Alumni Spotlight: Former Cards Building Careers in European Soccer
June 05, 2024 | Men's Soccer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Former University of Louisville men's soccer student-athletes Liam Bennett and Tim Kubel are both finding success in the professional world after their playing careers came to an end.
The Cardinals Forever are each working overseas in England with clubs competing at some of the highest levels of European soccer.
Catch up with both former Cards below in this Alumni Spotlight.
Tim Kübel (2014-17)
Graduated in 2017 with his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration – Finance
Current Position: Doctoral Researcher at Chelsea Football Club
Tell us about your current position: I am working with senior stakeholders in the academy at Chelsea to improve the social development of all youth players. While it is clear that we want to develop the best players in the world — we also want to develop good people because we believe good people make better football players. I have been conducting several studies with players and staff to better understand what the skills and characteristics are that help players be successful in football and beyond. Now that I am towards the end of the research, I have developed a model for social development in the Chelsea academy, which hopefully helps us to not only develop the best football players but also well-rounded people.
How did your time at Louisville help shape you into where you are today: My time in Louisville shaped me beyond imagination. I embraced the term student-athlete and genuinely tried to excel not only in football but also in education. Additionally, being SAAC president allowed me to practice what it means to be a leader beyond the football pitch — which is a skill I use every day. So looking back, it's not the football or soccer that I keep in mind, but the personal development that I was able to do and the friendships I have formed.
What advice would you give to current student athletes: Go outside your comfort zone — make friends with athletes from other sports, go talk to a professor about a class or topic you are curious about, approach the girl you are too shy to talk to, put simply, try to do the right thing at all times. It's a cliche, but you only regret the things you didn't do — therefore I recommend everyone to challenge themselves in ways that feel uncomfortable, because growth doesn't happen inside your comfort zone.
Liam Bennett (2016-19)
Graduated in 2020 with his Bachelor's degree in Sport Administration
Current Position: PDP Team Operations Coordinator at Leeds United
Tell us about your current position: I lead on the football operations for the professional development phase groups at Leeds. A lot of this involves working closely with the coaches to plan and create a schedule of training around the fixtures and games program. I act as the match day liaison between the Premier League and Leeds United on U21 and U18 game days and serve as the central contact for all external football communications, among various other things!
How did your time at Louisville help shape you into where you are today: My time in Louisville was incredible. I enjoyed every minute and would do it all again in a heartbeat. The opportunity allowed me to become a more well-rounded person, as well as a better footballer. I made friends for life and created memories that I'll take with me forever. Louisville is a huge part of who I am and I'll always want the best for the program and the city.
What advice would you give to current student athletes: Enjoy every moment, take full advantage of every opportunity and embrace the difficult moments, those are crucial.
FOLLOW LOUISVILLE MEN'S SOCCER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow Louisville men's soccer on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @LouisvilleMSOC.
The Cardinals Forever are each working overseas in England with clubs competing at some of the highest levels of European soccer.
Catch up with both former Cards below in this Alumni Spotlight.
Tim Kübel (2014-17)
Graduated in 2017 with his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration – Finance
Current Position: Doctoral Researcher at Chelsea Football Club
Tell us about your current position: I am working with senior stakeholders in the academy at Chelsea to improve the social development of all youth players. While it is clear that we want to develop the best players in the world — we also want to develop good people because we believe good people make better football players. I have been conducting several studies with players and staff to better understand what the skills and characteristics are that help players be successful in football and beyond. Now that I am towards the end of the research, I have developed a model for social development in the Chelsea academy, which hopefully helps us to not only develop the best football players but also well-rounded people.
How did your time at Louisville help shape you into where you are today: My time in Louisville shaped me beyond imagination. I embraced the term student-athlete and genuinely tried to excel not only in football but also in education. Additionally, being SAAC president allowed me to practice what it means to be a leader beyond the football pitch — which is a skill I use every day. So looking back, it's not the football or soccer that I keep in mind, but the personal development that I was able to do and the friendships I have formed.
What advice would you give to current student athletes: Go outside your comfort zone — make friends with athletes from other sports, go talk to a professor about a class or topic you are curious about, approach the girl you are too shy to talk to, put simply, try to do the right thing at all times. It's a cliche, but you only regret the things you didn't do — therefore I recommend everyone to challenge themselves in ways that feel uncomfortable, because growth doesn't happen inside your comfort zone.
Liam Bennett (2016-19)
Graduated in 2020 with his Bachelor's degree in Sport Administration
Current Position: PDP Team Operations Coordinator at Leeds United
Tell us about your current position: I lead on the football operations for the professional development phase groups at Leeds. A lot of this involves working closely with the coaches to plan and create a schedule of training around the fixtures and games program. I act as the match day liaison between the Premier League and Leeds United on U21 and U18 game days and serve as the central contact for all external football communications, among various other things!
How did your time at Louisville help shape you into where you are today: My time in Louisville was incredible. I enjoyed every minute and would do it all again in a heartbeat. The opportunity allowed me to become a more well-rounded person, as well as a better footballer. I made friends for life and created memories that I'll take with me forever. Louisville is a huge part of who I am and I'll always want the best for the program and the city.
What advice would you give to current student athletes: Enjoy every moment, take full advantage of every opportunity and embrace the difficult moments, those are crucial.
FOLLOW LOUISVILLE MEN'S SOCCER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow Louisville men's soccer on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @LouisvilleMSOC.
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