EJ Kochik has grown up watching his older brother play soccer. When EJ was 5, he decided to join the soccer journey too. He was motivated to become a good soccer player, so he spent most of his free time playing soccer.
EJ tried out for and made United soccer’s top team, but he didn’t feel comfortable joining the new team, so he stayed with his old team. It was hard for him to watch the top team excel while his team struggled. He felt like he made a mistake and that he would have done better on the top soccer team. However, EJ realized that humans make mistakes and there will be high points and low points. Through hard work he has improved and is now proud of himself and the place that he is at. EJ said, “I figured out that I will never get better at soccer if I just sit around and be sorry for myself.” Recently, EJ’s team has just got a new coach, and they have adapted well and now have won 8 games in a row. EJ is proud of how his team has developed and changed for the better.
EJ has now been with his teammates for 2 years and has loved playing and forming friendships. “The most challenging part about soccer is connecting with my teammates,” he says. “Helping the team is what I like best. One thing that I like about my teammates is that they are never afraid to try their best.”
EJ has had many achievements while playing on United, including going to Utah and winning a tournament. He was nervous before the big game. “My coach likes to tell me that it’s ok to be nervous,” he says, “when you get out on the field and take a couple of touches, you will feel calm. I learned a lot from that game that I will never forget.”
When EJ grows up, he is determined to play soccer for Ballard High School. One way EJ plans to get better is by watching soccer pros on tv and learning from them. He is also inspired by other professional sports figures. Urban Meyer, a talented football coach, said, “Talent is a gift. Greatness is a choice.”
EJ has had some hard times in soccer but has never stopped trying to get better at what he loves. EJ said, “Even if you are having a hard time just do what you’re passionate about and push away the bad thoughts.”
