Andy Gruenebaum

1.

Always loved “diving around” as a child; when he played Little League baseball, he’d purposely move away from balls so he’d have to dive further for them.

2.

Soccer was always a huge part of his life, but when he got to the collegiate level, he started to have doubts about it; thought about quitting.

3.

He approached his coach about his apprehensions; in turn, his coach told him, “If you don’t want to be here, there’s the door.”

4.

Realized he couldn’t waste his unique opportunity and started turning his attitude around; he got great grades and really started proving himself on the field.

5.

He learned that during difficult seasons, the sport that you love can start to feel like a job—you just have to keep showing up and putting work in.

6.

After college, he was selected to play for the Columbus Crew; eventually became their starting goalkeeper.

7.

Believes that as a professional athlete, it’s important to have a backup plan; plans on opening his own goalkeeping clinic after he retires.

8.

Says, “I don’t want to be in a bar someday saying, ‘I played professionally.’ No one cares anymore. Figure out what’s next.”