid; from the moment I touched a soccer ball, I knew this game was my love and passion. If I wasn’t playing the game, all I ever wanted to do was coach it and turn my love for the sport into a career. My coaches always dropped subtle hints that I was born to coach, so I pursued the journey. I became a Futból Lifer, as we say in the industry, and between all the positions and jobs I held, over 200 players under my watch have advanced to the professional ranks.

Throughout my time as a Futból lifer, I was not honest about being my true self and compartmentalized being gay, which led to destructive behaviors. These actions led to unhealthy relationships with friends, family, and lovers. I was conflicted with expectations related to where I was born, family, religion, and the local community. Only a very small group of family and friends knew my real self.

Openly coming out as gay in 2022 has been completely affirming for me, and I’ve experienced support from all corners of my life. Now my goal is to help the community be more accepting of what it means to be gay in the professional sporting world, especially those of us who’ve made soccer our life’s work.