Adam Ah Ching '12 Recruiting Profile

Talofa,(hello)-Samoan My name is Adam(Atamu) Tagaloa Ah Ching. I have 3 sisters and myself. My parents are Dr. Otto M. Ah Ching and Amber Merritt Ah Ching. I'm Samoan, Chinese, German, Irish. My family moved from Leone, American Samoa in 1988 to Greer, SC my mother's hometown. I was born in Greenville, SC in Sept. 1993. My father always taught me about my Samoan heritage, culture and Fa'a Samoa.(Samoan way). My parents and sisters have been my inspiration during my growth years. In 2000, my father was injured in a car crash which left him a quadriplegic. I learned at an early age that life wasn't easy and how we live it determines our character. My parents never gave up on my dad's dream to walk again. He was always full of faith and strong will to overcome what the doctors told him were slim to none. Today, he beat the odds and is able to walk with crutches and walker, simply because he would not be defeated. He worked hard during his recovery and rehab and never gave up. This gift taught me how to handle many of my own problems and to work hard on your dreams to achieve them. While all my friends had their dads pass a football and show them how to tackle or play baseball, and basketball. I learned how to play sports by observing their movements with my dad coaching me by talking and breaking down plays. I can perform many Samoan dances such as the Siva Afi(fire dance), slap dance and knife dance and Haka!.I play for my God, family & friends, and for Fa'a Samoa. I believe I have a gift for my athletic ability and play with much emotion and can make an impact in any program that will allow me to grow and develop academically, athletically, and respectfully. My awards and honours mean nothing without hard work. Hard work beats unused talent any time. Please, consider me if you want a student/athlete who is grounded in these beliefs. Tofa soi fua(goodbye)-Samoan