As Feng grew up, he continued to play the sport not only because it was a fun hobby, but also because he knows soccer to be a lot more than just a physical sport.
Ethan Feng commits to California Institute of Technology for soccer
Senior Ethan Feng committed to California Institute of Technology to continue his soccer and academic careers. When Feng was four years old, his dad took him to try out for a soccer club in Oregon because he needed an after-school activity. As he grew up, he continued to play the sport not only because it was a fun hobby, but also because he knows soccer to be a lot more than just a physical sport.
“It’s not like football where you have to rely on height, strength or speed,” Feng said. “You can have a combination of these, along with control, so that your physical body doesn’t limit you. Even if I’m slower, weaker or shorter than someone else, I can still be considered a good soccer player.”
Feng currently plays at Santa Clara Sporting in the Elites Clubs National league. He enjoys playing with his team that provides contrast to his life at Lynbrook. He enjoys practicing with supportive and fun teammates.
“They’re very different from the academic environment because they’re very rowdy and care so much about soccer,” Feng said.
One of Feng’s biggest challenges throughout his soccer journey was enduring multiple injuries, including a pulled knee tendon, a twice rolled ankle and a groin injury. He was not able to play at all his junior year due to these injuries. However, he still kept a positive outlook on playing in the future.
“I’ve already played for 15 years, so there’s no point in giving up right before the finish line,” Feng said.
Throughout his recruitment process, he attended a few showcases with his club team. It wasn’t until he was at a soccer camp in Southern California that he decided to reach out to a coach. The coach had watched him play, marking the moment when he got his call back.
With plans to continue his journey in soccer in the future, Feng reflects back to why he thinks he succeeded.
“I wouldn’t have been able to commit to Caltech if I didn’t really care,” Feng said. “I’ve always stuck with it, no matter what my circumstances were.”