In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we dive into the Collodi family's journey through youth soccer, academy programs, and professional development.

Mike & Stacey Collodi, parents of Michael Collodi, share how their son fell in love with goalkeeping at age six, how they navigated the competitive North Texas soccer scene, and the sacrifices that come with raising an elite player. They discuss everything from mental toughness and player motivation to choosing the right team and preparing for a professional career.

Whether you’re a soccer parent, coach, or young athlete, this conversation is full of insights, advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from a family that has been through it all.

Key Talking Points

• How Michael discovered his love for goalkeeping at age six

• The role of multi-sport training in soccer development

• Navigating the academy and club soccer system in North Texas

• The importance of mental resilience for young goalkeepers

• What parents need to know about tryouts, commitments, and sacrifices

• How playing for FC Dallas & North Texas SC shaped his path

• The college vs. pro decision and how Michael chose his route

• Lessons from ODP, National Team camps, and elite youth soccer

• How soccer families balance training, school, and life

• Advice for parents supporting their children’s athletic journey

Tune in to Learn:

• How to support a young athlete without pressure

• The biggest misconceptions about elite youth soccer

• Why mental toughness is crucial for goalkeepers

• How to balance school and sports effectively

• The sacrifices that come with chasing a pro soccer dream

Quotes from Mike & Stacey Collodi

Mike Collodi:

• “We always told Michael, if you ever want to stop, that’s okay—this journey is his, not ours.”

• “When you have a kid who actually wants to play goalkeeper longer than 60 seconds, you don’t move him out.”

• “Every player needs to learn that failure is part of the process—especially in goalkeeping.”

• “It’s not just about talent. It’s about hunger, mental toughness, and resilience.”

• “College wasn’t our first choice—it was a necessary part of the journey to pro soccer.”

Stacey Collodi:

• “Michael was always competitive—his biggest challenge was learning to manage frustration and stay positive.”

• “Parents need to step back and let their kids take control of their own soccer path.”

• “We spent years driving to games, training, and tournaments, but it was always HIS dream, not ours.”

• “Goalkeeping is the loneliest position—when you lose, you feel it more than anyone.”

• “You don’t just drop a kid off at the airport and hope for the best—independence is built over time.”

Follow Michael Collodi:

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/collodi

📷 Instagram: @mikecollodi

🐦 X (Twitter): @collodi

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/mike.collodi

▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/user/collodi

🌐 Website: collodi.org

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