SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase standout goalkeeper Vivian Baker, who plays for Bay Area Surf in the ECNL, and has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer for the University of Louisville in 2028.
SoccerWire Featured Player since August 2024.
What made you decide to verbally commit to Louisville?
During some of our first conversations, the Louisville coaching staff showed me film and explained exactly how they saw me fitting into their tactical and technical approach. It was clear they had watched me play and understood my strengths as a goalkeeper. From the beginning, they made the process about finding the right fit, both on and off the field. I had never been to Kentucky before my official visit, but once I got there, I fell in love with everything about Louisville. The campus, facilities, team culture, and game-day atmosphere were amazing. I was especially excited by the vision that Coach Hunter, Coach Liv, Coach Mitch, and Coach Corrine have for the program. Their leadership style made it easy to picture myself being part of what they are building and how they could support me in reaching my goals as a player.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
Everyone says to “trust the process,” but I think it is just as important to trust yourself and be confident in your own goals. The recruiting process this year was different than it had been in previous years, and honestly, it moved really fast. It felt like coaches, players, and families were all figuring it out in real time. Through the experience, I learned that many of the qualities that help you succeed as a soccer player also help you navigate recruiting. Hard work, resilience, patience, perseverance, organization, and staying true to yourself all matter. In the end, I learned to trust my instincts and focus on finding the place that felt like the best fit for me.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help the Cardinals?
I think one of my biggest strengths is being prepared. Watching film helps me not only understand what types of shots I’ll be facing, but also how to organize and communicate with the players in front of me. I also feel that my footwork, shot-stopping ability, distribution, and quick decision-making fit well with the way Louisville wants to play. I love being involved in building out of the back and helping start attacks, while also bringing a competitive mindset every day. My goal is to contribute however I can and continue developing so I can help Louisville compete for championships.
What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
My favorite subject is probably math because I enjoy problem-solving. I am still exploring what I might want to study in college, but I am interested in sports psychology, sports management, or a field where I can combine athletics and leadership. My goal is to play pro and get to USWNT level, but once I retire from goalkeeping I still want to stay involved in the sport either on the pro or youth level.
What has your experience been like playing in the ECNL for MVLA SC and Bay Area Surf?
Playing in the ECNL with such high-level teams who consistently make playoffs and finals has been an incredible experience that I am grateful for every day. Competing against some of the best players and teams in the country has pushed me to continuously grow, both as a goalkeeper and as a person. I have been fortunate to learn from great coaches and play alongside talented teammates who challenge me every day. This level of competition is helping to prepare me for the demands of college soccer.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
As a goalkeeper, I think I’d have to change this question to my favorite pair of gloves! I’ve worn West Coast Goalkeeping gloves for years, and my favorite cuts are the Aero and Raptor series. They give me a great feel for the ball, excellent control, and the confidence I need when making saves and distributing out of the back.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
There will always be setbacks, challenges, and moments when things do not go your way, but those experiences are what help you grow. Stay coachable, work hard when nobody is watching, and remember why you started playing in the first place. If you truly love the game and are willing to put in the work, opportunities will come.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
I want to give a huge shoutout to Coach Garrett, Coach Kory, and Coach Chris Thomas. Coach Garrett and Coach Kory helped me rediscover my love for the game at a time when I was struggling with confidence, and their focus on development over the score had a huge impact on me. Coach Chris, my mental performance coach, taught me that training my mind is just as important as training my body. As a goalkeeper, that has been a game-changer. My dad calls it “ViviZone,” and I think people got to see it during last year’s playoffs when I saved the final two penalty kicks to help our team reach the Elite Eight.
