Tim Baerwalde wants to inspire. The Blue Hose's starting goalkeeper takes this mission seriously, both on and off the pitch. Whether he is talking on his podcast, designing clothes for his fashion brand, or honing skills during soccer practice, Tim Baerwalde is committed to being a leader that holds teammates accountable, mentors younger players, and helps people find their purpose. Grit and determination has led Tim to become the starting goalie and captain of the PC Men's Soccer team. Tim's work ethic is shown through his numerous athletics awards while at Presbyterian College, including a Second Team All-Big South selection and a Big South Defensive Player of the Week award. 
           
However, Tim's journey to become PC's starting goalie hasn't been straightforward. Baerwalde was convinced to play goalkeeper for his youth soccer team in Frankfurt, Germany, largely because he was the only player who was willing to try the position. Tim found that he genuinely enjoyed goalkeeping and continued playing it after that season. To develop his skills further, Tim attended Pierre-de-Coubertin Sportgymnasium, an athletics-focused secondary school in the German city of Erfurt. After graduation, Baerwalde played with three soccer clubs, before moving to the United States to receive his college education. In the United States, Tim played for USC Sumter, Converse College and UNC Greensboro before transferring to Presbyterian College.

As goalkeeper for the PC Men's Soccer team, Tim has been successful. He has played eighteen games this season with six shutouts and 65 saves, including an astounding nine saves against Gardner-Webb in September. While there were goalies last season around the nation that had up to fourteen saves in their season-high match, the player with the highest amount of saves per game at the Division I level, Jamie Barry of Niagara University, only averaged 6.56 saves, well below Tim's season-high total for this year. 
           
Additionally, Baerwalde has been an important contributor to team culture. As a senior, he is a key mentor for younger players, organizing team dinners and running group Bible studies. His leadership is obvious to his head coach Nick Finotti. According to Coach Finotti,

Tim "leads by example" and "sets the tone" for the team. He "knows when to put his arm around [players]" and when to motivate them. Baerwalde notes that he is inspired by his Christian faith, which has given him "peace of mind" during adversity. This leadership has definitely translated to success for the Blue Hose this year, when they finished the regular season ranked third in the Big South with a 3-3-1 record in conference play.

While success is definitely gratifying, Baerwalde realizes that life is about more than just soccer. In a recent interview, Tim noted that his purpose in life is "to…be a better version of myself, and, at the end of the day, I'll think it's all worth it if I inspire one person." Tim's goal is being lived out, both in his soccer career and life. His drive to perform well on the pitch is motivated by his desire to inspire the next generation of soccer players. "If I have one young fellow that is trying to play soccer and be like me or be a better version of himself…that is all worth it for me." 

Outside of sports, the Blue Hose goalkeeper also provides encouragement through his podcast Halfway Home, which he co-produces with teammate Max Falconer. On the podcast, Tim and Max often discuss sports psychology, or in Tim's words, "how to deal with setbacks, especially as a student-athlete." Baerwalde wanted to start this podcast because of the mental health issues that are prevalent in today's society. "People always [think] that you have life figured out…but we have so many struggles in life, especially [now], when there are so many opportunities to do [whatever you want]." Global connection via technology, and the limitless opportunities that come with it, can have a serious impact on mental health. It is like information overload, especially for today's youth, as they try to navigate the numerous possibilities out there. Through their podcast, Tim and Max try to encourage individuals struggling with this problem by talking about their previous life experiences, such as going to boarding school or moving to a new country.

Tim Baerwalde also seeks to inspire others through his fashion brand. The PC goalie has been fascinated with clothes ever since he began modeling a few years ago. This passion has been expressed through Tim's modeling agency and apparel brand. Baerwalde believes that fashion is a means through which people can express themselves and improve their conception of self-worth. "When you feel bad, you put on a nice fit…and you gain confidence." In his native Europe, wearing suits is a common attire choice. He has tried to incorporate some of this sophisticated flair into his own clothes. Baerwalde is a world traveler, inspired by his Mom, who is a flight attendant, and Dad, who is a pilot.

Traveling around the globe has allowed Tim to make friends on every continent. His fashion style has also been influenced by world travels, where "people dress differently" based on their unique culture. His fashion brand incorporates these global elements, while also containing classy features, such as a "nice button-up" shirt, and streetwear designs. His goal is to create clothes that "resemble who [a wearer is] as a person" in a "non-judgemental" way. Tim's new fashion line will be released in January. 

Whether it is starting as the goalkeeper for the PC Men's Soccer team, encouraging younger athletes to reach their full potential, or motivating people to achieve their dreams, Tim Baerwalde is pursuing his goal to be an inspiration to others, accomplishing great things, one step (or saved goal) at a time.