At the University of Missouri‑Kansas City, a team of undergraduate innovators recently unveiled a 3D‑printed soccer kicking tee that promises to sharpen accuracy and extend distance during practice. The project emerged from an eight‑week NSF‑funded summer program that blends intensive technical training with real‑world problem solving, giving students a rare chance to apply classroom concepts to tangible challenges.
Designing the Tee
Before printing, the students conducted a thorough review of existing soccer tees, mapping their strengths and shortcomings. Leveraging UMKC’s maker facilities, they crafted a prototype that delivers a more consistent ball setup and strike angle. The design emphasizes a stable base while minimizing wobble, translating into tighter shot placement on the field.
Testing and Demonstration
The final model was put on display at a campus showcase, where the team demonstrated its performance side by side with conventional tees. Ryan Taylor-Byers, a key member of the project, highlighted how the new tee reduces variability in foot placement, allowing players to focus on technique rather than equipment inconsistency.
Broader Implications
Beyond the immediate benefit to soccer training, the initiative exemplifies the program’s dual mission: equipping students with advanced technical skills while immersing them in collaborative problem‑solving with local employer partners. The eight‑week structure — four weeks of skill acquisition followed by four weeks of applied challenge — mirrors the workforce realities these future engineers will encounter, positioning UMKC as a hub for experiential learning.