With the goal of guiding young athletes towards a successful career in soccer, we put a strong emphasis on the collegiate recruitment process. With a dedicated crew of collegiate advisors we make sure the goals of clients are easily attainable and they are put in the proper environment to succeed.
In this feature we interviewed AFC Toronto’s Cloey Uddenberg whose passion for helping young athletes stems from her own experiences with the collegiate recruitment process
What inspired you to become a collegiate advisor?
“What inspired me to become a college advisor was the opportunity to give back and help young athletes achieve their goal of playing college soccer. I have always coached soccer but I know the recruiting process can be difficult and intimidating and bring new challenges so I thought I would be able to share the tips and tricks I learned when being recruited.”
With her own experience with the collegiate recruitment process being somewhat intimidating, Cloey made it her goal to make the process as easy as possible for the next crop of young athletes looking to take the next step in their soccer careers. Having gone through the process first hand, she understands the obstacles that can be in the way. Taking on the role of collegiate advisor with OPSM, Cloey set out to prepare young athletes looking to break into collegiate soccer, and give them confidence in their decisions along the way.
What is your history in collegiate sports and/or at the professional level?
“I played at the University of Guelph in Ontario for 2 years. I then transferred for 1 year to the University of South Alabama. I then finished up my college career at Purdue University. I currently play professionally for AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League.”
Going through the recruitment and transfer process once can be intimidating for many, but not for Cloey. Having played for three different schools in just 4 years, Cloey is well-versed in the process, making her a perfect advisor for those looking to follow in her path. After 4 years of collegiate soccer, Cloey took another massive step in her career as she signed her first professional contract with AFC Toronto of the Northern Super League.
What was your recruiting journey as a player like?
“My recruiting journey never really stopped since I transferred so many times. I absolutely loved every school I was at, I was just looking for new challenges and ways to achieve my dreams. I loved the process because I found myself learning new things along the way. I formed beautiful connections with others and learned how to navigate conversations professionally.”
The determination to always face new challenges is a huge reason for success. Cloey became comfortable being uncomfortable with so many transfers. Finding a home at one club and staying put may be the right path for some, but for Cloey, the constant motion and change led her to the Northern Super League. Learning to adapt quickly to new environments and proving her worth with every new club she joined ensured that her path was never easy, improving her resilience and learning new things along the way.
What is your process when trying to find a school that fits an athlete?
“I first try and understand what the athlete is looking for. Whether it’s understanding their style of play, academics, or values. I try and understand the individual first in order to help them find a school.”
The collegiate recruitment process is different for every athlete. Some may be looking for the best opportunity to get noticed, while others may focus more on the academic side of being a student athlete. The discovery process of each client is a key piece of the process. Understanding what every athlete is looking for is vital when looking for a school that matches their wants and needs.
What does a day in the life of a collegiate advisor look like?
“First, I wake up in the mornings and from about 8am-4pm I have my duties as a professional soccer player. Whether it is training, meetings, recovery, treatment, lift, or film I always start my day with that. After that, I will meet with any athletes that I may need to. I will also send out emails and help connect athletes with schools.”
Balancing the duties of being a professional athlete and a collegiate advisor takes incredible discipline. With the first part of her day being dedicated to her own craft and career with AFC Toronto, Cloey knows exactly what it takes to make it to the next level, valuable information for her clients as she guides them in the right direction in hopes of following in her footsteps. She then shifts her focus to the careers of other athletes, sending emails, making calls, and building relationships with her clients and potential schools. By solely focusing on other athletes in her spare time Cloey ensures that they are put in the best possible environment for their development and future careers in soccer.
What is one moment of your career that you are proud of?
“I am proud of my rookie season at the University of Guelph.”
With a rookie collegiate season like Cloey’s it would be hard not to be proud. Starting her NCAA career at the University of Guelph, she quickly let everyone know that she was a step above the rest. Taking the OUA by storm, Cloey put herself on the map early on in her career. In her rookie year, she took home multiple awards, she was the 2021 All-Canadian Rookie of the Year, OUA West MVP, OUA Rookie of the Year, and a First Team All-Star. With a full trophy case after just one year of collegiate soccer, Cloey looked for more challenges to face head on.
With a unique recruitment and transfer history, professional experience, and a commitment to athlete development, Cloey fits right in at OPSM. While following her exact path may not be what all athletes are looking for, Cloey’s experience ensures that each athlete will be put exactly where they need to be as they chase their dreams and goals of a career in professional soccer.
