While most soccer players blast hype music before a big game, senior Ben Crowe takes a different approach. Crowe puts on his headphones and listens to the sounds of nature, such as falling rain and thunderstorms. Crowe says what inspired him to listen to that kind of music was because it puts him in a calm and peaceful state, and it helps him focus better to really stay in the moment for when he plays on the field. For him, staying grounded and not getting riled up is the secret to stepping on the field with confidence. 

For Crowe, soccer has always been more than just a sport. It runs through his family, starting from his dad, then his brothers, before him. It has given him lessons that go even farther than the field, like leadership, responsibility, and bonds that last years. I asked Crowe what a typical training week looked like for him and learned that his week is a mix of drills, game preparation, and recovery. He likes to keep the routine simple and focused, especially right before a game, because he doesn’t want to overwork his body right before a big game. “I like to do recovery before games to get my body right, and I take time to get mentally prepared,” he says. This kind of approach carries into serious moments on the field. “If you overthink, you get in your head. Staying grounded and confident lets me give the team what we need,” Crowe states.

Motivation is something Crowe doesn’t struggle to find. A lot of it comes from his mom, who pushes him to be better and reminds him to stay grounded. He also gives credit to his teammates and his coach for pushing him to improve every day. “I take it day by day and don’t get caught up in what people are saying. Even on bad days, I remind myself to appreciate what I do/have, stay humble, and rely on my teammates to push me,” he says.

Game day has a built-in routine. Crowe always eats his, as he likes to call it, “lucky pasta meal.” Crowe eats the same pasta every time before a game. For his pasta, he eats penne noodles with marinara, but he likes to call it “red sauce.” Crowe says some days he only eats only sauce and noodles, and other days for protein he eats the same pasta and same sauce but with chicken. He likes to keep his routine the same and consistent. He eats healthy snacks throughout the day and drinks a lot of water. Crowe’s pregame playlist may surprise you. Of course, he listens to some hype songs here and there, to the game and throughout the day, but before he plays, and while Crowe is warming up, he listens to nature tracks. Crowe states, “When I’m calm and peaceful, I perform better. It helps me focus and stay in the moment.” Consistency is one of his strongest qualities. He relies on breathing exercises, a steady routine, and a positive mindset to stay sharp. Crowe also says visualization is another secret weapon. “Before the ball even comes my way, I take a few seconds to picture what I’m going to do. That helps me make better decisions and set my team up to succeed.” Like many athletes, he admits that injury is a fear, but he refuses to let it take up space in his mind. “I make it a rule not to dwell on it. Keeping a positive mind helps me play my best.”

When asked about his favorite soccer memory, Crowe didn’t just think about the big wins; instead, Crowe thinks back to the bonds of the 2023 season with the bus rides, pasta dinners, and the seniors who helped shape the team. But of course, Crowe couldn’t forget his first goal on the team; it was unforgettable,“It felt amazing to be supported by my team. It was the start of a good journey with Ledyard soccer.” For the younger soccer players this year and moving forward, Crowe’s advice is simple but powerful, he says, “Try to improve every day. Don’t compare yourself to others; everyone learns at their own pace. And enjoy it while you can, because it doesn’t last forever.”

So, for Ben Crowe, soccer is about balance between discipline and happiness, calmness and intensity, the present moment and future goals. And that balance may just be the secret to Ben Crowe’s success. 

Bailey Hendrix, Staff Writer

Junior Bailey Hendrix is a staff writer for the 2025-2026 Colonel News site. She likes tennis, pretty flowers, and going to the beach to watch the sunrise.