byu men’s soccer: we have a soccer team?

BYU HAS A MEN’S SOCCER TEAM?

This past fall, both BYU men’s and women’s soccer teams played in national championship games. However, despite the men’s team winning their tenth national championship (their third in four seasons), most people don’t even know there is men’s soccer at BYU. That may be because the BYU men’s soccer team is not a NCAA Division 1 sanctioned team, but is recognized as an extramural university club team.

BYU men’s soccer just wrapped up its spring training and games after an undefeated fall season. During the fall season, BYU won every regular season game, finished with a 17-0-1 overall record, and clenched the 202 NIRSA Club National Championship title. 

Despite growing up in Provo and being an avid BYU women’s soccer fan with his family, Asher Franks wasn’t even aware BYU had a men’s soccer program until he was in high school. Now, Franks has just finished his second year on the team. 

As a member of the team, Franks says the spotlight, or lack thereof, is both a pro and con for the men’s soccer team. Although as a club team, they may face less pressure to perform, the team doesn’t get the media coverage, marketing, or proper recognition for their many accomplishments that a D-1 team receives. In addition, the lack of exposure and spotlight, potentially impacts recruiting top talent to the team.

“Being a club team, people kind of expect less of you, which is really unfortunate. But it probably isn't as much pressure as the women's team has. The women’s team also went to the national championship [last season], and there was a ton of pressure there because of their spotlight,” said Franks.

SO, WHAT IS IS IT LIKE BEING ON A CLUB TEAM AT A D-1 UNIVERSITY?

Passion and love of the game are a must on an extramural club team. Unlike most D-1 college athletes, the men’s soccer team doesn’t have access to the student athlete building, student athlete gyms, or meal cards and nutrition. There are no scholarships awarded for a club participant or academic assistance (i.e. class scheduling priority). In fact, to even try out for the team, players have to first be accepted into BYU. Because men’s soccer is a club team, participants don’t receive funding from the athletic department — all funding comes from alumni and the team itself.

“Our training schedule, time commitment, and what the team asks of you [compares to any D-1 program]. But, you don't have essentially any of the perks of being a D-1 team. So, you end up with a type of person who is willing to work hard and sacrifice because [we] love the sport,” said current player Eli Holmstead. 

For current players Asher Franks, Eli Holmstead, and Thys Call the team brotherhood is really strong. 

“There's just a special feeling of, ‘Hey these guys have the same priorities and intentions as me’. And we all love soccer… We're gonna fight for it and give it our all, but we know it’s not everything,” Call said of their shared respect for one another.

WHERE SHOULD THE FUTURE OF BYU MEN’S SOCCER GO?

Many athletes aspire to play and compete at BYU. The school is a huge draw for athletes not only due to the successful athletic programs, but because of the academics, reputation, and culture of the university. However, due to men’s soccer being a club team rather than a NCAA D-1 program, BYU isn’t on the radar for top men’s soccer talent. 

“The top men’s soccer talent knows that they can get the whole package deal at UVU—literally just down the street,” said Call of the troubles BYU faces to recruit players to play for a club program.

There is no doubt BYU is taken more seriously than any other club team in the nation. Compliments are often offered by other club teams during post season tournaments. Many university clubs are inspired and work to emulate BYU’s successful program.

Players on BYU’s team all share the same pride and prospective;

“We'll beat D-1 teams, D-3 teams, and semi-pro teams. If you look at the the level of competition we play and train at, we could compete as a D-1 team right now,” said Holmstead.

“I’m convinced that any guy on our team could go and fight for a spot on a D-1 team. There's just so much talent,” said Call.

“There's no doubt in my mind that we would be able to hang with the D1 talent,” echoed Franks. 

The BYU men’s soccer team has top-tier talent, a stellar reputation, and an awarded history. With so many changes happening within the school’s athletic program, men’s soccer could be, and to some should be, a program worth promoting.