UDM men’s soccer goalkeeper Colin Monroe has been nearly unbeatable to start the season, anchoring the Titans’ defense and setting the tone for one of the best starts in recent program history. But Monroe’s calm presence in goal didn’t happen overnight; it took years of dedication, family influence and a lifelong love for the game.
“I first got into soccer when I was four years old,” Monroe said. “My parents put me into my local recreational league, and I’ve not stopped playing since.”
His father, who also played goalkeeper when he was younger, was the first to inspire him.
“I wanted to be just like him,” Monroe said. “I started playing keeper when I was about six, but I also played on the field. I was always good at scoring goals, but I was always a better keeper.”
By fourth grade, Monroe committed to the position full time, training tirelessly with his goalkeeper coach, Anton, who became a major influence.
“I trained with him day in and day out for many years,” Monroe said.
That hard work led him to make high school varsity as a sophomore, win three Ohio Division I state championships, and one national championship.
That same drive carried Monroe to UDM. What drew him to Detroit Mercy was head coach Nate Kopunek’s belief in his potential.
“That belief meant a lot to me,” Monroe said.
As a freshman, he appeared in seven games, starting five. This season, as a sophomore, he has started eight and earned recognition on the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week and as the Conference Defensive Player of the Week, while leading the Horizon League in saves per game.
“My experience playing here has been really good,” he said. “I’ve been very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given so far.”
This year, he’s noticed big growth within himself. His confidence has gone up a lot.
“I’m no longer a timid freshman. Now I go out there with the mindset that the spot is mine,” he said.
Beyond his stats, Monroe brings energy and connection to the locker room.
“The team culture here is nothing like I’ve seen before,” he said. “To sum it up, we’re a brotherhood. We all care about each other so much, and it really is a special group.”
John Palomino, a striker for the Titans, has had nothing but good things to say about Colin.
“He’s a very vocal player; he likes to make sure the team is organized, and he brings great energy to the program,” Palomino said.
Another teammate, Zander Crooks, mentioned that Colin is a standout goalie.
“He’s not the biggest, but he’s definitely very aggressive and super passionate about what he does,” Crooks said. “Colin is a very smart player and good guy overall.”
Preparation is a key part of Monroe’s success both mentally and physically.
“Mentally, I like to keep the vibes up high,” he said. “I watch old clips of myself making big plays, have a laugh with teammates, stretch well, eat right and stay hydrated.”
Before each match, Monroe takes time to center himself.
“I like to have some time alone and blast music, something high- energy to get me hyped,” he said.
When the pressure rises, Monroe doesn’t back down. He goes into big games with the mentality that this could be his last time on the field taking nothing lightly.
He said, “I live for big games and high pressure. Most soccer players dream of scoring the perfect goal, I dream of saving it.”
His goals for the rest of the season are simple but focused. To stay healthy, do for the team the best of his ability and to win.
As the Titans’ season pushes forward, Monroe’s mix of leadership, preparation and passion continues to set the tone for the Titans, one save at a time.