40 Under 40: Gabe Hoffman-Johnson is a former player bringing pro soccer to Maine
Photo / Tim Greenway
An injury prematurely ended Gabe Hoffman-Johnson’s professional soccer career. Now he’s bringing professional soccer to Maine.
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Significant professional accomplishment: I will never forget signing my contract to become a professional soccer player back in 2015. It was the dream achieved (or so I thought at the time); something I spent so much of my younger life working toward.
But my time as a pro unfortunately ended prematurely through a back injury, putting that moment in very different perspective. Now, I’m incredibly grateful to say that bringing professional soccer to Maine, something I’ve dedicated most of myself to since 2019, is far and away both my favorite and, I would say, my most significant professional accomplishment.
My parents raised me to be both driven and motivated to do good and to add value and contribute to the people and community around me. Having been raised by a collegiate soccer coach and athletic director for a father, and an international peacebuilder for a mother, it’s no surprise that striving to use soccer as a conduit to accomplish these goals comes naturally; it’s quite literally who I am.
‘Lightbulb’ moment: In 2019, when lower division soccer was becoming a viable business model, I was planning my exit strategy from the world of finance in New York City. The United Soccer League announced a new third-division professional soccer league, specifically targeting tertiary-sized cities, of which Portland is the perfect market.
I had an “aha” moment. “I would like to make this happen. I am capable of making this happen. This may, in fact, be what I was meant to do.”
Audacious goal: Build the most successful, and impactful, lower division professional soccer club in America, and set a new benchmark for purpose-driven professional soccer teams in America.
Favorite quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear in that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you.
"We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” — Marianne Williamson
Influential book: “The Power of One,” by Bryce Courtenay. A coming-of-age young man’s adventure with the perfect dose of suspense and struggle, psychology, upliftment and marvel.
Best way to recharge: Usually working out, traveling, golfing or enjoying exploring and playing in the great outdoors, and spending time with my dog Annie.
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