This year there has been an influx of former exclusively club soccer players joining the varsity program. This, as a result, has shaken up the talent, organization and chemistry of the entire group. Some of these kids are used to playing MLS academies and the best players in the country week in and week out. These academies are based on pumping out talent and getting their players to the next level. This is contrary to high school teams, which especially in St. Louis are about beating their rivals and winning championships. Although there are friendships in both environments, the high school game allows for the players to connect with one another more because they spend every day together in class.

This year, the Chaminade varsity soccer team was joined by multiple players who used to play for academies and decided to change it up from the uber-competitive to the more casual high school game. I got the chance to talk to a few of the players, both new and returning, to talk about the culture of both types of soccer and the relationships they have formed while playing soccer.

Holden Radefeld, ‘26, a former club player, told me, “The biggest difference in the culture of the Chaminade soccer team in comparison to the various club teams that I have played with is morale. I have been playing club soccer for over ten years now and I have never had such a feel-good and competitive team like Chaminade varsity.”

He talked about how the Chaminade guys all lift one another up and want everyone to have a good time, which is different from the club environment which he says is very selfish and is more about each person being successful.

Nolan Gladson, ‘26, another former club player, told me about how he loves how much time and effort the coaching staff gives to the team, showing that they care about the players and the program. He prefers the environment of high school soccer because it is more emotional, and the rivalries take precedent. This can really be seen at the varsity games versus the other MCC schools. Chants fly back and forth as every person packs onto the hill surrounding the field.

Stephen Stobbs, ‘26, a returning player to the varsity team, talked to me about how much he loves the relationships he has made playing for the varsity team. Some of the guys will get a meal before a game or hang out together after practice.

“I have played soccer since I was 3 years old and have been on various teams, but Chaminade is easily my favorite.”

The environment, support, and relationships that are made playing high school soccer are unrivaled.