The Power of "Reaction": How a Move to St. Croix Forged a Path to College Soccer
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Switching soccer clubs right before your freshman year of high school is a pivotal decision. It is the exact moment when the game transitions from a childhood passion into a serious pursuit of collegiate goals. Four years ago, one driven player made that exact leap, leaving their childhood club for St. Croix Soccer Club in search of the elite talent, coaching, and structure needed to maximize their potential.
Looking back today, they describe that move as "one of the best decisions" of their soccer career.
In this player spotlight, we explore a remarkable four-year journey defined by massive milestones — including playing in the ECNL National Selection game in Las Vegas and making thrilling playoff runs in North Carolina and Seattle. But beyond the scoreboard, this is a story about mental growth. From learning the invaluable lesson of "reaction" under Coach Justin Oliver, to battling through injuries and balancing the rigorous demands of high school sports, this athlete discovered how to be a true leader on and off the pitch.
Read on to see how the unmatched resources and "unbreakable bonds" at St. Croix helped this senior achieve their ultimate goal: committing to play collegiate soccer at Gustavus Adolphus College.
St. Croix Testimonial: Athlete Landin Reilly
Read more about Landin's journey with St. Croix.
How long have you been a part of your club? Tell us about your journey as a player.
I've played soccer all my life, it's my favorite thing to do in the world. I started at a different club before coming to St. Croix, where I spent most of my youth soccer career. I moved to St. Croix four years ago, before my freshman year of high school. I moved to St. Croix because I wanted to maximize my soccer potential. And this was because St. Croix offered a more competitive, friendly environment. Bringing in the best talent, coaching and structure to help me develop as a soccer player. This also helped me adapt skills as a leader, player, and ultimately reach my goal of playing collegiate soccer.
What has been your favorite experience at the club?
My favorite experiences at St. Croix have been having the opportunity to play in the ECNL national selection game in Las Vegas last year, creating a huge upset win against Chicago Magic three years ago, making it to our first ECNL playoffs in North Carolina, and lastly, beating FC Wisconsin to make it to ECNL playoffs in Seattle last year, barely missing out on the round of 16 qualification.
How has St. Croix impacted you as a player?
This club has helped me a lot mentally, showing me how to be a true leader on the field and how to become a more consistent player, battling through challenges a game can present and overcoming those challenges. Another massive impact this club has had on me was the influence of the coaching staff at St. Croix. One of the many coaches was Justin Oliver. I'm mentioning his name as he taught my team that making mistakes was imminent, but how we reacted to those mistakes could change the effect the mistake had. He came up with a word for this, which he would say during a game. This word was "reaction", ultimately meaning to not dwell on the mistake, but to think about how fast you can fix the mistake.
How has St. Croix helped shape you off the field?
St. Croix has played a huge role in shaping who I am off the field. Balancing school, training, and games taught me how to stay disciplined and really commit to my goal of playing college soccer. Being a part of this team helped me grow as a leader, learn how to communicate better, and push through challenges. My coaches especially helped me stay mentally tough through setbacks and injuries, which has prepared me for whatever comes next in life. I honestly don't think. I'd be getting the chance to play at Gustavus Adolphus College without this club and the people who make it what it is today.
Would you recommend St. Croix to a family that is considering joining the club?
I would 100% recommend this club to anyone thinking about joining. Coming to St. Croix was one of the best decisions I've made in my soccer career. The resources here are unmatched, from the elite coaches to the facilities and the friendships I've built will have a huge impact on my future. Most of all, the culture is like no other. You become a part of a team where you create a real unbreakable bond.