WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's men's soccer team has enjoyed a near-unparalleled stretch of success in recent years.
The Lancers have qualified for three NAIA tournaments since 2020 under head coach Arron Patrick and have been mainstays in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.
Last year, Grace improved as the season went on. The team began the year slowly but ended its campaign as one of the most dangerous teams in the Crossroads League.
The Lancers won eight of their final 12 matches and nearly won the league, finishing as the runner-up in the regular season.
Grace will field a younger team than in years past, a challenge that Patrick was excited for his team to tackle.
Patrick is putting his youthful squad to the test early. During nonconference play, Grace will battle five teams who were in the final NAIA Top 25 poll of last season. But Patrick is confident his team is up for the challenge.
"We are starting at a high spot because our expectations and standards as a program are higher. It will be a baptism by fire for our guys in some ways," Patrick said. "We will show each other grace as we grow. We have such a young team, so we want to build sustainably and build together as a group."
During the preseason, Grace spent much of its time focused on building a foundation in its culture. Of the Lancers' 28 players, 22 are in their first or second year on the team. Grace has 12 newcomers this fall alone.
Grace took a three-day trip to Tennessee to kick off the preseason. The guys spent the trip gelling as a team, stretching themselves physically, spiritually and relationally.
"We made a decision this preseason to focus on team-building and spiritual development. We got to see leaders emerge," Patrick said. "We talk about how a brother is born in times of adversity. They became more brothers than friends during that trip."
Patrick wants the Lancers to be a team defined by gratitude and hard work. He was pleased to see how those areas of focus were shaping the Lancers. The team is heavily involved in the community as well with several players coaching local travel soccer teams during the season.
"Every day we come back to our priorities and see how they fit into our play. We want to be grateful for each other and our opportunities," Patrick added. "I'm very happy with how the guys are becoming a true team."
For Patrick, the off-the-field growth of his players was more important to praise then the on-field performances.
Two players he highlighted as examples were Maxime Bregeon and Josh Cruz. Bregeon, a senior midfielder, has worked tirelessly in his role for three seasons. Now as a senior captain, Bregeon has stepped into a leadership role and has flourished directing the squad. "His game isn't flashy. He does all the little things that allow other players to excel, so it's really cool to see a guy like that enjoy the reward of his hard work over his career."
Cruz has been injured in the preseason but has made major spiritual strides. Cruz, a junior forward, was baptized during the team's preseason this fall. "His relationship with God has clearly changed him; to see his transformation — it's something only God can do," Patrick reflected.
"These boys are special. Whether we win, lose or draw, our focus is to get our culture to align as a team," Patrick said. "The soccer will come as we progress and mature. But we build the culture every day. That starts now."
The Lancers will officially begin their season at home on Thursday with a 7 p.m. clash with Cumberlands, an NAIA national semifinalist from last year. They will also play at home on Saturday (Aug. 23) at 2 p.m. against Graceland.
