How 14-Year-Old Bentley’s Love of Soccer Transpired into Signing with St. Cloud State Men’s Soccer

St. Cloud, Minn.- St. Cloud State Men's Soccer Head Coach Sean Holmes has signed many players to the Huskies roster during his tenure with the program, but none were bigger than when they signed 14-year-old Bentley Erickson to the team on Tuesday, August 26. Working with Team IMPACT, Holmes and the Huskies were able to make lasting memories for Bentley and his family.

The Making of the Moment
Holmes was first contacted by Kris Erickson, Bentley's mother, through Team IMPACT in February of 2025. The two shared mutual friends together and worked to make this opportunity happen. "Team IMPACT reached out to us in February, and I had connections through Truman State and their volleyball coach," said Holmes. "They made a great presentation and Erin Higgins, our coordinator, was able to relate to me as a Coach. It sounded something interesting as it happened. Bentley's primary surgeon in Iowa City is someone that I had known and so we had a lot of connecting points. I just thought it would be something for our team to learn and think about the bigger picture of life and how blessed and fortunate we all are in so many ways."

"We found Team IMPACT when searching for ways that B could engage as his level with a team," said Kris. "Team IMPACT found the perfect opportunity with "the boys" and Coach Sean."

What helped create this opportunity for both parties was Bentley's love of soccer. "Bentley LOVES to watch soccer," said Kris. "He plays soccer on his Xbox (FIFA) and even uses two controllers at the same time to play both teams. He has disabilities and medical complexities, so physically being on a soccer team isn't really in the cards for B." With the Erickson family residing in Brainerd, Minnesota and St. Cloud State being the only NCAA Division II soccer program in Minnesota, the choice was an easy one for Bentley. Holmes and Bentley had connected during the Huskies spring season. Bentley returned to Husky Stadium during the recent preseason contests to cheer on the Huskies.

Who Team IMPACT is
Originating in 2011, Team IMPACT has been promoting the value of team by connecting college athletics teams and children with serious illnesses and disabilities. Through their values of empathy, camaraderie, resilience, boldness, and togetherness, Team IMPACT has grown to a national level since their beginning.

"Team IMPACT is a non-profit organization chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing unthinkable circumstances through the power of team. Our unique multiyear program signs children onto college athletic teams across the country, and based on a clinical model, ensures each has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children facing life-altering diagnoses and chronic illness focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience. A program built on strength and camaraderie, Team IMPACT ensures kids develop socially and never feel alone. We truly believe in Getting All Kids in the Game. Team IMPACT is made up of dedicated individuals who are committed to changing the lives of children, families, student-athletes, and teams across the country. Everyone at Team IMPACT plays a role in reaching our goals, fulfilling our mission, and getting all kids in the game" (Team IMPACT, 2025).

Lasting Memories
Arriving to Halenbeck Hall in the afternoon, Bentley would be accompanied by Kris, his cousin Kaylee, and service dog Mya Papaya. Holmes and the entire Huskies team welcomed Bentley to the facility where he ultimately signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to join St. Cloud State Soccer with all of the current Huskies cheering on their new teammate. Wearing his newly acquired Huskies jersey with the number one, Bentley spent the rest of the afternoon with his new team at practice as they prepared for the start of their season. In addition to the events of the day, the Huskies also framed Bentley's NLI in their locker room, which will stand for years to come, as a reminder of the overall experience and the bigger picture of life.

"The entire experience with Sean and the Men's Soccer Team has been such a perfect fit," expressed Kris. "The gentleman have tucked Bentley right under their wing like he was made for that spot. In a world that isn't always welcoming, St. Cloud State University is the leader of inclusivity. Bentley calls the fellows, "my boys". We are so thankful for the partnership with Team IMPACT. The Team and Coach sure have impacted not only Bentley's life, but also our entire family. We are blessed and so thankful."

When reflecting on the events of day, Holmes did not shy away from the emotion and overall impact of the day. "Signing day on Tuesday exceeded my expectations," said Holmes. "Bentley is a terrific kid, and his mom is a wonderful woman. Our boys were dialed in and when he put pen to paper it was really special. I teared up a little bit to be honest and I just thought this is the start of something great. We have had a soft start with Bentley. He has been around a little bit since the spring and Tuesday was the official recognition of that. I think it turned into a really positive experience. I've been here five and a half years, and this is one of the best moments of my time here, it was really terrific. We look forward to seeing the relationship grow. He was at training with us after for an hour and the guys tried a little harder knowing they were being watched, and it was just terrific."

This moment for Kris and the Erickson family exemplified their biggest value: the power of yet. "We believe in the power of yet," said Kris. "While Bentley may not have reached his goals and full potential yet, working with Sean and "the boys" gives him the opportunity of hope and focusing on his power of yet. He's part of a team and a group of support that exceeds all dreams we have had so far.

References

Team IMPACT, 13 Aug. 2025, www.teamimpact.org/.

For all the latest on St. Cloud State Men's Soccer, stay tuned to scsuhuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Saint Cloud State University Athletics

How 14-Year-Old Bentley’s Love of Soccer Transpired into Signing with St. Cloud State Men’s Soccer

Related Videos