What happens when a top young Kiwi talent walks away from the only pro football pathway he knows, backs himself on a different continent, and ends up making it to the MLS draft?
That’s exactly what Ronan Wynne did.
In our latest Platform webinar, Platform Sports Founder Amrit Rai sat down with Ronan, an athlete we’ve worked with since he was a teenager to unpack the unfiltered truth about life in the U.S. college system, the risks of turning down early pro offers, and what it really takes to make it as an international athlete in the States.
If you’re a young footballer weighing your options or a parent supporting this dream, this is one story you need to hear.
From Wellington Phoenix to U.S. College Soccer: A Leap of Faith
Ronan’s path wasn’t the usual one. Originally from South Africa, he grew up in Auckland and later moved to Wellington to join the Phoenix Academy, one of New Zealand’s only professional development setups. By Year 12, he was already playing National League football, well ahead of most players his age.
So why walk away?
“I was surrounded by good opportunities here,” Ronan admits. “But after speaking with Amrit and understanding what college in the U.S. could offer, not just in football, but in life and I knew I had to give it a shot.”
With his older brother already in Colorado playing for an MLS club, Denver felt like the right fit.
Why He Chose University of Denver
It wasn’t just about location or family ties though that helped. Ronan met the coaching staff, including now international coach Mac, and felt an immediate connection.
“They were real with me. I believed in the culture they had at the program,” Ronan said. “It felt like the right place to grow.”
And he wasn’t wrong. Over the next four years, Ronan would transform from a promising teen into a true professional, on and off the pitch.
The Reality of College Soccer
One of the biggest misconceptions Ronan tackled in the webinar? That U.S. college soccer is somehow a step down.
“People don’t realise how athletic and competitive it is. From training facilities to strength and conditioning coaches, everything is next level,” he explained.
Playing in front of thousands of fans, daily gym sessions, nutrition plans, academic support, access to physios, this was not the kind of setup most athletes find back home. And it showed in his development.
Setbacks, Growth, and the Mental Game
College wasn’t all smooth sailing. Injuries and homesickness crept in. But Ronan credits the environment for helping him grow, not just as a player, but as a person.
“You learn so much more than just football,” he said. “You learn how to manage your time, how to recover properly, how to connect with different kinds of people.”
He also pointed to the value of being around other high-performance athletes every day. “When you're in a team where everyone’s chasing pro dreams, it lifts your standard naturally.”
Making the Jump to the MLS Draft
Ronan wasn’t sure if his name would be called. The 2025 MLS SuperDraft was a nerve-wracking day. No live stream. Just a page that refreshed. Names appeared and his was one of them.
“I didn’t even know it was going to happen,” he recalled. “But when it did, it was a mix of excitement and focus. I knew I still had to go into pre-season and prove myself.”
Now training with Atlanta FC’s second team and pushing for a first-team spot, Ronan is living the reality that thousands of young athletes dream of.
What Parents and Players Need to Know
If you’re a young athlete considering the U.S. college pathway—or a parent trying to understand if it’s worth it—Ronan offered some honest advice:
And to the fear that going to the U.S. closes the door on national representation?
“It’s just not true,” Ronan said. “If you’re good enough, the national coaches will find you.”
Now Giving Back
Today, Ronan’s not just pushing for first-team football, he’s mentoring the next generation of Kiwi athletes. As part of the Platform Sports team, he now helps young players navigate the same college system that shaped him.
Watch the Full Conversation
Ronan’s story is proof that the college pathway isn’t a backup, it’s a launchpad. For athletes chasing high performance and a meaningful future, it’s a door worth opening.
👉 Watch the full webinar replay
👉 Book a free consult with the Platform team
