Building Community, On and Off the Soccer Pitch

One overcast Sunday in April, on a rubbery Astroturf field, members of Yale SOM’s soccer club proudly raised the championship trophy at the Boston Cup, an annual tournament hosted by Harvard Business School. The club, for which I serve as one of six co-captains and club leaders, had fielded two teams for the tournament, each participating in several games over the weekend. While we didn’t win them all, we triumphed in the final game, with co-captain and standout player Casie Ramsier leading us to victory on Harvard’s own home turf. 

Holding that trophy wasn’t something I envisioned when I arrived in New Haven the previous summer. But soccer unexpectedly became a defining aspect of my time at Yale.

Before starting my journey at SOM, I served in the United States Army for nearly a decade. During my last assignment in Germany, I had the privilege of playing with a local club for two years. The community, teamwork, and camaraderie I found on that team became integral to my identity, and when I stepped onto the Yale campus, I was eager to find a substitute. So I signed up for the soccer club, SOM United.

That proved to be one of the best decisions I made since arriving at Yale. From the outset, the club provided me with a positive outlet and a sense of belonging. It was a space where I could unwind, immerse myself in a sport I love, and connect with like-minded peers who share a similar passion and seek connections beyond the classroom. The club includes students from diverse academic backgrounds: some are pursuing an MBA or PhD, while others are enrolled in specialized programs in global business, systemic risk, or asset management. Partners of SOM students often join the team, and we also boast impressive geographic diversity, with players hailing from Europe, South America, Central America, Southeast Asia—and 15 different U.S. states.

The inclusive atmosphere and remarkable talent within the program were evident from the beginning. Among the team members, several students had previously competed at the collegiate level, with some holding national titles. Some players had experience in local leagues. There were those who had grown up playing soccer, and others who simply have a passion for the game.

The club meets twice a week for practice, and we often have weekend games against other schools at Yale during intramural season. There are two intramural teams, “Business” and “Society,” catering to players who enjoy, respectively, a competitive atmosphere or a more casual approach.

Playing soccer with my classmates quickly became a highlight of my week. Whether it was friendly pickup games facilitated by SOM United at local fields around New Haven, intramural matches, or the Cohort Cup—in which six SOM teams compete against each other—each game fostered relationships and friendships that extended beyond soccer.

SOM United also provides opportunities for competition and camaraderie outside New Haven. The club participates in organized tournaments at universities such as Columbia, the University of Texas, and Harvard. These events test our soccer skills and allow us to forge connections with MBA and other graduate students off the field.

During tournament weekends, we often meet friendly competitors at bars and restaurants, where we bond over internship recruiting struggles, shared courses, pre-MBA lives, and aspirations for the future. Most of the time, this happens with a beer in hand and a slight limp after a long day of playing. Competing against these diverse teams broadens our perspectives and networks, while fostering deeper bonds within SOM United that might not develop within the confines of Evans Hall.

Being selected as one of the first-year captains for SOM United was a source of immense joy. (I still have the saved email.) As a leader, I’ve had the chance to shape the community around me, contributing to its success and growth. The goal of SOM United is not merely to win, but also to facilitate a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. It has been immensely gratifying to witness the club thrive and observe the friendships that have formed among our players. A big shout out to our departing second-year captains, who are tremendous athletes and outstanding people: Connor Brown, Casie Ramsier, Dennis Jacobsen, Nick Page, and staff advisor Rob Bartholomew.

I remain immensely grateful for the experiences and relationships forged through SOM United. Winning that trophy at the Boston Cup was a testament to the bonds we formed as a team and the things we can accomplish when we work as a community. SOM United has truly enriched my Yale experience, providing me with lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a lasting sense of belonging.