Episode #14
This Has Always Felt Like a Soccer State to Me
Send us Fan Mail What does the voice behind a match bring to the experience—and what can one person’s soccer journey reveal about the history of the game in Vermont? In this episode of the Pink and Green Podcast, A.J. and Chris sit down with Andrew “Drew” Lafrenz, the public-address voice of Vermont Clover FC, an experienced college soccer coach, educator, musician, and longtime member of Vermont’s soccer community. Drew explains how his background in music, singing, athletics, and game management prepared him for the microphone. He shares what happens inside the Clover match-day booth, from tracking substitutions and confirming goals to coordinating with referees, broadcasters, and media staff while helping supporters connect with the action. The conversation then traces Drew’s path through Vermont soccer. After arriving in the state in the 1990s, he played at Johnson State College before moving into coaching. That journey eventually took him to Boston University, Newbury College, and back to Johnson, where he coached both the women’s and men’s programs while teaching sport management. Drew reflects on the relationships created through Vermont’s small colleges, the importance those institutions hold in their communities, and the rich soccer tradition built at schools such as Johnson, Castleton, Lyndon, and Green Mountain. The group also discusses Vermont Clover’s role in creating opportunities for homegrown players. Drew explains why Vermont has always felt like a soccer state to him, why giving local talent a sense of relevance matters, and how Clover can help demonstrate the quality of Vermont soccer regionally and nationally. The episode closes with a look at the infrastructure Vermont still needs, the continued growth of the state’s soccer pathways, and Drew’s belief that Vermont players are ready to prove what they can accomplish. In This Episode Drew talks about: Becoming the public-address voice of Vermont Clover FC How music and singing influenced his work behind the microphone Wearing multiple hats in small college athletic departments Arriving in Vermont and finding community through soccer Playing at Johnson State College Beginning his coaching career alongside Brian Boucher Earning a master’s degree in coaching at Boston University Coaching at Newbury College and Johnson State Leading both men’s and women’s college programs Protecting players and programs during coaching transitions The upheaval surrounding Vermont’s state colleges Why small colleges matter to rural Vermont communities Vermont’s rich small-school soccer tradition What happens inside the match-day booth Helping create an engaging experience for Clover supporters Why he volunteered to become involved with the club The importance of showcasing homegrown Vermont players Building pathways for players and future coaches Vermont’s need for more soccer infrastructure Why he believes Vermont can compete nationally His work as a solo musician and with Steep Creek Frenzy Andrew Lafrenz is a former college soccer player and coach, an educator, musician, and the public-address voice of Vermont Clover FC. Follow Andrew’s music on Facebook and Instagram by searching Andrew Lafrenz Music . Vermont Clover FC is home to both men’s and women’s semi-professional soccer teams, with sponsorship opportunities ranging from jersey placement to match-day, digital, and community partnerships. Interested in becoming a Vermont Clover FC sponsor? Contact us at info@vermontclover.com . Vermont Clover FC We are focused on creating opportunities for VT's top players. Capelli Sport The official uniform sponsor for all Vermont Clover FC teams. Slide In Pub The Office Pub of Vermont Clover FC! Located at 3762 Shelburne Rd Ste 6, Shelburne, VT Support the show Follow the Pink and Green Podcast for more conversations about Vermont soccer, community, and culture. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pinkandgreenpodcast/ Follow Vermont Clover FC https://www.instagram.com/vermontcloverfc/ https://www.youtube.com/@VermontCloverFC Get tickets to the next Vermont Clover match! https://tickets.vermontclover.com
