There’s no blueprint for becoming a professional athlete especially if you’re a young Kiwi growing up far from the glitz of global football. But for Ronan Wynne, the journey from Wellington to the MLS wasn’t about shortcuts. It was about choosing the right path, working hard, and trusting the process. In our recent Platform Sports webinar, Ronan shares his story: from academy football in New Zealand to NCAA success and finally getting drafted into the MLS.
If you’re a student-athlete—or a parent trying to help one navigate this space—his story is required viewing.
When Ronan first connected with Platform Sports seven years ago, he was already playing at an elite level in New Zealand, lining up for the Wellington Phoenix academy and even getting first-team experience in the National League. For many athletes, that would have been the dream realised. But for Ronan, it was just the beginning.
“Of course there was doubt,” he admits. “Leaving the place where you feel safe, where you’re welcomed… that’s hard. But once I saw the opportunities in the U.S., it became clear it was the right move.”
That decision wasn’t made lightly. With encouragement from his family and guidance from Platform, Ronan committed to the U.S. college system specifically the University of Denver, a program that would become instrumental in shaping his future.
For Ronan, Denver wasn’t just a strategic choice. It was personal. His brother was playing for the Colorado Rapids, and their family had already visited the area multiple times. But beyond the location, what sealed the deal was the culture and connection with the coaching staff.
“Having a connection with the coach might be the most important factor,” Ronan shares. “You’re working with them every day. You need to believe in the culture they’re building.”
At Denver, Ronan found teammates who were just as driven, a training schedule that pushed him physically and mentally, and a support system that mirrored that of a professional club.
There’s a perception especially outside the U.S. that college sport is a step down from professional pathways. Ronan strongly disagrees.
“When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the level,” he says. “You’ve got 40 or 50 pro clubs across the U.S. The opportunities here are tenfold compared to New Zealand.”
From gym access and recovery resources to crowd turnouts that rival A-League games, Ronan paints a picture of an environment built to foster elite athletes.
And the facilities? “Pretty crazy,” he laughs. “We had an ice hockey stadium that blew my parents away. Recovery rooms, strength and conditioning coaches, it was like a professional setup.”
Going pro isn’t just about ability, it’s about maturity, routine, and mindset. Ronan credits his time in college with teaching him how to build discipline off the field.
“We’d train at 8 a.m., lift straight after, then go to class. The structure helped me develop habits that now carry over into the pro environment.”
It’s also where he learned how to handle pressure, from thousands of fans at college games to online critics and the watchful eye of MLS scouts.
“I had no idea I was going to be drafted,” Ronan recalls. “There was a list of 400 eligible players. When my name came up, I was just refreshing my phone over and over. It was surreal.”
Being drafted into the MLS wasn’t the finish line. It was just the next challenge. Ronan now plays for Atlanta United 2, the reserve side for one of the league’s most high-profile teams.
“I wasn’t celebrating just yet,” he says. “Getting drafted means you’ve got a shot. That’s it. You’ve still got to earn everything.”
From training with pros to attending rookie symposiums and managing his brand on social media, Ronan’s transition into the professional game has been fast-paced and full of learning curves.
“Even before the draft, I had to audit my Instagram. Coaches look at everything now. Social media isn’t just personal anymore, it’s professional.”
Now working alongside Platform Sports to mentor up-and-coming athletes, Ronan had a few clear takeaways for those considering the U.S. college pathway:
For Ronan, the relationship with Platform didn’t end once he got to Denver. He stayed connected throughout his college years and now, as a professional athlete, he’s paying it forward.
“I’m really proud to be part of this family. Not many people leave an environment where they’re already close to pro and start fresh in a whole new country. But that risk paid off.”
From Cuba Street café chats to locking down contracts in one of the world’s top football leagues, Ronan Wynne story is proof that the U.S. college system isn’t just a backup; it’s a launchpad.
Austin and Leah’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.
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