Finding Confidence and Community: Inside Colorado EDGE Soccer
Kendall Wangerin, a U17 SELECT ECNL-RL player, has been on the pitch since she was three years old. But after experiencing an unhealthy environment at her previous club, she lost her confidence and began looking for a fresh start. Five years ago, she found that new home at Colorado EDGE. What started as an immediate sense of belonging during her very first practice quickly blossomed into a journey of profound personal and athletic growth.
Here is an inside look at how Colorado EDGE blends elite competition with deep community care.
A Welcoming Culture at Colorado EDGE That Restores Confidence
Transitioning to a new soccer club can be intimidating, but Kendall’s experience at EDGE was different from day one. "From the very beginning, EDGE made me feel like I was a part of the team," she recalls. "The mood was entirely different, and I just had a lot of fun, but I was learning things too."
That environment played a crucial role in helping her regain her lost confidence. She credits the coaching staff for creating a space where players are encouraged to take risks without fear of harsh criticism. From a coach joking to lighten the mood after a skied ball to maintaining an open-door policy for post-game questions, the staff prioritizes a positive, growth-oriented mindset. "He has helped me see my position in a new way, and I've already grown this season from that new perspective," Kendall notes of her current coach.
Unforgettable Memories On and Off the Field
While player development is a core focus, Colorado EDGE ensures that the joy of the game remains front and center. For Kendall, the highlight of her five years was traveling to St. Louis for Regionals.
The tournament was a perfect encapsulation of the club's culture: battling through intense heat and humidity on the field while building unbreakable bonds at the hotel. "We'd go room to room and have watch parties of movies. It was just really fun being with your friends 24/7," she shares. "We all as a team wanted to do our best and we supported each other... I like how we could have fun both playing and on and off the field."
Unwavering Support Through Life's Toughest Moments
The true measure of a club’s community often reveals itself during times of adversity. Only a year after Kendall joined EDGE, her father passed away during the summer before her 8th-grade year. The response from her soccer family was immediate and deeply impactful.
"My coach went to his funeral and had a few of my teammates go as well, and they were wearing our uniforms," Kendall shares. "That just made me feel like they care about our life outside of soccer as well." She notes that this support didn't just come from her specific team, but extended across the entire club network — from coaches in different age groups to families throughout the organization.
Preparing for the Future with a Balanced Approach
As players reach the high school years, the pressures of academics and college recruiting can quickly pile up. Colorado EDGE actively works to smooth out that process. The club holds dedicated meetings for college preparation, offering individual guidance for athletes who want to play at the next level.
Equally important is the club's understanding of the everyday life of a student-athlete. Coaches regularly check in on schoolwork and are understanding when homework piles up. "They help us just balance everyday life... and remind us that the sport is still fun, and that we do work hard, but we have fun while working," she explains.
When asked if she would recommend Colorado EDGE to other families, Kendall doesn't hesitate. "I've grown so much as a person and a player. I'm super supported on and off the field... It's just a really positive environment and an amazing community."
