The Soccer Ladder

Guest: Greg Garza – Former MLS & Liga MX Champion, U.S. National Team Player, Co-Founder of Beyond Goals Mentoring

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Garza, a player whose career has taken him across Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and the U.S., winning championships in both MLS and Liga MX. Greg shares his incredible journey from moving to Brazil at just 12 years old to competing at the highest levels of professional soccer.

But what’s even more fascinating is what he’s doing now—helping the next generation of players navigate the highs and lows of the soccer journey through Beyond Goals Mentoring.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What it’s like to leave home at 12 to pursue a professional soccer career
✅ The biggest differences between playing in Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S.
✅ Why hunger, resilience, and leadership matter more than talent
✅ How to handle pressure in high-stakes matches
✅ What separates elite youth players from those who fall off the path
✅ Why coachability, body language, and attitude are game-changers

Greg’s insights go beyond soccer—this episode is packed with valuable lessons about adversity, mindset, and personal growth.

⚡ If you’re a young player, parent, or coach, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now! 

📲 Follow us here: 

🔹 Greg Garza: @gmgarza

🔹 Beyond Goals Mentoring: @beyondgoalsmentoring

🔹 Megan linke : @liandmeinnyc

🔹Liam: @Liamlinke93

#TheSoccerLadder #Podcast #GregGarza #BeyondGoalsMentoring #SoccerMindset #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #EliteAthleteMindset

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Julian Valerio, founder of Fundamental Ball Academy, to talk about youth player development, soccer IQ, strength training, and the importance of a well-rounded approach to the game. With a rich soccer background, including playing at a high level in the U.S. and abroad, Julian shares his insights on what it takes for young athletes to elevate their game and stand out.

⚽ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Julian’s soccer journey from a D3 All-American to a Hall of Famer
• The role of soccer IQ and how young players can develop their game awareness
• How strength, conditioning, and flexibility impact player performance
• The importance of nutrition, rest, and recovery for long-term success
• Why mindset, attitude, and coachability are key factors in player development
• How young players can handle pressure, adversity, and setbacks in the game
• The difference between playing for fun vs. playing to go pro

🔹 Memorable Moments:

✔️ Julian’s insights on soccer development today vs. when he was growing up

✔️ Why effort and attitude are the two things players can control

✔️ His perspective on balancing training volume with quality and recovery

✔️ The importance of playing freely, making mistakes, and learning from them

✔️ His advice for young players and parents navigating academy soccer

🎧 If you’re a soccer parent or a young athlete looking to level up, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Let us know what resonated with you the most.

📲 Follow Julian Valerio & Fundamental Ball Academy:

🔹Julian Valerio: (@)

🔹 ⁠⁠⁠Megan⁠⁠⁠- (@liandmeinnyc)

🔹⁠⁠⁠ Liam:⁠⁠⁠ (@Liamlinke93)

And if you want more on Liandmeinnyc go to our ⁠⁠⁠website here⁠

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we welcome NFL legend Vernon Davis! As a Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the greatest tight ends in the game, Vernon shares his incredible journey from high school football to the NFL and beyond. He talks about the mindset, work ethic, and dedication required to succeed in professional sports and offers valuable advice for young athletes dreaming of going pro.

🏈 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Vernon overcame his fears and started football in 8th grade
• The moment he realized football could be his career
• His iconic game-winning catch against the New Orleans Saints
• How he handled doubt, setbacks, and pressure at the highest level
• His NFL Draft experience and what it felt like to be a top pick
• His best advice for young athletes & their parents
• Why hard work & dedication are non-negotiables for success
• What Vernon is doing after football—from real estate to acting

🔹 Memorable Moments:

✔️ Vernon’s inspiring mindset—how he trained, prepared, and pushed himself to greatness

✔️ The power of belief, resilience, and surrounding yourself with the right people

✔️ His hilarious story about being "too scared" to wear a football helmet

✔️ The balance between coaching & parenting as his son follows in his footsteps

✔️ His new ventures—from flipping houses to filmmaking

🎧 Don’t miss this incredible conversation with one of the most inspiring athletes out there!

👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—let us know your favorite takeaway!

📲 Follow Vernon Davis & The Podcast:  🔹⁠Vernon Davis⁠:⁠ (@Vernondavis85)

🔹 ⁠⁠Megan⁠⁠- (@liandmeinnyc)

🔹⁠⁠ Liam:⁠⁠ (@Liamlinke93)

And if you want more on Liandmeinnyc go to our ⁠⁠website here⁠

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, we sit down with Serge Ngoma, a homegrown player for the New York Red Bulls, to talk about his journey from youth soccer to signing his first professional contract at just 16 years old! Serge shares his experience of moving through the Red Bulls Academy system, the challenges of balancing school and soccer, and the mindset needed to succeed at the professional sports level.

⚽ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Serge’s path from youth soccer to the New York Red Bulls Academy
• The pivotal moment when he knew soccer was more than just a game
• The role of private training, nutrition, and recovery in his development
• How Serge dealt with injuries, setbacks, and doubts while staying focused
• The importance of a strong support system—family, faith, and mentors
• His advice for young athletes and parents navigating the soccer journey

Memorable Moments:
✔️ Serge’s first Academy training invite after scoring a hat-trick
✔️ Playing against top teams in England as a young player
✔️ The emotional experience of making his pro debut at Red Bull Arena
✔️ His biggest soccer idols and where he sees himself in five years
✔️ The best piece of advice for young players & parents

🎧 Tune in to hear Serge’s inspiring story, his advice for young athletes, and what it truly takes to make it in professional soccer!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me podcast! Let us know what you think in the comments.

📲 Follow Serge Ngoma & The Podcast:
🔹 Serge Ngoma: (Sergengoma_)
🔹 Megan- (@liandmeinnyc)
🔹 Liam: (@Liamlinke93)

And if you want more on Liandmeinnyc go to our website here