Senior Ethan Chang has been playing soccer for 13 years, starting when he was just five years old, enthralled by an inspiring Lionel Messi.
“I saw how good Messi was and especially for how small he was and getting past people so elegantly, it was inspiring and made me fall in love with the game,” Chang said. “Oftentimes I’d spend hours of YouTube watching clips of the best players cooking defenders and I wanted to do the same.”
From small-sided U9 games to crowded nights at the Spartan Stadium, Chang has become a vital part of the boys soccer team as a consistent starter and effective leader. This year, Chang is a team captain alongside junior Lincoln Krizmarzick.
During the spring season, Chang practices almost six times a week, with occasional breaks on the weekends. Throughout his 13 years of playing, his training has helped develop his character beyond the soccer field.
“It’s definitely helped develop discipline, work ethic, working with others, problem solving, and what to do when things get in my way,” Chang said. “Through many years of playing, I also learned how important it is to persevere in life in order to grow.”
The culmination of his hard work and dedication to the sport has translated into tangible results, with the team holding a 10-1-2 record for the regular season. Chang himself has scored four goals, including the game-winning goal against MAC rival Muscatine.
Additionally, he has provided 10 assists while leading the team through his unwavering Spartan spirit.
“It’s great to see a senior who leads with passion and actually cares about his team,” said junior teammate Charlie Gannaway. “I see it off the field too, in the way he talks up his teammates, trying to get the best out of them.”
Next year, Chang plans to attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering to major in mechanical engineering. With years of experience as a dedicated athlete and leader, Chang is poised to pave his own way, using lessons from athletics to guide him towards success in the classroom and beyond.
