Episode 52: From The NESCAC to Old Trafford; w/ Khari Stephenson

Welcome to the 52nd episode of the In The 11 Podcast! Today, Brendan Griffiths is joined by Khari Stephenson, a former top-level player in The USA, Sweden, Norway and Jamaica and he shares the story of his professional career and life in retirement from football in this episode! Brendan acknowledges that Khari took a less traveled route than others whose goal is to make the pros. In this episode, Khari shares more about his experiences coming from Division 3 which is an unusual move for someone planning to pursue football. 

The practicality of the career path:

The risk-reward of a pro career is a huge thing for Khari. He shares that salaries are a lot less, and players only get paid during the season. Regardless, he prioritized making a name for himself before salaries as the goal has always been to play pro since the age of 4. With his degree as a plan B, he knew he had somewhere to go if ever football didn't work out, but with that security, he only became even more prepared to pursue football as a career, being there for the love of the game was his motivation.

College and league difference: 

Brendan and Khari share that there’s a big difference between playing in college and playing pro. The pace was faster in the league and the players have to constantly be getting fitter. Being on the same team means having the common goal of winning but there’s also the individual aim of everyone to be seen. Khari and Brendan both agreed to the aspect of competition within the team when they knew they had to make a name for themselves. 

About Khari Stephenson:

Upon graduating, Stephenson was drafted 27th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire. He did not make the Fire team, however, and was traded to Kansas City Wizards for a third-round 2005 MLS SuperDraft pick. Stephenson played very little for the Wizards in his rookie season, finishing the year with no points, having played only 44 minutes over three games. He became a starter in the playoffs, playing in every game and even scoring a goal on the Wizards' run to the final.

Stephenson remained with San Jose through the 2012 season before being released following the 2012 season. He subsequently entered the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft and became a free agent after going undrafted in both rounds of the draft. On 22 February 2013, he was signed by Real Salt Lake. He played one season in Utah; however, he was not retained following the season.

Stephenson signed for his old club San Jose Earthquakes on 11 March 2014. Stephenson scored 2 goals during the 2014 season. On 6 August 2015, Stephenson was loaned from San Jose to San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League.

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Outline of the Episode: 

[02:22] Khari’s background and experience

[06:32] The Division 3 difference

[10:56] Playing for Division 3 and Chicago

[14:15] Sustainability of a pro career

[18:08] First year in Kansas City

[20:59] The decision and experience with playing overseas

[31:32] What goes into determining a player’s career

[37:06] Representing your country in the sport

[43:04] Khari’s Norway experience and injury story

[49:54] Khari’s advice