Founders
Luke & Laura Caldwell
Luke and Laura Caldwell moved to South Bend in 2015 and have been homeschooling their five children since 2013. When they saw that homeschool families in Michiana had no competitive, faith-centered soccer option, they decided to build one themselves.
Laura brings a deep passion for youth sports and believes every young athlete deserves the chance to grow — individually and as part of a team. Luke brings decades of coaching and officiating experience to the program. Together, they also volunteer with Northern Indiana FC.
Luke's Soccer Background
- ✓Volunteered with Coach Thiago Pinto & Bethel University Men's Soccer Team
- ✓Volunteered with Granger Christian boys & girls teams
- ✓Current coach, Echo 2011 Elite I Boys team
- ✓Current Michiana Soccer Association (MSA) board member — coaching with MSA since 2015
- ✓Coached with Fort Wayne Sport Club (FWSC) 2011–2014
- ✓Current Indiana licensed soccer official
The Caldwell Kids
"Why isn't there a competitive soccer option for our kids?" — That question started everything. South Bend Navigators is the answer.
— Luke & Laura Caldwell
Origin Story
Built by Families,
For Families
South Bend Navigators didn't start in a boardroom — it started around kitchen tables and on practice fields, with homeschool parents asking the same question: "Why isn't there a competitive soccer option for our kids?"
The Michiana homeschool community is large, talented, and deeply invested in their children's development. But for years, there was no organized, faith-centered soccer program that fit a homeschool family's schedule and values.
The Caldwells wanted to change that. They connected to other familes and then secured a home field at Jr Irish Fields, found sponsors, recruited players, and launched three teams in the program's first season — competing against public, private, and homeschool teams across Michiana.
What We Believe
Every student athlete deserves to compete in an environment that honors their faith.
Homeschooling shouldn't mean missing out on real team sports and competitive experience.
Community is built on the field as much as in the classroom or the home.
This is just the beginning — the Navigators are built to grow and serve more families every year.
Get Involved
Want to Help Build This?
South Bend Navigators is always looking for coaches, volunteers, and parents willing to roll up their sleeves. If you share our vision, reach out.