Playing college soccer is a path that is unique to the United States and a select few other nations. Some players attempt to earn a degree while competing in the sport, while others make the decision to push for the professional level. Brian Schwake began pursuing a university education before changing direction and heading to Scotland with Livingston. The 21-year-old goalkeeper has climbed the league pyramid through a series of loans and impressed at each successive stop.
Born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, Schwake grew up competing with the Olympic Development Program at the regional level and the Sockers FC academy, reaching the semifinals of the United States Soccer Development Academy playoffs.