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Kyle Owen
Rachael Keating

Capitalizing on Every Opportunity

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Reaching his dream of Division I soccer, was only the beginning for Kyle Owen

For any athlete, reaching the Division I level is something that many dream of but never obtain. In fact, less than two percent of all high school athletes ever reach the highest level. 
 
While some enjoy simple and easy recruitment to play collegiately, for Western Illinois men's soccer player Kyle Owen, his journey wasn't that simple. 
 
Path to the Mac
 
The Oklahoma City native was in the midst of his senior year of high school, and his offers to play collegiate weren't rock steady.  His dream of playing soccer at the highest level seemed to be fading. 
 
However, a conversation with former teammate Caleb Ragland, who had already committed to Western, led to him talking with Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson. Coach Johnson told him to come to an ID camp at Monmouth College to try out. 
 
Not hesitating at the opportunity, Kyle and his dad, Brian, took the road for the 10-hour journey. Throughout the trip, the two reflected on everything Kyle had accomplished, while also knowing this was his one opportunity to impress coach and make the most of it. 
 
They arrived in Macomb the day before the camp. After a tour of campus followed by a meal at Chick's on the Square, Kyle knew it was home. 
 
"I really liked the small town, and homie feel," said Kyle. "I knew I wasn't going to be just a face in the crowd here. I could make a name for myself at WIU." 
 
The excitement of knowing where he wanted to be next in his career fueled his game to perform better at the camp. At its conclusion, Coach Johnson told him that he would get back to him on Monday.  On the way back, Kyle was hopeful about how he performed. While at school on Monday, he couldn't avoid thinking about the phone call. 
 
"All day at school I was talking to my high school coach and all my friends. They were constantly asking how I did and what I thought."
 
When he got home from school, he immediately raced to his room and continued to wait for the verdict. Once the phone finally rang, Kyle's dream had been accomplished.
 
"When Coach Johnson told me that he liked the way I played and wanted me to come to Western, I was smiling from ear to ear on the phone. Right after, I called my dad at work and told him the news."
 
For Brian, his son's soccer career finally came full circle.
 
"It was a moment that I won't forget, and I hope I never forget," Brian said. "You think about as a parent all the time and effort on not only his part but other people's part. All you want as a parent is for your child to reach their goals and get to their dreams." 
 
Not Satisfied 
 
When Kyle arrived on campus, he never expected to be a starter and was told to first focus on passing the fitness test. Then worry about getting on the travel squad, then worry about breaking into the lineup. 
 
"I told myself when I first got here, any opportunity I have, whether if I get 15 minutes a game or if I get a one-minute game if I can make a difference on the field, that's all I want to do," said Kyle.
 
And a difference he would make. 
 
Kyle went on to be named to The Summit League All-Newcomer team en route to starting every game and leading the team in minutes.  When he got the nod to start in the season opener at Milwaukee, he was nervous, and the emotions were running through him, but once the game started, he was in his element. Back home his friends and family gathered to watch Kyle on ESPN make his collegiate debut. 
 
"It was a great time for friends and family to come together to watch him play the game he loved, " said Brian. " They were amazed that here this kid they have seen growing up through the years had reached this level. Also, they were in awe that he is able to compete out there against players who are four and five years older than him."
 
The Moment
 
The center backs accolades would be second to his program defining moment. 
 
Entering the game against Denver, the Leathernecks were 0-11 on the 2019 season and 0-11 lifetime against the national powerhouse. Each side answered one another, and the Summit League battle was tied 3-3 with 20 minutes left. 
 
Kyle's moment was about to come. 
 
After winning a corner in the 75th minute, Paul Kirdorf soared a perfect ball to Kyle who connected on a header that zoomed into the back of the net for his first career goal and the game-winner.
 
"It was the best feeling I have had in my soccer career." Kyle said. "The way the seniors acted after the game and to see Coach Johnson who is always serious, smiling and laughing after we beat Denver, then giving everyone big hugs, I had never seen that before and it was amazing to see." 
 
That Saturday afternoon, Brian was also on the sideline at John MacKenzie to witness the magical moment. 
 
"I couldn't believe it," explained Brian. "Everyone is celebrating the 4-3 lead and then what seemed like forever the last 15 minutes. I was pacing back and forth, thinking he may get the game-winner. His first goal is a game-winner against a team like Denver. My stomach was butterflies, I just couldn't wait for the game to get over."
 
When the clock struck zero, Kyle sprinted to his dad and greeted him with a huge hug. Before the game, Brian told his son that he felt confident about the game especially on corners, Kyle thought he was crazy.
 
"When I met him after the game, I joked and said you were right," added Kyle. "He said yeah, I know."
 
His goal was a momentum booster that led Western to win out the rest of league play and earn a share of the regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the postseason tournament.   
 
The Next Chapter
 
When the spring season was canceled because of COVID-19, Kyle returned back home, but his drive didn't stop. Despite having a phenomenal freshman year, he trained every morning on improving the aspects for the upcoming season. He continued to maintain his humble approach. 
 
Already as a sophomore, he is looked at as a leader inside the program. Something he enjoys, as just last year he was the one asking all the questions. 
 
Helping lead the newest class into a season unlike any other in the spring, will be a new challenge and experience, but a role Kyle is ready for.
 
It is just another opportunity for him to capitalize on.  
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