LinkedIn let me know it’s my 17th anniversary at Viking Sports, which is wild. 17 years ago I was showing up to Soule gym in Brookline to run my first soccer class with Coach Randi in a blizzard. She was super late so I ran the show myself. I did absolutely terrible. I had 4 and 5 year olds doing a Division One soccer level training session and was shocked they couldn’t keep up. I’ve come a real long way since then. 17 years ago I was a Viking Sports coach. At some point I got good at that part of the job.
13 years ago I bought Viking Sports with Zach. Over these 17 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best people on the planet. I have seen people work at Viking then go on to do some incredible things. I’ve been able to impact countless kids in a positive way. I’ve been doing this entrepreneurship thing for so long, I now get to mentor college and graduate school kids. I get to share my experiences in various speaking forums. I get to help people.
As I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with excitement for the next 17 years. Hopefully, at some point, I’ll take a moment to stop and smell the roses amid this incredible adventure.
LeRoy J. Watkins III 