The heart and soul of Sporting Kansas City have always been tied to the local community, and with their newest signing, Jacob Bartlett, that connection just got even stronger. A proud product of Overland Park, Kansas, Bartlett is living the dream every local kid fantasizes about – representing the team he grew up watching.
It’s not every day you get a homegrown talent from your own backyard making his mark on the pitch, and Jacob’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His first soccer memory is a story that might sound familiar to many: the excitement of scoring his first goal in a mini 3v3 game as a young kid. “I scored a goal, and my mom got me a Messi jersey after. I don’t think I took it off for the next couple of weeks!” Jacob recalls, a smile creeping up as he reflects on those simpler days of youth soccer.
That love for the game quickly evolved, and by the time Jacob hit his early teens, he knew soccer wasn’t just a hobby – it was something he wanted to pursue seriously. Joining Sporting Kansas City’s Academy at 12, he entered a new world. “The environment at the Academy is completely different,” Bartlett shares. “The coaches expect a high standard from day one. I grew so much as a player there, but also as a person. It set the stage for everything that’s come after.”
His journey then took him to Notre Dame, where he spent a year as part of their soccer program. While there, Jacob grew both on and off the field. “It was great to get out of my comfort zone and experience a new system, meet new players, and push myself in different ways. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.” But the pull of home and Sporting KC was always there, and when the opportunity to join the first team came, Jacob’s lifelong dream became a reality.
His first-team contract offer came in a moment filled with emotion. Sitting in a meeting with Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes, his family by his side, the weight of the moment hit hard. “My mom shed a tear, and I was on the verge of it myself. It was surreal. To have the chance to represent your hometown, your club, and your family, is truly a dream come true.”
Jacob’s heart lies with the club, but his roots are firmly planted in Overland Park, a town that’s seen him grow from a young soccer hopeful to a professional. “I grew up watching the legends of Sporting KC play. To now step into that locker room, to see my name on the board with these guys, it’s humbling. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
But don’t let the sentimental side fool you – Bartlett is all about hard work, grit, and a winning mentality. These values were instilled in him during his years at the Sporting KC Academy, and they have guided him in every step of his journey. Whether it’s impressing the coaches with his athleticism, winning the preseason beep test, or embracing his role as a teammate, Jacob is all about bringing his best to the pitch every day.
Jacob comes from a big soccer family, with all his siblings sharing the love for the game. With a house full of athletes, competition can be found in anything: soccer, basketball, board games, the Barlett’s will always find a way to push each other. “I think they've instilled some drive in me for sure,” Jacob shared how this dynamic made him a better athlete. “My brothers beat up on me, and looking back, I'm thankful for it. They helped me along the way.” Family is the center of who Jacob is; whether he’s playfully competing with his siblings, kicking back with his four dogs (Nelly, Remi, Colt, and Maddie), or enjoying his mom’s homemade goulash, a recipe passed down from his grandfather that always makes him feel at home, no matter where he is.
When it comes to his teammates, Jacob’s got a great sense of humor and isn’t afraid to laugh at himself. He’s already become a staple in the team’s video game tournaments, even if he admits to being “pretty bad” at NHL. But, hey, it’s all about having fun, right?
For Sporting KC fans, Jacob Bartlett isn’t just another player – he’s one of their own. A homegrown talent with his eyes set on the future, Jacob’s ready to continue the legacy of Sporting KC players who have come before him and make his hometown proud. Keep an eye on this one – the best is yet to come!
Fast Facts:
Favorite music?
I think I'm all over the place with music. I love country, I guess rap, a little bit house music. Yeah, I'm all over the board there.
Go-to Karaoke song?
Ain't no mountain high enough. Some Oldies.
If you could switch places with a teammate for 24-hours, who would it be?
Robbie Voloder.
Why?
Robbie and I get along. Robbie is a funny guy. Just to see how he goes about his day. And I think that it'd be fun to do.
What’s a movie or tv show you’d recommend?
I watched Day of the Jackal on Prime. For sure, recommend. I think I watched it within two days. It sounds pretty bad, but hey, it was that good.
What book are you currently reading?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
If you could be any Marvel superhero, who would you be and why?
I think Iron Man's got the personality. He's got all the cool tech and stuff. And everyone loves him. I think he's awesome
If we were filming a movie about your life, what actor would you want to play the role of you?
Oh, my gosh. Oh, wow. Since I said Iron Man earlier, I’d say Robert Downey Junior.