As the Missouri soccer team concludes its regular season with a record of 5-10-2 – freshmen Callaway Combs and Landis Canada have undergone transformational journeys from high school to collegiate soccer. Both players faced significant challenges but quickly adapted, making impactful contributions to their team.

Combs is from Eureka, Mo., and was inspired to play soccer by her older siblings. At Eureka High School, she earned All-Conference honors three times while representing All-State Honorable Mention her sophomore year. She also won ECNL Nationals with the St. Louis Scott Ghallagher Soccer club in 2022 and 2023 alongside freshman Mia Devrouax. 

Her journey culminated in joining the Tigers, fulfilling a long-held dream to play for the flagship university in her home state. A standout moment for Combs this season was the hard-fought tie against Alabama. 

“Honestly, one of the highlights of the season for me would be that game,” Combs said. “We’d just come off two losses, and getting that tie on the road showed us what we could do in the SEC and what we were capable of.”

Canada’s journey mirrored that of her teammate. Growing up in Fenton, Mich., Canada was surrounded by family members who played soccer, including older cousins and a sister.

 The strong familial influence laid the groundwork for her success in high school, where she earned 1st-Team ECNL honors on three occasions and Metro League 3rd-Team honors all four years of high school. This helped pave her way to Missouri. However, the leap to college soccer was daunting. 

“The pace of play and intensity here are much greater than in high school,” Canada said. “College soccer is so much more time-consuming, and it can get really exhausting. But you have to put in that work if you want to succeed in the SEC, as it’s such a competitive conference.”

Both Combs and Canada benefited from an early preseason start, arriving on campus in July. These summer practices allowed them to bond with teammates and acclimate to the rigorous demands of college athletics before the season began. 

This preparation proved crucial in helping them navigate the fast-paced environment of college soccer. However, the adjustment was not without its hurdles. Both players quickly discovered that collegiate soccer demanded a different level of commitment. 

“I definitely think the players are much faster and stronger here, so you just have to get in the weight room and put in that work if you want to do well in this conference,” Canada said.

As the season progressed, Combs and Canada began to find their footing and settle into their respective roles. Initially, Combs joined the team as a forward, but she was soon asked to transition to a defensive position.

“When I came in, I had to adapt quickly, Milena Fischer was super helpful,” Combs said. “During those first few practices, she would always be looking behind her and making sure that I was doing the right thing. All my teammates were supportive from the sidelines, making sure I knew what I was doing.”. 

For Canada, the season’s low points were just as telling as its high points. One particular disappointment was the loss to Texas A&M. 

“That’s a game we knew we could win,” Canada said. “We messed up on little details, and in the SEC, those small details can make a huge difference.”

This defeat served as a crucial learning opportunity, highlighting the razor-thin margins that can define success or failure in collegiate athletics.

Amid the challenges they encountered throughout the season, Canada and Combs still showcased grit and resilience fueled by the encouragement of those around them. 

Collective spirit was evident throughout the season, as players rallied around one another during both triumphs and setbacks. Canada echoed this, praising the contributions of fellow center back Rachel Kutella.

“She has had so much experience which has really helped me know the Mizzou tactics specifically because it’s a different way to play the game than it is from club,” Canada said.

The coaching staff also played a pivotal role in the players’ development. Coach Kelsey Wys works specifically with defenders, providing individualized feedback and support.

“She did a good job of working with defenders,” Canada said. “She also got me better through film and telling me what I needed to work on in practice.” 

As they look toward the future, both Combs and Canada remain optimistic about their roles for the Tigers. With 26 expected returners, the team showcases significant potential for growth and development heading into 2025.

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copy Edited by Jackson Cooper and Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com