We are thrilled to announce that Victor Vandenbroek will return for the 2024 season! Continue reading to learn more about him and his return.
Pending League and Federation Approval
Victor Vandenbroek is a Sarasota native attending Juniata College and one of Sarasota Paradise’s returning players in 2024.
Sarasota, Florida, has been the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in Victor Vandenbroek’s soccer career. From thrilling comeback victories to giving back to the community that shaped him, Vandenbroek is not only a rising star in the world of soccer but also in the Sarasota community.
One standout moment for Vandenbroek was an unforgettable comeback win at home against Miami AC in 2023.
“The comeback win versus Miami AC was in front of our home fans, the best in the nation, and after having a hard loss against them in the first game of the season, being able to come back down 2-0 brought us closer as a group, and the celebration that night was a good time.
Having started playing club soccer in Sarasota as a child, Vandenbroek experienced a full-circle moment as he motivated and inspired Sarasota’s youth at the same camps he once attended.
“Being able to help out at the FC Sarasota soccer camps was also a blessing, as I started playing club there when I was a kid, and looking back to when I was that age, I was doing the same camp, so it was just a 360-degree moment being on the other side, motivating the youth, and showing there are now ways to progress down the soccer route in Sarasota. I can’t wait to continue to help out with these and similar camps in the future to help give back to my city!”
The Paradise fanbase, renowned for its unwavering support, distinguishes itself by going beyond the typical fan-player dynamic. Vandenbroek highlights the heartwarming encounters at the farmers’ market, where fans express their pride and gratitude.
“The Paradise fanbase is numerically one of the best in the whole country and USL 2, but they do more than just support us at games, which separates them from a normal fanbase. For example, on Saturday mornings, when we would be at the farmers market, having people come up to us saying how proud they are and asking for pictures or signatures was eye-opening to me and the team about how much of an impact we are making in Sarasota. We know none of this would be possible without the fans, though, and they owe us nothing but still give us everything, which embodies Sarasota as a whole. I have a fanbase of selfless people, and the team and I promise to work every day to give them the results they deserve.“
Looking ahead, Vandenbroek eagerly anticipates the progress the team and organization will make during the 2024 season.
“The thing I’m looking forward to most is just seeing the progress we are going to make as a team and organization. I know there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes that will help us during our short 2-3 month season. I know a big goal of mine is to make the playoffs, and this is something I see as possible for us as we narrowly missed it last year, but with more preparation, I believe we will do so! I am also looking forward to seeing old friends come back and being able to play with them again since we all went our separate ways back to college after the season was over. We all created great bonds with each other, and it felt like a true team even though half of us met for the first time that season.“
Beyond the soccer field, Vandenbroek remains deeply connected to the Sarasota community. He describes the city as a close-knit haven, even as it grows larger each day. During his breaks from college, he actively engages with the community through various avenues, such as his internship at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. This experience has fueled his passion for healthcare administration, allowing him to contribute to the well-being of the city. Vandenbroek also extends his appreciation to sponsors like CryoXL, emphasizing the crucial role they play in supporting the team’s recovery. The soccer player recognizes the importance of community involvement, as exemplified by his role as a barista at Riviera French Cafe. His involvement with this café allows him to express his French heritage and highlight the city’s support for diverse cultures and enterprises.
Sarasota has been the foundation for numerous milestones within Vandenbroek’s life, but it is more than just a city to him. Victor’s home within Sarasota led him closer to his home here at Paradise.
See Victor and other top talent in the 2024 season by getting your season tickets now!