Peter Byrne

My Story

What are you doing currently?
I work for a company called Active Life. I lead the marketing and serve as a sales consultant for client acquisition. Our mission, as a company, is to create an industry that serves as the bridge between healthcare and fitness.

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How did Strikers shape you as a person?
Strikers was invaluable in putting me in uncomfortable positions to be able to grow as a person, player, and leader. One of the most underrated things I have realized shaped me was the personal skills I was able to develop because Strikers is such a tight knit culture. The ability to be involved with hundreds of different faces, personalities, and viewpoints allowed me to grow comfortable communicating with different people from different backgrounds. Without the culture of Strikers, and being heavily involved with Strikers as a 12-19-year-old, I don't see how I would have the personal relationship skills that I have today. 

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How is high school/club soccer different than college soccer?
There are a few things that stand out here: 
* Level of play - There is a massive difference between being the best player in Missoula or, even, Montana as a whole vs. being a top 11 player in college. 
* Commitment level - The commitment needed to continually be challenged in order to become a better player is necessary to know going in. 
* The reality of the situation - oftentimes if you get the opportunity to play college soccer, you're a top player in your town and state. That's a fact. You are also 17/18 years old and you will be competing against 22, sometimes 23 year-olds. The reality of the situation is you will probably be put in a position you are unfamiliar with and that is very hard to accept. You may not play on the field for 1-3 years depending on the program. It's a hard thing to adjust to. Being willing to learn, challenge yourself, and be a good teammate is what is going to set you up for success in your college career. If that results in playing time right away, fantastic. If it takes a few years, that's fantastic. The only thing you can control in college soccer is how you train, how you prepare, and how you react to situations that may or may not go your way. If you choose to have positive and growth reactions to every situation, it's unreasonable to think you won't be successful. 
* Responsibility - Taking responsibility for all of the above is your choice. College soccer is one of the most rewarding and challenging things I have been a part of. 

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What were the key factors you considered when evaluating potential colleges?
I had a bit of a different outcome coming out of high school - I was coming off a surgery and hadn't played in a year. I was unsure of where I stood as a player and very confident at the same time. The main thing I was looking for was a chance to compete for playing time because I did have the confidence that I would put myself in the best position to play if given the opportunity. At the place mentally I was in at that time, that's really the only thing I cared about was having the chance to play. 

If I did it again, some key things I'd want to consider is: 
*What does the culture of the team look like? Do I want to be part of that?
*What are the academic opportunities?
*How young/old is the team? Experienced with leadership or no experience and rebuilding?
*What's the strength of the conference?
*How do players interact off the field on my visit? Is it a tight knit group or is it separated?
*Is there a chance to play if I perform?

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What was the most challenging part of the recruiting process?
I had no clue how to do it. My parents supported me and took me to camps, tournaments, and opportunities... but neither of us had any experience "playing the game". 
Hundreds of emails sent... lots of no replies or no's. 

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What advice would you give to younger athletes going through the recruiting process?
Beyond anything else, it comes back to the responsibility piece. You'll have to pursue conversations, you'll have to initiate most interactions to start, and you'll have to be relentless with sending emails, phone calls, putting yourself in front of them as much as you can. Use your already established connections and don't be afraid to ASK FOR HELP. Having the mindset of "sending 100 emails for 1 'yes'" is the unfortunate, but true reality that comes with getting a shot. WELL WORTH IT. 

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What do high school athletes not understand about college sports?
The level you play at dictates this. But for the most part, it's not what you see on social media, and not necessarily SUPER glamorous, haha. Your summer fitness before freshman year matters. Have a plan and take responsibility for it. If you show up as a freshman and are in the top 5-7 in fitness, you'll get a chance on the field. The season happens faster than high school and there is a lot more interchanging - injuries, academics, sicknesses, etc. If you're not a redshirt it's highly likely you'll get an opportunity to play - stay ready! As a freshman, shag the balls. It doesn't matter if you're the best player or worst player - do the little things to be a good teammate. 

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What was the best part of playing college sports? What was the hardest part?
The hardest part is the continual go-go-go. Again, depending on the program, but off season is typically only a few weeks long so managing how you're feeling physically, mentally, etc. long term is important. The best part is everything about it. It's an experience that you literally can't do any other time in your life. Take advantage and enjoy. 

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Is there anything else you would like to share?
Having the mindset of continual growth regardless of short term "success" is going to make you successful in soccer and life. Challenge yourself to have a growth mindset over a short term mindset. 
 

Interested in our recruitment program?

Contact: jay.anderson@strikersfcmt.org

College Recruitment Coordinator