College Commits: Courtney Bain

All photos submitted by Bain.

Izzy Pack

Courtney Bain, currently a senior at Hamilton, has been playing soccer for 12 years. Courtney recently committed to playing soccer for UW-River Falls. 

Bain’s teammate, Riley Veenendaal, says this about her: “Courtney is one of the best keepers that I know. Her grit and determination to be the best are what sets her apart from every other keeper I have played with. The work that Courntey puts in off the field lifting and running is evident in her athleticism in the game. While Courntey is extremely talented on the field, she is also incredibly kind off of it. She's not the loudest person, but she is always cheering her teammates on and bringing a smile to their faces. I'm incredibly grateful for the time that I have gotten to play with Courtney in club and high school soccer and I can't wait to see what she does at the next level!”

One of Bain’s coaches, Joshua Lemos, adds, “Courtney Bain is an amazing athlete. She was such a pleasure to work with. We started together when she was about 10 years old. I had met Courtney at the Milwaukee Wave games when she would ask for my autograph. Soon enough I’ll be able to ask for hers! She always came with a positive attitude and high work ethic. Courtney is a great leader for the younger keepers as she grew up and she continues to be now as she helps me coach in the summertime. I was lucky enough to have Courtney not only in my Le30 goalkeeper academy but also on my SC Wave team. She came into our team, had to play a year up and was a star in goal for us! One of the best keepers and people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’m so excited to see how great she will be in her next chapter!”

Read more to hear from Bain: 

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old. 

What is your favorite memory from soccer?

My favorite memory from soccer is traveling with my teammates for tournaments. 

What do you think is your favorite/best soccer goal you've accomplished? 

I dealt with a coach who took away my confidence and love for the game at a very young age. I eventually switched teams and was able to gain back my confidence and love for the game. I have since become a better player both physically and mentally, which was a turning point in my journey and definitely one of my biggest personal achievements.

What will you miss most about playing for Hamilton?

I will definitely miss being able to play with some of my best friends, but I will also miss all the bus rides, team dinners, and post-game Culver’s runs.

How has soccer impacted your life?

Soccer has been an outlet for me to meet new people, and do things out of my comfort zone. It has also taught me many life skills that can be used even after I'm done playing soccer.

What is one lesson you've learned from soccer? 

Luck will bring short term success, but hard work brings long term success.

What was the recruitment process like for you?

When people would talk about the recruiting process, they would tell me, “You just know when it's the right fit for you,” but I never really understood that. I was pretty much fully set on a school that had been recruiting me for over a year until I decided to visit another school. I enjoyed the first school, but it almost felt like I was just settling. When I visited River Falls, I knew almost instantly that it was the right school. In that moment, I finally understood what everyone meant when they said I would just know when it was the right fit.

What is one thing that a coach has told you that you will carry into playing in college? 

“Who you are is more than how you play.”

What advice do you have for younger players? 

 Don't let your performance define your mood, and don't take everything so seriously. Have fun, train hard, and cherish the memories while you have them.

What are you most excited about next year playing for UW- River Falls?

I am most excited to be playing at a higher level of soccer. I am also excited to be joining the team environment that the coaches and players have created over the years. I am looking forward to the new challenges and experiences that playing college soccer will bring.

Is there anyone you’d like to give a positive shoutout to who has been instrumental in your journey?

My goalie coach, Josh Lemos, was a huge part of my journey. I have been training with him since I was 9 years old. Throughout knowing him, he has been more than just a coach to me. He has been a role model, a shoulder to cry on, my biggest supporter, and the kindest person I have ever met. Josh always made me feel like family and treated me like one of his own. He believed in me before anyone else and helped me become the person and goalkeeper I am today.