Player: Luke Vercollone

Luke Vercollone, a Massachusetts native, was engulfed by the game of soccer at a very young age. His dream of playing professionally took a big step when he was offered a spot to play collegiately at Seton Hall. As a pirate, he was named all Big East his senior season while finishing his career with 11 goals and 24 assists. During his time at Seton Hall, Luke also played for the Cape Cod Crusaders in the USL to help them win consecutive PDL titles in 2002 and 2003.

In 2004, Luke decided to declare for the MLS SuperDraft where he was selected 42nd by the Colombus Crew, to then be picked up by the New England Revolution. After a year, Vercollone decided to join the Charleston Battery for the 2006 season in the USL's First Division. During his two seasons in Charleston, he scored three goals and had six assists in the 66 appearances he made. After two seasons, Vercollone signed a contact with the Richmond Kickers and was a part of the 2009 squad that won the USL Second Division championship. 

His career continued when in 2014, he was the first ever signee for a new USL team, the Colorado Spring Switchbacks. During his first season with the Switchbacks, he tallied 14 goals and nine assists, earning him a spot on the USL All League Team. He currently is still with the Colorado Spring Swtichbacks and has hopes to eventually play for the Rapids. Here are 18 question with our new featured player Luke Vercollone!

1. How old are you?

   34

2. How did you get into soccer?

   My older brother played and I joined his team when I was four. I did well and enjoyed it and kept at it.

3. What is one skill that you think every player needs to cultivate?

   Real mental toughness!

4. Who were your soccer heroes growing up?

   Brian McBride and Diego Maradona.

5. At what age did you know you wanted to play professionally?

   Seven years old.

6. What is the best goal you have ever scored?

   Last season in the USL Semi-Finals vs Oklahoma (it was voted 2nd for goal of the year, 2015). I scored a great volley off the post and at a very tight angle.

7. You created a Mental Training program called Pro Performance, what was your goal with it?

   To inform, inspire and impact soccer players. We'll do this with the mental training programs coupled with elite mentorship from pros who have been there.

8. What inspired you and your fellow founders to start Pro Performance?

   James, Jordan and I feel that the mental game is crucial for success at all levels and there is little attention given to it. We wish we had mental training programs and access to elite mentorship throughout our careers and we hope to share the experience of the pros to help the next generation.

9. Who is the best player that you have ever played against?

   Clint Dempsey

10. What is your greatest moment on the pitch?

    Winning the 2009 USL Championship with the Richmond Kickers.

11. What is your worst moment on the pitch?

    Missing a PK for our team at the final play of the game the other night :(

12. How did you get past this moment?

    Put it into perspective. Focus on what I will do better next time and learn from the mistake. Stay positive and forget about the mistake. 

13. What is your biggest strength on the pitch?

    Vision

14. What music do you listen to before games?

    Whatever is on in the locker room (I don't have any specific playlist). 

15. Where does your motivation come from while you are playing?

    1) My faith — I believe this is what I am called to do at this moment and I do my best to bring God glory. 2) Mastery — I play to get better and reach my potential. 3) My wife (Andrea) and my kiddos inspire me — I want to make them proud.

16. What do you value most in your teammates?

    Effort and attitude.

17. What other sports and activities do you enjoy when you're not playing soccer?

    Being with my family and playing with my kids. We do all sorts of fun stuff!

18. Where will we see Luke Vercollone in five years?

    Scoring goals with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (or Rapids)!