Community Highlights: Meet Lauren DePompei of Super Soccer Stars

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren DePompei.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into this business really began as a parent. When my kids were younger, I was eager to introduce them to sports, but the experience wasn’t what I had hoped for. The programs we found often lacked energy and engagement, and instead of being excited to participate, it felt like we were pushing them to go. That left a lasting impression on me.

I began to think about what a better experience could look like—one that prioritized fun, confidence-building, and a genuine love for the game from the very beginning. I wanted something that would make kids eager to show up, not reluctant.

When I came across this program, it immediately resonated. It was a franchise with a proven track record in other communities, which gave me confidence in the structure and approach. More importantly, it aligned perfectly with the kind of experience I had envisioned for my own children and for families in our area.

Making the decision to pursue it was not without risk. I stepped away from a steady career that I had built and excelled in, choosing instead to take a leap of faith into something I truly believed in. That decision was driven by a desire to bring something meaningful and impactful to families here in Solon and the surrounding communities.

Today, we partner with local schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to make soccer both accessible and enriching for young children. Our focus is on creating an environment where kids feel encouraged, supported, and excited to participate.

What continues to be most rewarding is seeing that vision come to life—watching children run onto the field with confidence and joy, and hearing from parents who appreciate an experience that feels both positive and purposeful.

At its core, this is about more than soccer. It’s about shaping early experiences in a way that builds confidence, fosters a love of movement, and brings genuine value to families in our community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, especially early on. Leaving a stable career to start something new came with real uncertainty—even with a proven model behind it.

One of the biggest challenges was that we were the first Super Soccer Stars franchise in Ohio, so there was little to no local brand awareness. Everything had to be built from the ground up—relationships with schools, childcare centers, families, and even assembling the right coaching team.

A turning point came when we secured a few key school and childcare partnerships. That’s when momentum really started to build—classes filled, word spread, and we began to see kids genuinely excited to participate.

Since then, the focus has been on growing intentionally, continuing to build strong local partnerships and delivering an experience families can trust and look forward to.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Super Soccer Stars is a youth soccer program designed to give children a positive, engaging, and confidence-building introduction to sports. We specialize in bringing high-quality, structured soccer classes directly to where families already are—partnering with preschools, childcare centers, and community spaces throughout Solon and the surrounding communities.

What truly sets us apart is our philosophy. While many youth programs emphasize competition early, we focus first on experience—helping children build confidence, coordination, and a genuine love for being active. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to be age-appropriate, high-energy, and encouraging, so children are excited to participate and parents consistently see the value.

As the first Super Soccer Stars franchise in Ohio, we built the brand locally from the ground up. Today, we serve a growing number of schools and community partners across the area, reaching hundreds of families each season. That growth has been driven by a strong reputation, word-of-mouth, and a commitment to delivering a consistently elevated experience.

We are also highly intentional about our team. Every coach is selected not just for their soccer background, but for their ability to connect with young children, create a positive environment, and represent the standard families expect.

What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built within the community. Parents know they can rely on us for a program that is organized, professional, and genuinely focused on their child’s development—both on and off the field.

At its core, our mission is simple: to create a first experience with sports that feels positive, memorable, and meaningful. For families looking for a program that prioritizes both quality and enjoyment, we aim to be that trusted choice in the community.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is traveling to a soccer tournament with my West Geauga travel team. We took an RV, which in itself felt like an adventure, and spent the weekend together as a team.

It rained the entire time, and the fields were covered in huge puddles. I honestly don’t even remember if we won or lost, but I do remember what happened after the game—we all ran through the puddles, laughing, completely soaked, and just enjoying the moment.

Looking back, that memory has always stayed with me. It wasn’t about the result of the game—it was about the experience, the friendships, and the pure joy of playing. That’s something I’ve carried with me, and it’s a big part of what I try to create for kids today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soccerstars.com/oh/clevelandeast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccerstarsclevelandeast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supersoccerstars
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soccer-stars-cleveland-east/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperSoccerStarsVids