From Memphis to MLS and back again, Tony McManus has seen it all. A former pro who faced legends like Patrick Vieira and Boca Juniors, Tony now drives the culture shift behind the University of Memphis men’s soccer rise. In this conversation, he opens up about:

• The moment he had to completely reinvent himself as a player just to stay on the field.

• Why soccer IQ matters more than speed or strength.

• The biggest recruiting mistakes players and parents make, and how to avoid them.

• What really separates good players from the ones who go to the next level

• How Memphis built a winning culture and what it takes to sustain it.

This episode is packed with real talk on mindset, resilience, and the truth about college soccer recruiting. If you’re a player chasing the next level, a parent guiding the journey, or a coach building culture, Tony’s wisdom will change the way you think about the game.