Player Spotlight
Planes and the Pitch: Kevin Durr's Path to the Pros
Think your job is tough? Try being a professional soccer player while also serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. This is the life Kevin Durr chose for himself.
HE WILL BE ONE OF THE OLDEST ROOKIES in pro soccer this year but all Kevin Durr care’s about is that he’s getting a shot to pursue his dream.
A 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Durr, who turns 24 next month, signed a contract with USL expansion side Colorado Springs Switchbacks today. He will now balance playing third-division soccer while continuing to serve in the military full-time.
“I am very thankful for the Air Force to give me an opportunity to continue pursuing my dream while still being able to serve my country at the same time,” Durr told American Soccer Now. “So far I’ve been very impressed with everyone affiliated with the Switchbacks and the organization as a whole. Their staff is extremely flexible and willing to work with me, given the unique situation I’m in.”
Durr, who ASN profiled last month, was born and raised in Germany, where his father served as U.S. Army officer. He grew up playing in the youth systems of both Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich but passed on a pro career there to attend college at the Air Force Academy.
He was an all-region midfielder and led the Falcons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years. He showed well enough to be drafted by the Seattle Sounders 54th overall in 2013 but was unable to sign because of his 5-year military commitment.
“You couldn’t ask for a better kid. Just a tremendous young man we have a lot of respect for,” Sounders associate head coach Brian Schmetzer said last month. “We will monitor his progress and see where he is after this layoff.”
Durr may eventually switch to serving part-time in the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard, which would allow him to train more consistently with the Switchbacks. However, he won’t be eligible to do so until June and even then would need such a request to be approved by Air Force brass, which is not guaranteed. “As time progresses my hope is, of course, to find a more permanent solution for all sides,” Durr said.
Till them he’ll juggle two careers. The Switchbacks inaugural game is March 28 road game versus fellow USL newcomer Austin Aztex.
Brooke Tunstall is a veteran journalist who has covered Major League Soccer since its first player dispersal draft. Follow him on Twitter.
Durr, who ASN profiled last month, was born and raised in Germany, where his father served as U.S. Army officer. He grew up playing in the youth systems of both Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich but passed on a pro career there to attend college at the Air Force Academy.
He was an all-region midfielder and led the Falcons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years. He showed well enough to be drafted by the Seattle Sounders 54th overall in 2013 but was unable to sign because of his 5-year military commitment.
“You couldn’t ask for a better kid. Just a tremendous young man we have a lot of respect for,” Sounders associate head coach Brian Schmetzer said last month. “We will monitor his progress and see where he is after this layoff.”
Durr may eventually switch to serving part-time in the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard, which would allow him to train more consistently with the Switchbacks. However, he won’t be eligible to do so until June and even then would need such a request to be approved by Air Force brass, which is not guaranteed. “As time progresses my hope is, of course, to find a more permanent solution for all sides,” Durr said.
Till them he’ll juggle two careers. The Switchbacks inaugural game is March 28 road game versus fellow USL newcomer Austin Aztex.
Brooke Tunstall is a veteran journalist who has covered Major League Soccer since its first player dispersal draft. Follow him on Twitter.
