CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Brenden Zuerlein arrived at Nebraska Wesleyan University searching for his place on the men’s soccer team. He wasn’t the most vocal player and was still learning to trust his abilities. Now, as he reflects on his journey in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C), he sees how that uncertainty transformed into confidence, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging.

“Being a student-athlete in the A-R-C means a lot to me, as it has taught me to balance and excel in both athletics and in the classroom,” Zuerlein said. “It has shaped my personal growth by providing me with a constant competitive environment, pushing me to be the best version of myself.”

Over the past few years, that environment has helped him find his voice—on the field and beyond. Through early morning practices, long bus rides, and the grind of balancing coursework with competition, Zuerlein discovered what it means to lead, to persevere, and to be part of something bigger than himself.

Learning to Lead from the Sideline
Zuerlein’s lessons in resilience began long before he put on an NWU jersey. During his junior year of high school, just before the season started, he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot. The recovery timeline was uncertain, and his season became a series of starts and stops as he navigated pain and doctor’s orders.

“The season came with many ups and downs, as I was in and out of the lineup depending on both my pain and what the doctor allowed me to do,” he said. “This experience taught me a ton about both resilience and leadership.”

Unable to contribute the way he wanted on the field, Zuerlein learned to lead from the sideline. He supported teammates, offered encouragement, and found ways to help the team even when he couldn’t play. That experience shaped the leader he would become at NWU—a player who leads not just with words, but with consistent effort and care for those around him.

Building Confidence with the Help of Others
When he arrived at NWU, Zuerlein was still finding his footing. He credits his coaches and professors for helping him grow into the player and person he is today.

“My coaching staff was constantly providing me with the confidence, encouragement, and direction to further my athletic skills,” he said. “My professors have also been monumental in my academic pursuits, as they are constantly working with me while I’m on away trips and having to miss classes.”

That support allowed him to flourish. He became more assertive on the field, more disciplined in the classroom, and more comfortable stepping into leadership roles. The trust his coaches placed in him helped him trust himself—and that confidence became contagious within the team.

A Family from Day One
One of the defining features of Zuerlein’s experience at NWU has been the sense of community he found from the moment he arrived.

“From the day that I stepped on campus, my team felt like a family,” he said. “All of the older guys introduced themselves immediately, and the minute I stepped on the field, I immediately felt like I was a true part of the team.”

That bond extended beyond practices and games. Whether they were hanging out, playing video games, or watching Premier League matches together, the team’s camaraderie created an environment where everyone felt included and supported.

“It was a sense of community that I hadn’t really thought that I would get to experience at the college level,” he said. “That, along with the A-R-C community, has helped me massively as I continue to grow as a person.”

Pride in the Journey
Of all his accomplishments, Zuerlein is most proud of helping lead NWU to the A-R-C conference championship match last year—a milestone he believes the program had never reached before.

“Although we fell short, I’m more proud of the journey that we took to get there,” he said. “From starting off 0-3 and in a very dark place at the start of the conference season, to finishing in fourth and making a deep run in the tournament, I am extremely proud of how our guys, our coaching staff, and everyone involved dug deep and continued to work despite our early struggles.”

That turnaround required commitment and a willingness to put the team first every day. It also reinforced the standard Zuerlein wants to set for himself and for NWU men’s soccer moving forward.

Looking Ahead
As the A-R-C celebrates its history, Zuerlein is focused on the legacy he hopes to leave.

“I hope to accomplish things that this program never has, to go above and beyond and to shock not only the conference, but everyone,” he said. “I want to be both a player and part of a team that people remember—one that they are able to look up to and make the standard for the type of team and player that they want to be.”

Zuerlein knows the student-athlete path isn’t easy. But for him, every early practice, late-night study session, and long road trip has been worth it.

“My student-athlete journey has not been easy, as I know that most people’s aren’t,” he said. “It comes with ups and downs and it requires a constant commitment to both yourself and to those around you that you will give every task everything that you have. Despite all of this, and the challenges that come with it, I have loved every moment of my student-athlete journey.”

That love—for the game, for his teammates, and for the daily pursuit of excellence—continues to drive him as he writes the next chapter of his story at NWU."

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