New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell signed with the Revs in December 2012. Immediately after joining the squad, Caldwell became a beloved player within the community with his performances both on and off the field.
1. NETID
Caldwell is Massachusetts bred. He grew up in Braintree and served as the first-ever captain of the Revolution's Under-18 team in their inaugural campaign in 2008-09. He helped the U-18s earn their first win at a U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcase, when he scored three goals in only 19 minutes in a 6-1 win over North Meck SC (Cornelius, N.C.) in 2009.
The Massachusetts native played collegiate soccer at the University of Akron, where Caldwell was a two-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American and an academic All-American. Caldwell returned to New England during his summer breaks to practice with the Revs, before signing as the second-ever Homegrown player in Revolution history prior to the 2013 season.
Fun fact: While Caldwell was a sophomore at Akron, he scored the game-winning goal in the 2010 national championship against the University of Louisville ... which featured future friend and teammate Andrew Farrell.
When it comes to New England roots, they do not get much stronger than Caldwell’s connection to the local area. The popular Revs supporter saying “New England ‘Til I Die” rings true for Caldwell.
2. Family Affair
Soccer genes run in the Caldwell family, as Scott was surrounded by the game from a very young age. His father and three older siblings, who all shared that same passion playing soccer, were big influences getting Caldwell involved with the game.
It starts from his father, Larry Caldwell. Larry is a former professional player for the North American Soccer League, as he spent about a year playing for the Hartford Bicentennials. Larry was without a doubt an influential part of how the Caldwell family became so close with the sport of soccer.
Growing up, Caldwell looked up to his older brother, Keith, who is almost eight years older. Keith acted as a mentor for Caldwell. Keith played soccer collegiately at Brown University – coincidentally alongside former Revolution midfielder Jeff Larentowicz. After college, Keith was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft. Although Keith ultimately didn’t make the Rapids’ roster, he still acted as a role model for Caldwell as he aimed to one day play professionally.
Caldwell was also influenced significantly by his sister, Amy’s, soccer talent. After registering 112 goals and 58 assists while leading Braintree High School to back-to-back Division 1 state titles, she made 82 appearances in a four-year career (2007-10) at Boston College. Amy also spent time with the U.S. Women’s Under-16 National Team and is a very recognizable female soccer player in the state of Massachusetts.
Caldwell’s other sister, Andrea, who is five years older, played at Simmons College. With three older siblings constantly playing soccer as he was growing up, Caldwell was destined to keep up the family soccer passion and play for his local club.
3. A Matter of Pride
On June 8, 2019, Caldwell made Boston history. He became the first-ever active professional athlete to walk in Boston’s Pride Parade, as he proudly stood with many Revolution front office staffers and supporters in this march.
This accomplishment was just one component of Caldwell’s admirable community and charitable endeavors that earned him the 2019 Revolution Humanitarian of the Year award.
4. MLS Players Association
To add to Caldwell’s long list of accolades, he is a member of the MLS Players Association Executive Board. This committee governs the Players Union and acts as a voice of the players when working directly with the league.
How did Caldwell land this position?
Well, every player on an MLS team votes on one teammate by a secret ballot to elect player representation. Between those players, they elect seven of them to the Executive Board.
Basically, the MLSPA is created by the players, for the players.
5. Team Dad
Caldwell is a longtime veteran on the Revs. While he is a known leader in the locker room, he’s also a leader off the field.
The University of Akron alum has a background as an accountant. He is very savvy in finances, business, and has been a mentor to younger players coming into the Revs with important tips of living on your own.
Speaking of living situations, Caldwell invested in a house while playing with the Revs, where he has housed many of his teammates. That’s right, many of his teammates were also his roommates. This includes current Revolution squad members such as Farrell and Matt Turner, and also involves former teammates such as Juan Agudelo and Femi Hollinger-Janzen. Caldwell no longer lives in the house, but allows his teammates to rent out space.
Below is a quote from Caldwell in an interview with “The Frugal Athlete” from 2017:
“I bought a house close to Gillette Stadium (where we train and play our games) with hopes of it becoming an investment. Instead of throwing money towards rent, I am gaining tax benefits and improving the house in an effort to earn money when I sell it down the road.”
- Scott Caldwell
