Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.
Soccer has always been a calling, even though it wasn't a familial tradition or a childhood pastime. Middle school offered me the chance to join a team, and from there, I never looked back. Making the A team and clinching the undefeated championship was an exhilarating start to organized soccer, igniting a passion that propelled me through high school varsity level play, and even into college club teams. As my engineering studies took precedence, I found solace and joy in leisure leagues like intramurals, where the love for the game kept me connected with like-minded individuals.
Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?
The unwavering support and camaraderie of my friends have been instrumental in nurturing my passion for soccer. Together, we honed our skills, trained tirelessly, and celebrated each other's successes, fostering an environment of growth and inspiration.
Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game?
While I don't adhere to superstitions, the routine of preparing for a game – from donning cleats to warming up with technical drills – serves as my practical ritual. Yet, beyond the physical, I find solace in clearing my mind, focusing solely on the present moment, and embracing the freedom that soccer affords me.
What do you like about the league?
The BAASL embodies everything I cherish about soccer – a community of kindred spirits bound by a shared love for the sport. Over the past 8 years, I've forged countless friendships and shared memorable moments with remarkable people who, like me, are here simply to have fun and revel in the beautiful game.
What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?
Outside of soccer, my head is in the clouds (quite literally) with a passion for cross-country paragliding which takes me on exhilarating journeys from thermal to thermal, spanning distances of hundreds of kilometers. One of my most memorable feats was covering a staggering 235 kilometers, flying from the heights of Mt. Diablo all the way to Fresno, completing the awe-inspiring journey in just five hours. Paragliding has also taken me across the globe, competing alongside 150 other pilots, racing over 100 kilometers each day for seven consecutive days, in profound locations around the world. It's a breathtaking exploration of our planet, offering unparalleled adventures both in the skies and on the ground. And when I'm not chasing the clouds in my paraglider, you'll often find me chasing the winds racing kitefoils on the bay.
Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?
While I may not closely follow soccer, I admire players like Messi for their extraordinary skill and seemingly genuine kindness, traits that transcend the game and make them true icons.
What is your fondest memory of soccer?
Reflecting on my journey, memories of pure joy flood my mind – from spirited matches with grad school peers to magical nights under field lights during my high school career. Each experience, whether scoring a goal or simply reveling in the camaraderie, has left an indelible mark on my love for soccer.
What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?
As soccer continues to surge in popularity across the U.S., I envision a future marked by inclusivity and enjoyment. While technical prowess may vary, the shared love for the game will drive its growth, fostering a community where players of all levels can come together to improve and, most importantly, have fun.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself with the BAASL community?
Beyond the soccer field, I channel my passion for innovation as a robotics engineer and serial entrepreneur. While not all ventures have flourished, each endeavor has enriched my journey, leading to exciting projects like a camera kite mount for kiteboarding and cutting-edge contributions to augmented reality and custom drone technology.
