When Cade Faulkner left St. Viator in 2023 and started his college career at the University of Utah, he knew he had what it took to compete at the next level. “I never doubted I could compete collegiately,” said Faulkner.
Nobody could blame Cade for having that confidence when he stepped on the campus at the University of Utah. Cade was coming off of a senior year at St. Viator where he tallied 98 goals and 36 assists on a team that went to the state finals. “High school allowed me to be the primary ball handler on a good offense and be able to play free and not worry about making mistakes while I figured out what parts of my game worked and what didn’t,” said Faulkner. “That experience is definitely translating to the confidence I have now.”
Despite his successful high school career and confidence, those experiences did not immediately translate on the field for Cade. Posting three total points in 13 games his freshman year, he attributes it mostly to adjusting to the pace of the college game, especially at the Division 1 level. He also talked about small details that he began to notice on film after arriving at college that he says many people would not think of when they are watching film in high school.
While Faulkner knew he had what it took to compete at the next level, he also recognized that a big summer would be necessary in order for him to realize his potential. “I would say my hard work over the summer, getting up shots every day and watching a lot of film helped me feel confident coming into the fall this year.”
That hard work over the summer has seemed to pay off. He returned to Utah this fall even more confident and felt the difference right away. “I scored a goal against Denver in fall ball where it really hit me that I could make that sophomore-year jump that I had heard a lot of people talking about.”
Cade’s confidence and hard work have paid off early in the 2025 season, as he has posted six points, including five goals in just two games, already doubling his output from a year ago. Cade kicked off the season with Utah’s first goal of the season in a win against Ohio State.
So what advice would Cade have for young players in Illinois who were in his shoes and looking to take the next steps?
“Outwork everyone; these East Coast guys are born with a stick in their hands, and you realize when you get to college how much work they have put in since they were little kids. You always need to put more time into your stick and watch a lot of film.” Cade said, “You also need to be super detailed when you watch film. Pick a player whose game you want to try and base yours off of, and appreciate the little details of how that player plays, looking for the things they do that you wouldn’t notice if you were just watching the game.”
The Utes are off to a 1-1 start, and next up on the schedule, they have a top-ten ranked Denver on the road. Faulkner feels that his young Utah team is ready to keep taking a step forward and isn’t going to back down from anyone. “We’re super young, but we feel like when we are playing our best and sticking to our systems, on the right day, there isn’t a team in the country that can beat us.”
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