Interested in having your commitment featured on azyouthsoccer.org? Email us at garrettcleverly@azyouthsoccer.org
Channing Chasten, Forward, Arizona Arsenal
Class: 2019
Commitment: Ohio State
It’s not often that the opportunity arises for a player to play for their favorite team, but in the case of Channing Chasten the opportunity to return to Ohio and play for the Buckeyes was a dream come true.
“I committed to Ohio State because I was born and raised in the state of Ohio until the age of 10, when I moved to Arizona,” Chasten told AYSA. “It has always been a school I wanted to go to. My mom is an alumni and we have always cheered on Ohio State football. When I went to the first camp at Ohio State I fell in love with the campus, and the coaches. After my first camp the coaches began to watch me and always kept in touch with me and came to watch me play. It showed me that they really wanted me which I loved.”
The Buckeyes have been one of the strongest teams in the Big Ten Conference, qualifying for the NCAA tournament in 10 of the past 18 seasons. Chasten, who also plays at Hamilton High School, will be looking to contribute to the success the school has had while also focusing on his future career in sports.
“The final reason I committed to Ohio State is because they have set out a plan for me to accomplish my professional goal of becoming a sports analyst. They have a great journalism program and strong alumni base.”
The opportunity to play at a top tier program doesn’t come easy and Chasten has high praise for how his club has prepared him for the college level.
“Arsenal has prepared me in a tremendous way for the next level. The rigorous training and fitness sessions pushed me to be the best. They also have the best coaches including coach David Belfort and coach Jake Zimmerman. They always pushed me to perform at my best and fulfill my ultimate potential.”
Trevor Swartz, Midfielder, CCV Stars
Class: 2018
Commitment: Messiah College
Soccer fans in Arizona might not be too familiar with Messiah College, but those who follow the NCAA Division III know that it is one of the most dominant programs in the country. This success and the college’s mission is what appealed to Trevor Swartz.
“I committed to Messiah because of what they stand for. Not only are they a program that has a tradition of winning, but they are always in pursuit of growing men in character and in Christian beliefs.”
The Messiah College men’s soccer team has won the NCAA Men’s Division III Soccer Championship in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Heading into the 2017, Swartz will not join until next year, the team is ranked #11 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25.
“I'm looking forward to being a part of the legacy of Messiah soccer. I can't wait to be a part of the impact that Messiah has on the community on and off the field. I'm also really excited to play on Shoemaker Field.”
Swartz, who attends Greenway High School, credits the program at CCV for the success he has already achieved.
“CCV has prepared me for the next level by allowing me to play in the best leagues Arizona has to offer. Great coaches have always pushed me to never be stagnant and always strive to be a better player. CCV has allowed me to play soccer in a faith centered program that works towards "Striving. To. Achieve. Real. Significance." (S.T.A.R.S). CCV has taught me real significance is not only on but off the field as well. As the back of our jerseys say, ‘it's more than a game’”