In 2020, men’s soccer made its way back to the hill in the form of a club after the mens soccer team was discontinued in 2008 due to budget cuts.
For President of the Soccer Club, Xavier Glauber, it’s more than just a game.
Established in 2020 by his brother, Harrison, the soccer club runs in the family. The Glauber brothers both played at young ages and played varsity soccer in high school but hit a roadblock when they decided to continue their education at WKU.
“Part of the reason that I chose WKU was because I wanted to be involved outside of soccer. But soccer never really left me,” WKU club soccer coach Jonathan Hicks said. “I had a few offers for smaller schools that I thought it wasn’t worth a career over and soccer is all I do now.”
When Glauber took over, the team had never seen a win. The team sits at an overall record of 3-8.
When asked about some of the successes and notable achievements within Glauber’s presidency, he was quick to note the club’s 5-0 victory of over the University of Tennessee in 2022.
“It was my sophomore year, which was my first year as president and no one really taught me how to be the president,” Glauber said. “So, we were just flying blind under my control, and it was cool to see the team finally come out with a win because it can be difficult.”
The team receives zero funding from the school. Glauber tried to organize fundraisers but had no luck. The only funding that the university has provided is a field for the team to practice and a league fee of $500.
The team practices at Hattie L. Preston Intramural Sports Complex. Glauber described the field as a “cow pasture”, where it’s rough and uneven. The lines that construct the field are painted by Glauber along with goalposts, and lawn care.
Another challenge the club has faced is orchestrating tournaments against other schools. From Louisville FC to Auburn University’s Soccer club, it hasn’t been easy getting the team to play. For the team to successfully conduct matches, Glauber has to consider transportation, lodging, meals, and more.
“It all comes down to the 20-year-old president who isn’t getting paid for it,” Glauber said. “We DM other leagues on Instagram and we are currently trying to contact a league that is based in Colorado that only sends and receives emails. Since there’s no monetary reward, the reward you get is the responses from other leagues and having the team play.”
Through all the setbacks, team bonding is Glauber’s main priority.
“As president, I make sure the guys get to know each other at practice,” Glauber said. “We have long practices, so there’s time to goof around and hang out with the ball and get to know each other. So, a lot of people have made good friends.”
The team is in their spring season with the latest match against Louisville FC and practices on Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Hattie L. Preston Intramural Sports Complex. The soccer club is open for anyone to join, especially players who are seeking to remain competitive at WKU.
