The Dream was MLS. The Journey was God // FC Dallas' Slade Starnes

What happens when the dream you’ve chased your whole life actually comes true? Luke and Jean sit down with FC Dallas’ Slade Starnes to talk about the winding road from a childhood dream to the professional level—and the injuries, sacrifices, setbacks, and faith that shaped him along the way. Slade shares what it was like to lose an entire year to injury, leave behind longtime friends to pursue the next level, and wonder whether he even belonged among the best. But as the conversation unfolds, the bigger question becomes: What happens when your sport becomes your identity? Slade opens up about learning that talent and hard work can only take you so far, and how his faith began to reshape the way he approached competition, pressure, and success.

And then comes the full-circle moment every young athlete dreams about: FC Dallas makes the call. Slade shares what it was like to finally sign with the club he had dreamed about since childhood, while also reflecting on the deeper lessons that got him there—playing for an “audience of one,” building accountability, pursuing excellence without being defined by the outcome, and finding something bigger than the scoreboard. He also shares how his experiences with his friend Ivan led them to start iDream, which helps young athletes pursue their goals while growing in confidence, identity, and leadership. At the heart of Slade’s story is a reminder that the biggest win may have very little to do with what happens on the scoreboard.