Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast

A campus visit without a plan is just a tour. Markens walks through the questions every family should be asking — the coaches, the players, and yourselves — before making one of the biggest decisions of your child's athletic life.

The 2026 World Cup Round of 32 delivered shocking upsets. Here is what Germany losing to Paraguay and Cape Verde pushing Argentina teaches us about resilience and raising mentally tough young soccer players.

Just showing up to a showcase isn't enough — coaches are watching specific players on specific lists. Markens explains the before, during, and after strategy that separates the families who leave with connections from the ones who leave with nothing.

Most highlight videos are built to impress parents, not coaches ; that's exactly why they don't work. Markens breaks down what college coaches are actually looking for, the right length and format, and what game situations to include.

Sending emails to coaches isn't enough; you have to send the right email. Markens breaks down the exact formula for an introductory email that gets opened, what to say in follow-ups, and why consistent communication matters.

Every soccer fan has a favorite World Cup team. Mine might surprise you. In this episode I am revealing my favorite soccer nation at the 2026 World Cup — the Netherlands — and going deep on the philosophy that made me fall in love with them in the first place. We are talking about Johan Cruyff. 1974. Total Football. The most revolutionary system the sport has ever seen — played by a team that shou...

The 2026 World Cup is only one week old and it's already rewriting the script. In this episode, I'm breaking down my Top 5 performances from Week 1 — and trust me, the scoreboard told some stories nobody saw coming. Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw. In their World Cup debut. A team nobody gave a chance, on the biggest stage in the world, against one of the tournament favorites. Qatar tied Switz...

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is making history in 5 ways that have never happened before — 3 host countries, 48 teams, a Round of 32, new tiebreakers, and America hosting for the first time since 1994.

A strong recruiting profile is the foundation of the entire college soccer recruiting process — and most players don't have one until it's too late. Markens breaks down exactly what coaches are looking for, what every profile needs to include.

The World Cup isn't just soccer — it's the greatest teaching tool a parent has. Coach Markens breaks down what Brazil, Maradona, and 92 years of World Cup history teach us about raising champions.

The 2026 World Cup just kicked off — and it's happening in our backyard. USA, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting across 16 cities. Here's what opening day means for your family and young athletes.

FIFA just rewrote the rulebook. Here are the 5 biggest rule changes hitting the 2026 World Cup — from faster substitutions to red cards for covering your mouth.

The college soccer recruiting process is more structured than most families realize. In Episode 1, Markens breaks down the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA landscape and explains exactly when families need to start.

Have you ever watched your kid walk out of tryouts with their head down and not known what to say? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down why getting cut doesn't mean what most people think — and why the system is making permanent decisions about kids who are still growing. If your child has ever been cut or overlooked, this one is for them. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners...

Have you ever watched your kid drag themselves to practice — the same kid who used to beg you to go outside and kick the ball — and wondered what happened? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down the real reason young players burn out, and it has nothing to do with talent. It has everything to do with joy — and what happens when the schedule destroys it. Built Not Born — The...

The U.S. has the athletes, the facilities, and the resources. So why do we still struggle to compete at the highest levels of soccer? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down the real reason — and it starts with how we develop players from day one. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

The most dangerous coaching your child receives doesn't happen on the field. It happens in the car ride home. In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down how well-meaning parents are quietly damaging their child's confidence after every game — and the one simple change that makes all the difference. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

The most dangerous coaching your child receives doesn't happen on the field. It happens in the car ride home. In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down how well-meaning parents are quietly damaging their child's confidence after every game — and the one simple change that makes all the difference. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

Why do so many young soccer players start strong and then suddenly stop developing? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down the real reasons — fear of mistakes, pressure culture, and a system that prioritizes results over growth. If you're a parent or coach who wants more for your young player, this conversation is for you. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episo...