For Noah Roache, playing college soccer was always the goal.
Growing up between the Caribbean and the United States, the versatile South Carolina native developed a passion for the game that eventually led him across the Atlantic to IDA Valencia. Now, after a year of training and competing in Spain, Noah has committed to Columbia College, where he’ll continue his academic and athletic career with the Koalas in the NAIA.
Looking back, he believes that experience was the turning point in his development.
Roache’s football journey began in an unexpected place.
“I first started playing soccer in kindergarten when I lived in Saint Kitts in the Caribbean,” he said. “Then I moved to the United States in third grade and stopped playing until sixth grade, when I started again and really found a love for it.”
Later, after moving to Bluffton, South Carolina, he quickly realized he had entered a much more competitive environment.
“The football environment was way more aggressive and definitely a higher level. I had to go through ups and downs, learn how to adapt, and it helped me grow as a player.”
Even then, one goal remained constant.
“Before joining IDA, I always knew I wanted to play college soccer.”
Noah’s introduction to IDA came through one of the academy’s summer experiences.
“I went to one of the summer programs and had an amazing experience. That made me realize I wanted to spend a full year there.”
Like many players arriving in Spain for the first time, the adjustment wasn’t immediate.
“At first it was pretty hard for me to adjust because I felt like I wasn’t playing my best,” he explained. “But as time went on, I continued to adapt, grow, and get comfortable.”
Rather than becoming discouraged, Noah used those early challenges as motivation to keep improving.
The year in Spain tested Noah both physically and mentally.
“I think my game has improved in every aspect,” he said. “Playing so many games and having amazing training sessions, I could only grow.”
His biggest obstacle wasn’t technical – it was confidence.
“The biggest challenge I faced was adapting when I first got there. I wasn’t playing well, and that made me struggle mentally and with my confidence.”
Finding support within the IDA community made all the difference.
“What helped me most was the friends I made while I was staying there. I also trained on my own, which helped me gain a lot of confidence.”
Living abroad also taught him lessons beyond football.
“It helped me grow a lot as a player by being in an area you’re not used to and learning how to adapt, even when you’re uncomfortable at first. I also learned not to be so hard on myself.”
Although Noah had always dreamed of playing college soccer, the process became real once he started taking ownership of his recruitment.
“I feel like the opportunity became real when I started emailing and calling coaches.”
Like many aspiring college athletes, he learned that recruiting requires initiative.
“First I created a highlight reel to send to coaches. Then I reached out to multiple coaches through email and different social media apps.”
His persistence paid off, earning him a combination of scholarships and a roster spot at Columbia College, where he’ll join the Koalas as they compete in the NAIA.
When it came time to choose his next home, Noah wanted an environment where he could continue developing while staying close to family, and Columbia College stood out as the right fit both athletically and personally.
“I picked this university because it was close to home, and I felt like I had a great opportunity to grow and become a better player.”
Now, he’s eager for the next challenge.
“I’m most excited to actually play college soccer, see what the level is like, and make new friends.”
Looking back, Noah sees his year in Spain as the defining chapter of his football journey so far.
“I felt like IDA was the most important part of my journey as a player. I went through ups and downs and got to experience what it looks like to play at one of the highest international levels.”
For players considering taking a similar path, his advice is simple.
“Stay in the present and don’t get too far ahead of yourself. And don’t be too hard on yourself.”
This fall, Noah will begin the next chapter of his journey at Columbia College, bringing with him the resilience, maturity, and international experience he developed during his year at IDA Valencia. As he joins the Koalas program, he’ll do so knowing that the lessons learned in Spain have prepared him for the challenges ahead – both on and off the field.
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