WINFIELD, Kan. — Jack Bagley-Etheridge is the kind of player every coach wants — composed, hardworking and dependable. The senior midfielder from Hoddesdon, England, has become the driving force behind Southwestern College men's soccer, leading the team with his play, poise and presence.
Bagley-Etheridge ranks fifth in the nation in goals and first in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference with 15 goals and four assists this season. Known for his vision and leadership in midfield, he has developed into one of the most complete players in the NAIA.
"I try not to worry too much about scoring," Bagley-Etheridge said. "If I'm in the right positions and working hard, the goals will come."
His breakout week came Sept. 8-14, when he scored six goals and added an assist to earn both KCAC Offensive Player of the Week and NAIA National Player of the Week honors.
The senior's success is the result of steady progress through four years in the program. He scored five goals as a freshman in 2022, followed by two in 2023 and six in 2024. That 2024 season earned him All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition and the Players' Player of the Year award from his teammates. This fall, he has already more than doubled his previous career total with four matches remaining.
"It's just been about consistency and confidence," he said. "Every year, I've learned something new and tried to add a little more to my game."
Soccer has been a part of Bagley-Etheridge's life for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Hoddesdon, a town just north of London, he spent hours training on local pitches and watching matches with friends. By his teenage years, he was a regular in local club football, recognized for his work rate and leadership.
"In England, football is everywhere," he said. "It's competitive, it's emotional, and it teaches you a lot about responsibility from a young age."
Through an international placement agency, Bagley-Etheridge found an opportunity to study and play in the United States. Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, offered the balance of academics and athletics he was looking for.
"I had the chance to come to the U.S. through an agency," he said. "It was a big change — American football is a lot more athletic and less technical — but it's helped me grow as a player."
The move across the Atlantic brought challenges both on and off the field. Bagley-Etheridge had to adapt to a faster, more physical game while adjusting to a new culture and way of life. "Being away from home has taught me to be independent and to never stop pushing myself," he said.
Bagley-Etheridge describes himself as disciplined, hardworking and talkative. Those qualities have helped him connect with teammates and establish himself as a leader within the program.
Freshmen Cooper Bates, José Mejía and Noah El-Masri each described him as a leader, while sophomore Elician Diaz called him inspiring. Head coach Lee Howarth also used the word leader when asked to define his senior midfielder's role.
Bagley-Etheridge approaches each match with focus and calm. He doesn't eat before games, preferring to prepare mentally. He credits his close friend and training partner, Connor, for pushing him to maintain high standards in training and competition. "Connor pushes me the most — he's my best mate on and off the field," he said. "We make each other better."
One of his favorite memories at Southwestern came in a victory over Ottawa during his junior year, a match he said reflected the team's unity and determination. As his senior season winds down, he admits the experience is bittersweet.
"I'm really glad to have been part of this program," he said. "It's been a special journey."
Off the field, Bagley-Etheridge follows the Premier League closely and remains a devoted Chelsea supporter. He still misses traditional Sunday roast dinners from home but said he has found family and belonging in his teammates and the Winfield community.
In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, playing pickup games and spending time with friends. As graduation approaches, he is considering his next steps but expects soccer will always be a part of his life.
"I'm a really big sports guy," he said. "Usually when I'm not playing, I'm watching games or hanging out with the lads."
With four regular-season matches remaining, Bagley-Etheridge remains focused on helping Southwestern make a deep postseason run. As one of the top scorers in the NAIA and a team leader, he continues to set the tone for effort and professionalism.
His story goes beyond goals and awards. It's a story of adaptation, resilience and growth.
Bagley-Etheridge came to Kansas chasing opportunity. Along the way, he became a leader, an inspiration and one of Southwestern College's most respected players.
