A Letter to My Younger Self invites a student-athlete to look back on the past four years—the triumphs, the struggles, the moments that shaped them both on and off the field. Fourth-year Bradley Winter stands as one of the most influential players in Case Western Reserve University men’s soccer history. His impact isn’t measured solely in saves or stats, but in the people he has inspired, the teammates he has lifted and the legacy he leaves behind. This is his letter.

Bradley,

It’ll be better than you ever could’ve expected, and you’ll make more memories than you ever would’ve imagined with some truly amazing people. You need to hear that, because I definitely did, and wow, it’s so true. It’s funny as I write this, and I think back to how you felt at this time as you prepared to embark on the journey into college. Quite begrudgingly, if I remember correctly. 

I know CWRU wasn’t what we originally wanted, and the old dream definitely didn’t come true, but I can say now that the new dream I just got to live out was far better and more rewarding than anything. You’ll walk in with the intention to transfer and play Division I soccer, but you’ll quickly realize the title isn’t what it seems, and you’ll be fortunate enough to find something bigger and better to strive for. You’d probably think that it would be the trophy and title that we dreamed of for so long—unfortunately, it’s not—but I think you found something far more worthwhile and something you can hold on to forever. What is that exactly? The lessons you’ve learned, the memories you’ve made and the incredible people you’ve experienced them with.

You’ll arrive at CWRU and enter a freshman dorm that’s about as big as a closet, where you’ll be with Ben, who will turn into one of your best friends. About 30 minutes after getting into the room, you’ll see a goofy kid with a head full of curly hair pop in, and next thing you know, you’ll have the second member of your crew, Mr. Stephen Vilardo, who will be one of your biggest competitors, motivators and best friends. Shortly thereafter, you’ll run into McLaren with his long flowing hair and later meet Cam and Phil at a team dinner. Hayden will be a semester late, but he will get there eventually, as he does. Next thing you know, the time will flash by, and you’ll be dancing at a wedding with Steve and Cam, traveling to Madrid to see Ben and Phil with the guys and laughing your head off with 22 amazing guys in a hotel room in New York City. If I tried to go through all the memories with these fools in the past 4 years, it would take me forever to write, so I’ll let you just experience it for yourself!

The best part about CWRU is the people, and you’ll find that out pretty quickly. When it gets pretty grey and cold (snow isn’t that great, especially after you forget to bring a coat, so have fun with that), you need some good people to spend time with, and man, have we gotten so lucky. You’ll find a great mentor in Alex, who will show you the ropes and guide you down the path at school. You’ll also have some incredible seniors, who I wouldn’t be the person I am without, in Jackson, Collin, Jacob and Matt. They’ll still text you every day 4 years later.

Soccer won’t go the way you expected, and honestly, that is one of the best things to happen to you, because you’ll learn far more about yourself than you knew, and it’ll do wonders for you over the next few years. While the first year will be hard, frustrating and tiring, it will make that moment when you get the start against Otterbein University a truly special memory because of everything that went into it. You probably needed to get humbled a little bit anyway, so it’s all a good thing at the end of the day. From there, the soccer career will take off, and while you won’t necessarily win everything you want, you’ll get more from the experience than any win could ever give you. A tournament appearance, a lot of saves and so many long balls, but none of it will mean as much as the moments with the guys you’ll have around you. You’ll run at 5 a.m., travel all over the country, laugh in hotel rooms, sing karaoke in front of the whole team, dance with an incredible group of friends and even get to watch Messi play live!

Soccer has always been everything to you, and while it’s weird and daunting to see it end, you’ll be so blessed with what it has given you. The memories and people you have now cannot be taken away, and it all comes back to the fact that you like to stand in the goal and have soccer balls kicked at you. Sounds like we’re a little crazy when I put it like that. 

There is so much more to say and reflect on, but you’ll know after you go through it. Stay humble and work hard. Give more than is expected, and when you say you’ll do something, get it done. Actions speak louder than words, so get after it. You’ve got the skills you need, just trust the people around you and find the confidence in yourself. It’s in there, you’ve just gotta bring it out.

It’s worth mentioning again that you’ll meet some of the most amazing people, who you’ll have some wonderful experiences with and who will influence your life so much. You might not know all of them yet, but wow, you’ll be so lucky when you do. Just wait until you spend a lot of time with Matt…

You’ll figure it all out regardless of what happens, and when life gets tough, get some ice cream at Mitchell’s and spend some time laughing with the guys, that always makes everything better. You’ve got quite the journey ahead, so enjoy every second of it. I’m proud of you, and I hope you’ll be proud of me. Good luck!

P.S. Try to have some fun every once in a while!

Sincerely,

Brad (That’s what they call us now)