Mark Handler studied at Pace Academy in Atlanta, GA which eventually led him to Wake Forest University, NC. The path was setup for what many thought was a career in law or teaching perhaps, but that's now how the story goes.

One doesn't usualy need to figure out who to talk with for catching planes on aircraft carriers, but that's exactly what Mark was contemplating while working in Texas as it pertained to his new job functions. Deep in the corporate world he still hadn't found the connection to his work that he had wanted. That's when the reflection on true joy and soccer helped him get back to the sport he loved in a MAJOR way, well major league soccer that is. Listen to our conversation to see how youth soccer impacted his future and how Mark also helps with sustainability within the sports world.

Courtney Brown prepped by playing La Roca Club soccer in Utah. She was recruiting to play collegiately at Utah at a young age and never waivered in that decision. From local AYSO where she had to play on both teams to help even the scores to traveling the country with some of her best friends. Her love for the game only grew as the level of play did as well.

She is an example of dedication to her craft and staying the course. Her destination wasn't set in her youth but naturally occured as she continued on her journey. She is an extremly positive person and has a uplifitng look at everything she experienced in her path.

Follow Courtney on Instagram: courtney_brown16

Vaughn Van Dame prepped at La Cueva High School (Albuquerque, NM) before completely dropping out of school without graduating. He ended up getting his GED and took a chance on JUCO. That ended up being one of the biggest decisions for him as JUCO has never left him since. From New Mexico to Kansas, Arizona, South Dakota, Mexico, Texas and now Iowa. He has put in the miles and his journey reflects that.

He has had the opportunity to rewrite his own narrative and give back to the community that helped save where his life may have gone. He works everyday to be the coach he never had and influence those around him to continue their own journeys to find success on and off the field.

Follow Vaughn on Instagram @vaughnvandame