From International Soccer Academy Elite Gap Year Program to Pro Contract
Creighton Braun took a bold leap, leaving the U.S. to train in Spain with International Soccer Academy. Just weeks later, he secured trials with top European clubs—now, he’s officially signed his first pro contract.
What does it take to go from a collegiate soccer player to a professional signing in Europe? For many young American soccer players, the dream of signing a pro contract in Europe can feel out of reach. But for Braun, his dream became reality thanks to elite training, persistence, and the right opportunities.
In this Player to Watch interview, he reflects on his path to professional soccer, the challenges he overcame, and his future goals. 
SoccerToday’s Interview with Creighton Braun
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about playing soccer?
Creighton Braun: Playing soccer is a passion I love. I have grown up with it. I love the camaraderie among the teammates and just being outside and kicking the ball is amazing.
SOCCER RUNS IN MY BLOOD, I HAVE ALWAYS SEEN SOCCER AS A WAY TO FIND PEACE.
Soccer is a stress reliever for me—it helps me get my mind off things. It is obviously called the beautiful game for a reason.
People think kicking the soccer ball is easy, but as you progress in the sport, it is the most challenging sport to perfect.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long have you tried to get a trial with a professional soccer club in Europe?
Creighton Braun: Ever since my sophomore year in high school, I have been asking my coaches how I can play soccer in Europe.
Diane Scavuzzo: You joined International Soccer Academy’s fall session in Mallorca, Spain in October. How did you feel when they set up a trial for you?
Creighton Braun: I was amazed … I had emailed, texted, and reached out to try to get a trial more times than I can count. Three weeks into our Academy in Mallorca, I was offered a trial at FC DAC 1904. It was very gratifying.
I THOUGHT, NOW IS MY CHANCE.
Diane Scavuzzo: The second trial International Soccer Academy arranged was at Schalke? What was that like?
Creighton Braun: I was speechless when International Soccer Academy arranged a second trial for me. Being offered a trial at a big Bundesliga club in Germany like Schalke 04 is awesome—well, I was shocked.
Diane Scavuzzo: Were you impressed that the clubs covered the costs and hosted you for the trial?
Creighton Braun: Yes, it was imposing, it made me feel that it was authentic…. I know that European football clubs do not always cover a player’s travel costs for a trial.
Diane Scavuzzo: What was the trial at FC DAC 1904 like?
Creighton Braun: At DAC, everyone was very welcoming. I thought DAC’s facilities were beautiful — they have brand new fields and a great weight room. The coach shook my hand every morning.
I really feel that the coach believes in me, which makes me feel good. I feel I will continue to develop at DAC.
Finding a coach who believes in you is very different from finding a coach who is interested in you—interest is only on the surface. The DAC coach believes he can develop me into a greater player, and I can’t wait to work with him.
Diane Scavuzzo: What has inspired you?
Creighton Braun: There is a quote I like.
“WHAT YOU DO IN THE DARK PUTS YOU IN THE LIGHT.”Under Armour
After this quote sunk in, I started consistently working every single day to reach my goal.
Diane Scavuzzo: What did you think when you first heard FC DAC 1904 wanted to offer you a contract?
Creighton Braun: When I first heard DAC wanted to offer me a contract, I was at breakfast — My heart skipped a beat.
Diane Scavuzzo: How did you feel signing the contract?
Creighton Braun: All I could think of is ‘It is here’ — my heart was racing and my palms were sweating. It is just me with a pen and a piece of paper. I did mess up my signature as I was nervous. It is a dream come true. Now the hard work starts.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you think of the International Soccer Academy program in Spain?
Creighton Braun: The International Soccer Academy program is incredible. Some kids in the US may not have heard of Mallorca, but I have. Mallorca is an island off the coast of Barcelona, Spain. Being at the International Soccer Academy was like going to Hawaii and playing soccer for three months.
TRAINING EVERY DAY IS AN AWESOME WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS.
Diane Scavuzzo: What was your first impression of Holger Gehrke, the associate and goalkeeper coach at International Soccer Academy? Gehrke was the goalkeeper at Schalke 04 for many years and then the goalkeeper coach at Schalke 04 as well as the Hungarian National Team goalkeeper coach …
Creighton Braun: You will laugh. My first impression was, ‘Man, this guy is tall.’
Diane Scavuzzo: At 6’5″, Coach Holger is tall. Did he give you any advice before you went on trial?
Creighton Braun: Holger always encouraged me. He told me to take deep breaths and be myself. Holger said the coaches at DAC and Schalke want to see who I am. I am so happy I got the chance to work with Coach Holger. I wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner.
Diane Scavuzzo: International Soccer Academy had a session on Mental Strength with Dan Abrahams right before you went off on your first trial. Was the information useful?
Creighton Braun: Yes. I used Dan’s Game Face technique and it helped.
The first day, I was very nervous. I had been working tirelessly for 12 years to get this opportunity. Just before going out on the field, I felt it all catching up with me. The Game Face concept, along with remembering the three words that I had selected to describe my three best attributes—well, it all helped me substantially.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you feel different now that you are a professional athlete?
Creighton Braun: It will hit me when I get home and am surrounded by my childhood friends. Right now it is still like … WOW. My dream is here. I will be playing professional soccer.
Diane Scavuzzo: What was training like with Eddie Loewen?
Creighton Braun: Eddie is a ball of energy — he is the life of the show. Eddie works tirelessly for the people around him and he is always willing to sacrifice himself for others. On the outside, he seems tough, but on the inside, he is like a teddy bear.
Diane Scavuzzo: Did your youth soccer club in Southern California help you prepare to become a professional player?
Creighton Braun: West Coast FC helped me get where I am today. Southern California is possibly the USA’s most competitive area, and I learned a lot at West Coast FC.
Diane Scavuzzo: Were you always a star on your team?
Creighton Braun: No. I am only 19 years old, but I’ve experienced tough times playing soccer. When teams had to be formed by birth year, I changed teams and wasn’t the go-to player I had been on the other team. I became a late-minute sub and sat a lot on the bench, but I am a hard worker and worked through it.
Diane Scavuzzo: What advice can you share with youth soccer players who want to become professional players and get offered a pro contract?
Creighton Braun: Stay mentally strong — and, have fun. Soccer is very competitive, but having fun is very important. At the end of the day, if you can see past the little bumps in the road, and you can keep working towards your goal — and if, at the peak of your fitness, you get a shot to make your dreams a reality, you have to take it.
Diane Scavuzzo: Was there a coach at West Coast who made an impression on you?
Creighton Braun: Yes, Neil Armour. He is a very tough coach — Neil delivers his lovely words in a different form than most Americans are used to. He would always say, “I’m not your best friend. I am here to help you move on to the next part of your life.” He wants to see the players succeed at the end of the day. He was pleased when I called him to tell him.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who do you look up to?
Creighton Braun: My parents
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite player?
Creighton Braun: Tony Kroos — the central midfielder who plays for La Liga’s Real Madrid and the Germany National team.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about your position?
Creighton Braun: I like the freedom and the complexity of the position.
