Ian Chan '16 Recruiting Profile

If someone were to describe me as a player it would be that I focus and keep my cool. I give my best effort to the last second.  I am fast and I have skills as a player which have developed since I first became involved in soccer as a five year old.  When someone criticizes me I do not let it get me down.I take it and I build on all of the criticism and put it to my advantage. I do not consider my team just as a "team" but as a family. If there's one thing I learned it is that you do not give up on family.

 My parents immigrated to the United States before I was born.  Some would think that this is a disadvantage.  My parents, though, always made us put academics first.  If my grades began to slip I always knew that my parents would notice right away and would want to know the reasons, but not excuses.  If I did not feel like going to a practice my parents would also want to know the reason, but taught me that once I commit to something I have to see it to the end. I know that some parents go too far and make academics the only goal for their kids.  Others only focus on sports.  My parents think that both are important, that having a full life and the ability to excel on and off the field is most important.  These values have  been instilled in me and I am able to walk that balance and be responsible. 

There are some things you cannot see just looking at a player, but sometimes those things - like drive, are just as important as speed and technical skills.  I know that to be true.  I work every day to be a great player, as well as a great person, and I offer the same no matter where I play.