Brad West recalls the moment that ignited his passion for soccer: an Easter Sunday match in Cologne, Germany, in 2008. Initially more a fan of basketball, West's experience with European soccer left a lasting impression. "There was just something different about that European soccer vibe," he said, describing the vibrant atmosphere filled with enthusiastic fans. A graduate of Marquette University, West, Comm ’01, now serves as the corporate partnerships director for the Men in Blazers media network, where he worked tirelessly to promote soccer during the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the U.S. in 2026.
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In addition to West, several other Marquette alumni have successfully integrated themselves into the soccer world. Lisa Carlin, Comm ’18, has emerged as a leading women's soccer reporter for CBS Sports. Paul Gomez, Arts ’03, who mentors communication students, has collaborated with international soccer leaders as part of his role with Coca-Cola, the tournament's official beverage sponsor.
Current students are also carving their paths in soccer. Sophomore Logan Lawrence gained valuable experience during an internship with Shrewsbury Town F.C., a fourth-division English club, where he engaged in social media management, sponsor activation, and player signings. "I learned the importance of making sincere connections and saying 'yes' to tasks, big and small," Lawrence noted.
Senior Sofie Hanrahan attended Manchester City’s summer business academy, realizing her ambition of working in soccer might not be as far-fetched as she once thought. "Seeing the variety of positions available gave me a lot of confidence that maybe I had a place there," Hanrahan said.
The Selig-Jaffee Marquette Mentors program also plays a crucial role in linking alumni like West and Gomez with current students sharing similar aspirations. Gomez recently led his company’s efforts for the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, showcasing the coveted trophy at San Francisco City Hall. He shared the experience with his mentee, Jack Taphorn, reinforcing the significance of behind-the-scenes contributors in shaping the sporting landscape.
Lawrence echoed this sentiment during his time with Shrewsbury. Despite not having the budget of a Premier League team, he took on sizeable responsibilities, including coordinating interviews and designing commemorative murals for the club's anniversary. His initiative led him to propose a new uniform design, which he developed in collaboration with local fans.
Meanwhile, Hanrahan expressed a desire to continue her work in English soccer: "I’d work for any club; it doesn’t matter what level," she said, emphasizing the diverse opportunities in the field. Both she and West see promise in their experiences and are confident about the future of American soccer, especially leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Reflecting on the evolution of soccer in the U.S., West feels a sense of pride in his involvement with Marquette and the mentorship program, observing a generation of enthusiastic students ready to leave their mark on the sport.