Faith and Futbol

Brilla Bits with Sebastian Conlon

Join Logan Bryant and Sebastian Conlon as they talk about the impact of Mississippi Brilla. See Brilla’s impact as we explore Sebastians deep connection to Brilla and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the role his faith played in guiding his decisions both on and off the field. Sebastion’s encouraging story shows how his spiritual beliefs have become a cornerstone in overcoming challenges. See how Mississippi Brilla impacted Sebastion and how he is now impacting those around him! 

Local Legends Series EP4 with Elliot Rimmer

Join Rusty and Logan as they explore Elliot's experiences growing up in Clinton, where his passion for soccer first started. Rimmer talks about the challenges of balancing sports and spirituality, and the moments of triumph and adversity on and off the field. This interview uncovers the profound impact of Elliot's unwavering faith that has inspired those around him both on and off the field.

Local Legends Series EP3 with Thomas Bobo

Join Rusty and Logan as they sit down with local legend Thomas Bobo. Coach Bobo has been a pivotal figure in the Clinton soccer community since its inception, and he shares his inspirational journey of faith intertwined with his passion for the beautiful game.
Listeners will hear Coach Bobo's experiences as both a player and coach, hearing firsthand accounts of how soccer provided a platform for him to share his faith with teammates, opponents, and the community. From the early days of playing in Clinton to a 21-year coaching stint with the Lady Arrows, Bobo reflects on the moments that shaped his beliefs and influenced those around him. Tune in to this inspiring episode to discover the intersection of faith and futbol in the life of a true soccer legend.

Local Legends Series EP2 with Luke Bryant

Local legend Luke Bryant talks about his soccer upbringing and how it ultimately landed him at Davidson college. Luke then takes us down the spiritual path he had to walk in order to find community outside of his local spot. Listen in for the inspiring interview of how Luke used Faith and Futbol to bring others to Christ. 

Local Legends Series EP1 with Cooper Holmes

Clinton High School senior, Cooper Holmes, talks about the soccer journey she has taken to reach the college level. From competing in the youth club national tournament to winning the high school state championship, Cooper has an impressive soccer resume that most kids only dream about. But life is about so much more than soccer to Cooper. Listen in on how a period of "wilderness wandering" strengthened her faith so that she could be prepared to be a light to her peers and teammates. 

Kickin It From Down Under With Aydenn Von Essen

Rusty and Logan sit down with Ayden Von Essen and discuss all things soccer from the "Land Down Under." From Australia to college in the states, Von shares the ups and downs of an international soccer player trying to follow his dreams in America. He recounts the impact his summer with Mississippi Brilla FC had on his soccer development and his faith journey. His inspirational story is still being written as he reveals his upcoming opportunities in the states.

The Stages of Life With Nicholas Rieple

The lessons you learn from futbol do not go away once you're done playing. Nick Rieple, the former Penn State University standout, sits down and tells his story of how soccer has impacted his life even once done playing. Although his spiritual journey and soccer journey are not perfect, they are very realistic and relatable for many people. Tune in for the inspiring conversation with "Rieps."

Mississippi Made With Jordan Parron

Brilla's assistant coach, Jordan Parron, sits down with Rusty and Logan to discuss his soccer and faith upbringings and how they have influenced his life on and off the field. Jordan is originally from Brandon, Mississippi and is currently the assistant coach at Jones Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi. He now has joined the Brilla coaching staff to advance his coaching career in his home state. 

From Brazil to Brilla: The Story of Lucas Almeida

In this episode of the Faith and Futbol podcast, hosts Rusty and Logan Bryant share the inspiring journey of Lucas Almeida, a Brazilian-born soccer player turned coach who has seamlessly intertwined his faith with his love for the beautiful game. From his humble beginnings in Brazil to his collegiate soccer career at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Mississippi Brilla FC, Lucas shares the pivotal moments that shaped his faith and fueled his passion for soccer.
Listeners will hear how Lucas's path led him to meet his wife in Mississippi, where he forged lasting connections both on and off the field. He also had a  successful stint as a professional indoor soccer player in St. Louis, and he reflects on how the challenges and triumphs of his career strengthened his spiritual foundation and deepened his relationship with God.
Now serving as the head coach at NAIA Hannibal-LaGrange University, Lucas Almeida opens up about how he integrates his faith into his coaching philosophy. From mentoring young athletes to fostering a culture of camaraderie and resilience, Lucas shares valuable insights into how faith can intersect with the competitive world of soccer.
Join Rusty, Logan, and their special guest Lucas Almeida as they explore the intersection of faith and futbol, and discover the transformative power of pursuing one's passion with purpose and conviction.
 
 
 
 

Faith on the Field: Lucas Paulini's Journey From Argentina to Division 1 College Coach

Rusty and Logan sit down with Lucas Paulini to discuss his futbol journey from Argentina to the competitive fields of college and professional soccer in America. Paulini carved his path through the ranks of Mississippi Brilla and onto the professional stage with the Atlanta Silverbacks and Richmond Kickers.
Now, as an assistant coach at VCU, where he also finished his college career, Lucas shares the profound ways in which his faith has guided him through the highs and lows of his career. Listeners will get an intimate look at how he integrates his faith into coaching and mentoring young athletes today.