Eagles Use Summer Training To Prepare For Upcoming Season

STATESBORO --- Though many students take a well-earned break during the summer, many of the Georgia Southern's men's soccer team chose to take their talents all across the country to stay sharp following a record-breaking fall season. Developmental leagues, such as USL2, provide a competitive outlet for returning Eagles to maintain their fitness levels, refine their technical abilities, and gain valuable match experience ahead of the upcoming campaign.

To gain a closer understanding of what this opportunity means, I spoke with four Eagles currently competing in the USL2 this summer. Each of them shared their goals for the season, what they hope to gain from the experience, and how it's already influencing their development, both on and off the field.

For senior goalkeeper Nate Martinez, this summer has brought a fresh opportunity in Ocean City, New Jersey, where he's suiting up for the Nor'easters. Martinez is using his time in the Garden State to gain exposure from outside coaches and continue competing in a high-level environment. He values the chance to train alongside players from diverse backgrounds, noting it helps highlight both his strengths and areas for growth.

"The team atmosphere is great, everyone gets along and everyone is very nice," Martinez noted, and although he's enjoying his time up north, he expressed his excitement to return to Statesboro with ambitions to build off the positives from last season.

Freshman defender Lior Holtz is spending his summer with AFC Ann Arbor. For Holtz, the experience has been both exciting and eye-opening, an opportunity to stay prepared for his first full collegiate season while continuing to develop his game. He's embraced the unique environment, bonding with teammates from around the world and appreciating the strong culture within the club, both on and off the pitch. As a newcomer to the program, Holtz is eager to return to Statesboro and see how the team performs when fall rolls around.

Rising sophomore forward Ricky Louis is spending his summer with Lionsbridge FC, ready to push himself beyond his comfort zone. He views this opportunity as a key step in his growth, one that surrounds him with high-level talent and pushes him to elevate every aspect of his game. Louis has found inspiration playing alongside teammates from diverse backgrounds who share his drive and determination, and he's embraced a team culture built on intensity, discipline, and mutual respect. With a sharpened mindset and renewed focus, he's already looking ahead to preseason, looking to bring an improved form back to Georgia Southern.

Graduate student Kevin Pierre Jr. took his talents to Dothan, Alabama, this summer, suiting up for Dothan United FC as he prepares for his final season with the Eagles. Pierre is using this time to gain further match experience in a new setting while building meaningful relationships that will support his transition beyond graduation. He expressed appreciation for the diversity and competitiveness of his current environment: "You get to see where others have come from, how they've been coached, the way they prepare for games, seeing the different levels from different schools." Ultimately, Pierre is eager to return to Statesboro with his teammates this fall and see how each player's summer experience translates onto the field.

Tune in on our Eagles' USL2 campaigns throughout the summer as they prepare themselves for a big season ahead while representing Georgia Southern with pride all across the country!

Cooper Cook is a senior communications major from Loganville, Georgia, who played on the Georgia Southern men's soccer team.

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Cooper Cook

Lior Holtz

Ricky Louis

Nate Martinez

Kevin Pierre

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