This feels almost impossible to word, but I am officially retiring from the playing side after a 14-year professional career and many more before. I knew I would be writing something like this sooner than later, but the years really did pass in a blink of an eye. Football has given me so much joy and pain, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Ever since I was four years old, I felt like I always had a ball at my feet. At first it was probably to get me out of the house to give my parents some piece of mind at home, but slowly I fell in love with the game. I was fortunate enough to have my best friends back home all on my club team from U8 to U18. Those memories stick with me to this day.
The paths in between from then to now introduced me to so many people and form relationships I will carry the rest of my life. UVA gave me my first professional feel of the game. Playing for a university with their reputation opened my eyes to where I could potentially go with the sport. Then being drafted by Houston Dynamo was a dream come true. I am forever thankful to them for taking the chance on me and kick start my professional career.
Richmond Kickers gave me the opportunity to showcase my ability and give my career a second chance. Playing for my hometown team was special. I remember spending birthday parties attending their pro games when I was a kid.
And Louisville City… I can’t begin to describe what the organization and community has done for me. Most importantly Louisville has shaped who I am today. From the first time I stepped on to the pitch for the club at Slugger Field, to my final game at Lynn Family, I hope I repped the city with passion. Yes, there were wonderful goals and assists along the journey, but I hope the drive and commitment on the field to win is what fans valued the most.
I want to say thank you to all involved within and outside the organization. I could list everyone’s name, but this would go on for pages!
Special thanks to my all my coaches for supporting and challenging me along the way. To the entire ownership group, I hope I carried myself for the most part the way you envisioned players who come here to do so. We have built something great here.
To my teammates past and present, I will miss battling on the field with you all. That locker room brotherhood is so special. Enjoy and value it every day, because before you know it you will be writing something like this and that part of your life is in the past.
Thank you to my parents for all the traveling they did from my early days to my last games. The commitment and support from you all gave me this opportunity from the beginning.
Lastly to my wife, Samm. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me during this journey. You pushed me not to just challenge myself on the pitch, but to be an even better person off it. You let me live my dream and supported me through the ups and downs of it all. The sacrifices you have made to allow me to do what I love goes unmatched.
I hope this wasn’t too long! Got emotional writing it! I will miss it dearly but am excited for this next chapter! Thank you!
— Brian Ownby, No. 10
