Finding Purpose Through Soccer, Service, and Leadership

For Drew Berry, Bradley University has been more than a place to play soccer—it’s been a space to discover purpose, build relationships, and grow as both a leader and a servant to others.

A senior majoring in Management and Leadership with a minor in Marketing, Berry came to Bradley from Westminster, Mass., drawn by two things: The opportunity to compete as a student-athlete and the close-knit academic environment. “I liked the relationship students created with professors because of the small class sizes,” he said. “That really stood out to me.”

When Berry arrived on campus, he wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted to study. But business had always been part of his life. His father owned a market research company, and growing up, Berry often traveled with him to conferences across the country. Those experiences exposed him early to teamwork, collaboration, and leadership—values that eventually led him to his academic path at Bradley.

As a player on Bradley’s Soccer Team, he’s had challenges balancing his coursework with his sports schedule, but Berry credits his teammates for supporting him. “We’re all in the same boat,” he said. “Having friends who understand the demands of both soccer and school makes a big difference.”

One pivotal moment came during his sophomore year, when Berry sought advice from Marcellus Sommerville ’06, a Bradley Basketball Hall of Famer and president of Peoria Friendship House. At the time, Berry was struggling on the field and with uncertainty about his future.

“He told me soccer is not my purpose, but the vehicle to carry out my purpose,” Berry said. “From that point on, my perspective really changed. It’s a big reason why I do the things I do today.”

That shift in mindset helped Berry discover a deep passion for service. Through volunteering, he became a Big Brother to 10-year-old Tyrese. Whether they’re playing sports, attending Bradley basketball games, bowling, grabbing dinner, or disc golfing, Berry values the time they spend together and the opportunity to make a positive impact.

“My best experiences were always with my teammates or volunteering in the community,” Berry said. “I’ve met some special and influential people in the last four years. Bradley has really brought out my passion for service.”

Berry’s journey has also taken him beyond Peoria. Last year, he studied abroad in Spain during J-Term before taking a gap semester to play soccer in the Royal Spanish Football Federation with an American team. Living in the coastal town of Vinaròs, just five minutes from the beach, Berry embraced the professional soccer lifestyle, training every morning and competing every weekend.

Looking ahead to graduation, Berry hopes to continue pursuing soccer overseas. But no matter where the game takes him, service will remain central to his goals. If professional soccer doesn’t work out, he plans to return home and get involved with a program similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters, giving back to children and families in his community.

At Bradley, Berry has learned that success isn’t defined by a single role. As a student, an athlete, and a mentor, he’s discovered that soccer may be the vehicle, but purpose, service, and connection are what truly drive him forward.

—Emily Potts