Over the past fourteen years, Bedford, NH, has raised a gem: Florida Native, UNH Alumnus, Major League Soccer Star, and Brother. Twenty-seven-year-old Josh Bauer has achieved every young soccer player’s dream with the support of his Bedford community. Ultimately, his family enabled him to thrive on challenges and reach great heights.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Josh moved to Columbus, Ohio, at age four and started recreational soccer at five. Coached by his dad and practicing with his older brother, Jacob, friendly sibling competition fueled Josh’s love for the sport. As years passed, his family’s unwavering support drove him to and from travel league games. Advancing quickly to club soccer, his work ethic on and off the field propelled his growth, helping him build teams and enjoy the game.

At thirteen, Josh and his family moved to Bedford, NH, as he entered eighth grade. Joining the Lurgio Lions and NH Classics club soccer, he created his own opportunities and became an integral part of the town. These connections furthered his growth as a player, making him a valuable asset to Bedford Bulldogs High School Soccer in 2012 and to NH Classics as they became GPS New Hampshire.

Over the next four years, soccer shifted from an extracurricular to a potential career for Josh. Drawn to the challenges for personal growth, he entered a close-knit soccer “family” of diverse backgrounds, all united on the field. This bond deepened when he committed to UNH soccer during his senior year, an honor for those who excel. Putting aside his dream of medicine, he dedicated himself to his international team, working hard in every training and game. After redshirting in 2016 at UNH, Josh used his experience to help his team break new ground over the next three seasons.

“Individual success does not come without team success.”

Guided by head coach Marc Hubbard and assistant Rich Weinrebe, their thoughtful player selection built this brotherhood, putting NH on the map for UNH soccer. As a sophomore starter in 2017, Josh balanced academics with sports, helping the team gain national recognition. With top 25 rankings and the first two school conference titles, UNH made history. In their first conference championship at Durham, Josh scored the opening goal, leading the team to a 5-0 win and representing New Hampshire with pride.

“One of the great things about playing soccer is the people you meet from all over the world… It’s truly unique.”

Between semesters, Josh built connections and pushed his skills daily. His summers with Seacoast United, Boston Bolts, and Seattle Sounders U23 showed his commitment to giving 110% and adapting to challenges.

Adversity forced Josh and the world to pivot in spring 2020, when he graduated. As his future changed—he was set to finish eligibility at UNH in the fall—he saw opportunity in the COVID-canceled season. Special league authorization enables college players to sign professionally, allowing them to continue developing. That summer, he signed his first pro contract with Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship, changing his career’s trajectory.

“You can’t get too high in the good times, and you can’t get too low in the bad times, because all that is temporary.”

Amidst global uncertainty, Josh remained steady, playing for Birmingham Legion in the fall of 2020 and ahead of the 2021 MLS Draft. Hard work, determination, and passion secured him the 31st overall pick by Atlanta United in January and a contract in April. Signing was the moment he knew he had made it—yet it marked only the start of his next chapter.

During his rookie year, Josh primarily played for Atlanta United 2 before being released in the winter of 2021. Returning stronger, he entered the 2021 Re-Entry Draft and was picked by Nashville SC. Now part of this new brotherhood, he balances travel, training, and intense matches, always remembering his roots.

Now in his fourth year with Nashville, he is a star defensive player, contributing to their top Eastern Conference ranking and placing them in the top three overall as of August 2025. Scoring his first MLS goal this year, Josh aims to one day lift a Championship trophy—an experience he calls the “best feeling in the world.” He signed a two-year contract extension in December 2024 and remains focused on his career, with the goal of playing professionally as long as possible.

Only 0.09% of high school male soccer players go on to compete in NCAA Division I. Even fewer advance to the professional level—those odds are truly infinitesimal. Josh Bauer has defied them all, bringing pride to his town, state, and family. Grounded in a strong sense of self, thriving in the face of challenges, and fully committed to his craft, he embodies what it takes to become a role model and reach true greatness.

Josh extends special thanks to his GPS NH Club Soccer Coaches: John Price, Rick Carvalho, and Steve Quinones; his High School Coach, Stuart Pepper, and, above all, his family—Mom (Pamela), Dad (Patrick), Brother (Jacob), and Sister (Jessica)—his most dedicated fans and biggest influences.