Kotaro Umeda

Hello,I'm Kotaro Umeda. I am a globally published author and a keynote speaker. After playing soccer at the University of Louisville, I had the opportunity to go on and play professionally for six years world wide. My professional athletic career spanned across multiple leagues acrossBrazil, Portugal, the United States, and Hong Kong.

I began my collegiate career in the United States and later pursued professional opportunities internationally, competing in leagues including the Campeonato Brasileiro, Campeonato de Portugal, United Soccer League, National Independent Soccer Association, and the Hong Kong Premier League. In Brazil, I played for Joinville Esporte Clube, becoming the first Asian American player in the club’s history. I was also part of the 2021 Campeonato Catarinense–winning squad and a member of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship–winning team in the United States.

By the conclusion of his playing career, Umeda was regarded as one of the most accomplished student-athletes to emerge from Mayfield, having competed at collegiate and professional levels across multiple countries.

My journey in sport was shaped by more than competition alone. Growing up, my family faced financial challenges, and we relocated frequently across several cities. These experiences helped instill discipline, adaptability, and resilience, qualities that influenced both my athletic development and personal identity. Despite setbacks, including significant injuries during my career, I remained committed to long-term growth on and off the field.

After signing my first professional contract at the age of 20, I made the decision to return to the University of Louisville to complete my bachelor’s degree through the NCAA Division I Degree Completion Award Program, reinforcing the importance of education alongside professional sport.

Following my retirement from professional soccer in 2025, I transitioned into motivational speaking and writing. I am the author of five globally published books and speak internationally on discipline, mental resilience, leadership, identity, and purpose, drawing from my experiences competing at the highest levels of sport.

In parallel, I work as a fashion model based in New York City and have collaborated with global brands, including New York Fashion Week, Ray-Ban, Adidas, Disney, and Chanel.

Today, I bring together elite sport, storytelling, and creative expression to inspire individuals and organizations to pursue excellence without losing sight of who they are—on and off the field.