Ryan Kalup still loves soccer.
He just loves it in a different way now.
And he’s doing his best to pass that love on to younger kids.
Kalup recently graduated from La Salle High School. While he was there, he enjoyed plenty of success on the pitch.
The goalie made the team freshman year, and was promoted to starter for his sophomore season, a job he kept for the rest of his career.
And boy did the Explorers have some fun with him guarding the goal.
La Salle won District 12 championships during his freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. The Explorers also won a pair of Catholic League championships during his career, both when he was a sophomore and as a senior.
La Salle was the top team in the Catholic League during those years, and was also considered one of the best soccer squads in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
It was a unique experience for Kalup, who was born in Fishtown and grew up in Somerton. He didn’t know a lot of people when he entered the school, but by the time he left, he was one of the boys.
“It was a challenge because going in I really didn’t know anyone,” Kalup said. “I made varsity as a freshman, and I started sophomore year until senior year. It was really intense, you knew the tempo and expectations were higher there than anywhere I ever played. But I wanted a challenge and it definitely was that.”
When you’re battling for the top spot in the Catholic League, things certainly do get intense. It’s a lot, but also a lot of fun.
That’s what Kalup loved about playing soccer for La Salle.
And because of his success there, he’s had colleges across all levels reach out and ask him if he’d like to continue playing.
Someday, he might.
But not now. Now he’s focused on giving back to the game while helping other kids prepare for the challenges ahead.
Kalup is now taking on some clients as a trainer.
“College, there was a lot in the recruitment process, it was a lot,” Kalup said. “Sophomore year was heavy. I went through some things with the game itself. You have to love it if you want to continue to play. I have a passion for the game, it’s just in a different light. Not as much as a player, but hopefully I can teach kids what I’ve learned.
“If my heart changes, I’ll be able to play. It’s not whether I can play, it’s if I want to. Some colleges have reached out, but at the end of the day, I really think this is the best way for me to stay around the game.”.
While Kalup still has a lot of love for the game, he is finding his passion is helping others find their way in the sport.
He thinks he got that from his dad.
“Honestly, I always wanted to be a coach because my dad was one,” Kalup said. “I wanted to coach a son or daughter, I would always want to do that. My little cousins are 9 and 10 and they would look up to me and ask questions. I loved giving them advice. They are the same age demographic I’ll be training. Why wouldn’t I want to help kids who want to learn and get better? It’s a great thing to do.’’
Kalup has a busy fall planned.
On top of taking his training to another level, he’s enrolled at St. Joe’s, where he’ll likely study some kind of business. He’s hoping that will help him with his business.
He’s also planning to help run a seven-on-seven tournament in memory of Blake Barklage, a former manager for the La Salle soccer team who passed away hours after the Explorers won the Catholic League championship in 2021.
And he also wants to keep growing his coaching business.
“I have two kids that are really consistent and right now for this week and next week and the week after, I’m helping out with PA Rush, goalie camps and coaching a team after,” Kalup said. “I’m doing some solid work with a decent club. I want to build credibility.
“One of the things I heard was that they started to enjoy soccer after sessions. Having fun and seeing them smile and have fun, that’s the most important thing. I took it so seriously, it felt like a job. That’s one of the main reasons I’m burned out. I didn’t understand it was just a game. I want to be competitive, but have a playful environment. I want a mix. What I lacked as an individual, I want to implement in them so they can pursue their careers as much as they want to. Soccer is great and I want to make sure they love it and you do that by having fun.”
Kalup is looking for players and teams to compete in the Blake Gives Back soccer tournament. He’s also open to helping new players.
For more details, email him at [email protected].
