Kian Bensend '17 Recruiting Profile

I took on a new challenge my junior and senior year of high school and moved to Casa Grande, Arizona to take part in the Real Salt Lake Academy program. Moving away helped me prepare for the challenge of  balancing school, soccer, self care, and homesickness early on. 

My experience out at RSL prepared me for my first year of college as I red-shirted at California State University of Sacramento. Just like any new team I struggled to adjust to the new environment but found that I fit in and played well throughout the year while earning a 3.79 GPA my first year. I competed in the spring against Real Salt Lake's USL team Real Monarchs, Reno FC, and local fan favorites Sacramento Republic FC. 

I feel I have been successful at my many accomplishments because I continue to challenge myself to work harder than many of my peers in school and on the field. The practice of working hard is what has built, and is continuing to build my character and define my work ethic.

Although soccer is my passion, school comes first, and that means working extra hard off the field, in the classroom and maintaining good study habits in order to keep receiving outstanding grades.  I have set high standards for myself, being determined to not only go to college, but to become the first generation in my family to graduate from a 4 year university, while fulfilling the dream to play college soccer. 

I have experienced many setbacks in my journey to playing at a 4 year university, but I am determined to get back on the pitch where I belong.