New everything for Indy Eleven this season, but same old Brad Ring The former IU standout has played more than 100 times for Indy, and is the last remaining link to team's inaugural campaign.

Kevin Johnston | Special to IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS – After four seasons with Indy Eleven, original team member Brad Ring couldn't possibly have envisioned all the changes he was in for entering the 2018 season. New league, new stadium, new coaching staff, new teammates, new position — new everything.

And for a moment this past offseason, it looked like he might even be searching for a new club of his own. As Ring's contract situation lingered longer than expected, his future with the franchise suddenly wasn't so clear. A #BringBackBrad social media campaign gained traction among the team's supporters.

The people spoke; the club listened.

Ring was one of only three players retained from the 2017 roster by new Eleven coach Martin Rennie and his staff. That decision allowed Ring to join former Eleven attacker Don Smart as just the second player to make 100 appearances for the team. He's the only remaining relic from Indy's inaugural 2014 squad.

"That's a fantastic milestone for him, for his family," Rennie said. "He's been part of the club since the beginning. He's seen a lot. He's done a lot here. We're very glad to have him. He can play a number of positions and does well for us."

Ring, a natural central midfielder, found himself shifted to right fullback for a few games early in the season based on need; however, the 31-year-old former Indiana Hoosier has since returned to central midfield. As Indy's vice captain who wears the armband when regular captain Matt Watson isn't in the lineup, it's no sweat off his back.

"I've played there — for the most part — my whole life, so it was a pretty easy transition back to the middle," Ring explained. "I'll play anywhere that helps the team win."

Off the pitch, Ring has immersed himself in the community. He launched "Ring's Reading Program" in which he visits local elementary schools to read to students and harp on the program's core principles.

"It's something that I started a year and a half or so ago," Ring said. "I make a couple visits and just kind of teach the importance of the three focal points that the reading program touches on, which are reading, exercise and nutrition."

Currently in fifth place in the United Soccer League Eastern Conference, Indy will host two more home matches this week. Ottawa Fury FC comes to town Wednesday, then the Charlotte Independence visit Saturday.

After bearing witness to the club's highest of highs and lowest of lows — and setting a record for all-time appearances with more than 100 and counting — Brad Ring has seen pretty much everything during his Indy Eleven tenure. And the city and team mean everything to him.

"I think it just shows commitment to a club," Ring said of his record for games played. "It shows longevity, things of that nature. I don't think it's anything too crazy, but it's something that I'm proud of, to be able to be here for my fifth season now.

"I've got a lot of love for this organization, this city and the fan base, so it's a cool milestone."

More: Playing for Pride, Indy Eleven rally late to draw Penn FC