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Daily Inspiration: Meet Everick Stoelwinder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Everick Stoelwinder.

Hi Everick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in soccer began in the Netherlands, where I completed my college education in 2012 while earning my UEFA B Coaching License. Growing up in one of the world’s strongest football cultures gave me a deep understanding of player development, technical excellence, and the importance of building intelligent footballers.

Later that year, I moved to the United States, settling in New Jersey after receiving an opportunity to coach at a soccer training facility. During that time, I also served as an assistant coach at the collegiate level, gaining valuable experience working with players aspiring to compete at the highest levels of the game.

In 2014, I relocated to Texas, where I coached for several local clubs and continued developing players of all ages. Those experiences eventually led me to establish Pure Soccer in 2019, with one clear mission: to create an environment where players could maximize their potential and pursue their dreams, whether that meant making a professional academy, representing their country, or earning a college scholarship.

Since opening Pure Soccer, I have had the privilege of helping numerous players take the next step in their careers. Our players have represented youth national teams including the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Jamaica, and several other countries. We have also helped players earn opportunities with MLS academies, including the Houston Dynamo and Austin FC, while many others have committed to colleges and universities to continue both their academic and athletic careers.

For me, coaching has always been about more than winning games. It is about developing complete players, building confidence, creating opportunities, and helping every athlete reach a level they once thought was out of reach.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Before Pure Soccer became what it is today, it was built through years of sacrifice, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the vision. The early years demanded more than passion—they required commitment. Weeks of 70 to 80 working hours became the norm, balancing coaching sessions, administrative work, player development, facility management, marketing, and everything in between. Every day was focused on creating a better environment for the players.

Just as the foundation was beginning to take shape, the COVID-19 pandemic brought one of the greatest challenges the business had ever faced. During only our second year, facilities were forced to shut down, training came to a halt, and the future of the business was uncertain. Like many small businesses, we faced difficult decisions and countless obstacles.

Instead of giving up, we adapted. We found new ways to stay connected with our players, continued supporting their development, and remained committed to our mission despite the uncertainty. Those difficult months strengthened our culture and reinforced what Pure Soccer stands for: resilience, dedication, and putting players first.

Looking back, those long days, late nights, and the challenges of navigating a global pandemic were all part of the journey. They shaped the company into what it is today—a place built on hard work, genuine care for every player, and a relentless commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Pure Soccer, our philosophy goes far beyond teaching players how to perform a skill. Our focus is on developing technically gifted players who also understand the game. Every training session is designed to improve both technical ability and decision-making, because success in soccer depends not only on what a player can do, but also on knowing when, where, and how to do it.

We believe that every action on the field should have a purpose. Players learn to recognize game situations, scan their surroundings, make informed decisions under pressure, and execute the appropriate technical solution. This combination of technical excellence and tactical understanding helps players become more intelligent and effective on the field.

To maximize player development, our training environment closely replicates the demands of the game. Rather than isolated drills, we create realistic game scenarios that challenge players to think, solve problems, and make decisions at game speed. By consistently training in environments that mirror real match situations, players develop habits and confidence that naturally transfer into competition.

Our goal is simple: to prepare players not just to perform well in training, but to excel when it matters most—on the field during the game.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Success is never achieved by talent alone. Throughout my journey as a player, coach, and technical director, I have learned that lasting success is built on character long before it is built on ability.

Commitment is the foundation. It means showing up every day with the willingness to improve, even when progress isn’t immediately visible. Dedication is choosing discipline over comfort, understanding that the small habits repeated consistently are what lead to extraordinary results over time.

No one succeeds alone. Being a great team player means putting the collective goal ahead of individual recognition, supporting those around you, and understanding that everyone has a role in achieving success. The strongest teams are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to helping one another grow.

Equally important are faith and honesty. Faith provides the strength to persevere through challenges and setbacks, while honesty builds integrity and accountability. Being honest with yourself about your strengths, your weaknesses, and the work still required is essential for continuous improvement. Honesty with teammates, coaches, and others creates the trust that every successful environment depends on.

These values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape not only better soccer players, but better people—individuals who are prepared to succeed both on the field and in life.

Contact Info:

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