Mitch Baruchowitz's path from student-athlete at Brandeis University to founder of the Westchester FC soccer club in Westchester, New York, is a story of resilience, vision, and community impact.
 
Baruchowitz's decision to attend Brandeis starts with family; he wanted to be close to his brother, Adam '94. Mitch was recruited by several schools for both tennis and soccer, but Brandeis offered him the ability not only to play both sports, but also to join his brother on the soccer pitch. A severe ankle injury just before his first year in Waltham sidelined his soccer career, allowing him to focus on tennis, where he rose through the ranks to the top of the lineup by his senior season.
 
Despite the setback, Baruchowitz's connection to Brandeis remained strong. He credits the university's intimate environment and supportive network for shaping his values and entrepreneurial spirit.
 
After graduating, he went back to the soccer pitch, playing in recreational leagues, eventually becoming a season-ticket holder for New York City Football Club. Years later, Baruchowitz found himself asking a simple but profound question: "How does Westchester not have professional sports?" That curiosity, combined with a desire to make a meaningful impact, led him to explore launching a soccer team in the region. After initially considering minor league baseball, he pivoted to soccer after helping start a sports and tech fund and realizing the potential of the USL (United Soccer League).
 
The decision to launch Westchester FC in 2025 was strategic. With the 2026 World Cup looming and USL expansion fees rising, Mitch saw an opportunity to get ahead of the curve. The process was intense: rushing to meet league sanctioning deadlines, building a team, and marketing to a community that didn't yet know the club existed. "It felt like building the plane while flying it," Baruchowitz said. "We had someone out on the wing screwing in the rivets."
 
What drives Baruchowitz isn't just the sport, it's the community. From scholarships for underprivileged youth to families bonding over matches, the emotional impact has been profound. "For two and a half hours, let us entertain you," he said. "Let us give you something to cheer for."
 
Seeing strangers wear team merchandise and hearing parents praise the accessibility of the games have validated his mission. The club has become a unifying force in a competitive, affluent region.
 
The Brandeis network has played a pivotal role. Alumni have become investors, interns, and collaborators. Baruchowitz frequently speaks to students and supports university initiatives, including the Solly Adhoot '96 Scholarship, named after his late classmate and teammate. "I stay very plugged into the network," he said. "It's been amazing."
 
Baruchowitz's vision includes building a flagship indoor facility and deepening ties with MLS academies. He hopes to see local youth rise through the ranks and one day lead the team. With promotion and relegation coming to USL in 2028, the stakes and the excitement are only growing.
 
"This has changed me," Baruchowitz reflected. "It's gritty, emotional, and filled with joy. And it's just the beginning."