Luke Eberle

Luke EberleFeb 3, 2026

It took me a long time to realize I was better suited to be a piano carrier. There’s an idea in coaching that every team needs two kinds of players: piano players and piano carriers. Piano players are the flashy ones. They are technical and always in the spotlight. They're the names opponents circle on the scouting report. Piano carriers do the dirty work. They enforce and simplify. They make everything else possible, but usually without recognition. Teams need both. You can’t win with all of one or the other. Selfishly, I wanted to be a piano player during my college soccer career. I wanted the awards, the praise, the postgame conversations. It was very much a me mindset. The reality? I was far more effective as a piano carrier. I think it took until my super senior year to even partially accept that role. Honestly, it was probably less acceptance and more a gentle excuse when certain opportunities didn’t come. The funny part is this: had I embraced being a piano carrier earlier, I likely would’ve been more useful, impactful and a better teammate. Every team, business, and organization needs different roles. I just wish I had accepted mine sooner.

Luke EberleApr 28, 2026

Some events remind you why community partnerships matter so much when it comes to serving others. Last week, I had the opportunity to be part of three shoe distributions in Washington State. What a beautiful part of the country. Over two days, we distributed more than 1,200 pairs of new shoes to students at three elementary schools. Through a simple gift, many children were encouraged, cared for, and reminded that their community sees them. What stood out most was watching so many groups come together to make it happen. There were businesses, foundations, local law enforcement, school staff, administrators, and families all serving side by side. It is a privilege to work alongside people who care deeply and show up for others. Thank you to everyone who made these events possible. Borton & Sons Inc. Eric Borton Gebbers Farms cass gebbers Jordan Simkovic Captain & Cat Kevin Hoban Mac Riggan Thomas Riggan Lorinda Oscarson Julie DeJarnatt Doug Kaplicky Jose Contreras Chelan Fresh Annessa Chumbley, RD @johnny Gebbers Apolinar Blanco Dan Gaspar Sarah Pugh @joyfully grown Samaritan's Feet International Manny Ohonme Tracie Ohonme SugarBee® Apple

Luke EberleJan 14, 2026

What a year of transition it has been. This time last year, I was standing at a crossroads. I didn’t know if the dream of playing professional soccer was still going to become a reality. I had two good options. I could spend preseason with pro team with a shot at a contract, or I could step into work with a mission I deeply believed in and that had already been incredibly generous to me. Trish Kriger, my current boss, told chase the dream I had carried for most of my life. So I did. In the end, it didn’t work out. I got cut. That was it. But through that entire process, God was genuinely good. Not in a cliché way. In real, steady, undeniable ways. I began working with an organization that is changing lives every day. I traveled to more than 12 states, spent time halfway around the world in Kenya, and partnered with nonprofits, companies, and people who truly care about their communities. Sports shaped my life for a long time. If I’m honest, they were part of my identity. I still wrestle with that. But at some point, that door closes. And it was a gift to walk into an organization whose mission gave purpose beyond a scoreboard. Samaritan's Feet International