Interview #18- Kyle Carr

Kyle Carr is an American professional soccer player for the Lansing Ignite of the USL League 1. Carr, a Florida native, played college ball at Taylor College, Eastern Florida State College, and Liberty University. Kyle has made a name for himself at Lansing, becoming a key piece to a team that's currently top of the table. With a gritty playing style along with a silky touch, Carr is a defenders nightmare, and is a player you should watch!

The Kyle Carr Interview

1. Growing up in Florida, what was your youth career like?
I moved to Florida the same year I started high school, and, fortunately, I began playing with a very successful club and high school program.  Starting my sophomore year of high school I began playing in higher age groups to really challenge myself. My senior year, I played with Orlando City’s Development Academy and was able to continue developing in that system the following two summers with their PDL teams.

2. Coming out of high school you went to Taylor. Describe your season at Taylor and what it taught you.
I was only at Taylor University for one semester, but it did teach me a lot.  I learned that my life is way bigger than the sport that I play, and life can be fun if you choose to make it that way.  Overall, I’m very thankful for my time at Taylor.

3. After Taylor, you played at Eastern Florida State College. At EFSC you won EFSC Male Student Athlete of the Year as well as being named to the NJCAA All American First Team. What was your tenure with EFSC like?
Eastern Florida was exactly the program I needed to accelerate my soccer career.  All credit goes to the work Coach Twelvetrees has put in to build such successful teams.

4. After EFSC you transferred to Liberty. How was the transition from EFSC to Liberty, both on and off the pitch?
The transition on the field wasn’t too difficult. My teammates had so much character and they really helped me feel welcome and wanted from the first day of preseason.  In the classroom, Christian faith was incorporated in every lesson, and that took some time to adjust to.  

5. How was your time at Liberty?  What did it teach you as a player?
My time at Liberty was good.  My time there really helped me mature— both as a player and as a young man.  I met some lifelong friends and am excited about my opportunities to go back to Lynchburg

6. While in college you also played for Lansing United of the NPSL.  What was the level of play in the NPSL like?
Unfortunately, I tore my groin before we started our regular season, but the league seemed like a very good place for young players to prove they had what it takes to play at the next level.

7. What’s your favorite collegiate memory?
There are so many good ones! There were some late night donut runs with friends, a broken down car at 3am, and many more.  Perhaps the best was “family” dinners with my roommates at Liberty. So many good times.

8. Coming out of college were you being scouted by any professional teams?  How did your opportunity with Lansing come about?
I didn’t have much contact with professional teams out of college.  I was invited for a couple trials which didn’t quite work out, but nevertheless helped me grow as a player.  In the summer of 2018, I played in the PDL with Lansing United under Nate Miller (who also recruited me to play at Taylor just before he moved to Spring Arbor).  We had a successful summer together and once he got the job with Lansing Ignite, he invited me to be a part of the inaugural season. So far so good! We’re making a run for the championship, and I believe we can win it all.

9. How were you feeling after signing for the Ignite?
I was so excited! Not just because it’s my first professional contract, but also to work with this group of guys and compete each day to get better.

10. Who’s the player you’ve ever played against?
I went on trial with the Tampa Bay Rowdies for a month and was able to play with Joe Cole. He’s an absolutely class individual. While I was there we played against Orlando City and Kaka. We tied...

11. What’s the biggest crowd you’ve ever played in front of?
I think the largest is 5,000. We’ve had just around that many fans a few times this season at home and once or twice away. 

12. What are your thoughts on pro/rel for USA?
I think promotion/relegation would be so exciting. It would give fans a reason to support their local teams. I’m not sure the infrastructure is in place yet, but if it happens I’m sure it would contribute to a more involved, more energetic game.

13. If you could do anything in the world outside of soccer, what would it be?
I’d like to own a small business that could generate enough revenue to help support young artists, musicians, as well as having a space for them to perform and showcase their work.

14. Who’s your biggest role model?
My parents. they’ve both sacrificed so much in order for us kids to chase after things we’re passionate about.

15. What’s your biggest tip for youngsters working to become a professional?
Always put personal growth before performances, and love getting better. Be honest and work hard, and anyone willing can do it.

16. What are three things on your bucket list?
See the Northern Lights, go to a world cup final, and publish a book.

17. What do you think you could give a 40 minute presentation on with no preparation?
How to make a good cup of coffee.

18. In three words, describe yourself.
Uncanny and diligent.

19. If you could have a dinner with they other people, who would they be?
Zinedine Zidane, Daniel Arsham, and Ravi Zaccharias.

20. Any last words for the readers?
Enjoy a sunset here and there. they’re very underrated.

​

Interview by Chris Dailey

Huge thanks to Kyle for the amazing interview! Insane player on the pitch, and a great guy off of it! A true role model for youngsters who want to become pro. Keep up the great work Kyle, we're rooting for you!

Photos via https://twitter.com/thekylecarr