Personal Statement

My name is Ian Yurek and I am a 2022 Graduate of Plum High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am competitive, communicative, play-making and forward thinking. These are just a few words that coaches have used to describe me. 

I’m a three-team soccer player - high school varsity, Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy, and ODP East. In addition to team training 2-3x / week,  I also work with a private soccer coach, strength / conditioning coach and a nutritionist. I'm currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 

I am committed to IMG Academy‘s one-year Post-(HS) Graduate program for the fall of 2022. I will train and compete intensively for IMG Academy’s U19 program while taking collegiate classes through the University of South Florida. After that year, I will be pursuing soccer opportunities. 

From my coach Greg Pittman: 

Ian is primarily an attacking player that thrives as a winger.  He has a great work rate and one of his strengths is his ability and willingness to press the defense.  His skill set allows him to perform with success on the flank where he can get 1 v. 1 with defenders.  This is where I have found him to be the most dangerous.

Ian also has a great personality.  He is very likeable and easy to coach.  He has a great work ethic and is always willing to do whatever is asked of him.  He has always supported his coaches and his teammates and is always ready to help out at the beginning and end of practice.

 I always encourage all of my players to continue playing soccer throughout their lifetime but do not always recommend all of them to play at the next level as they simply would struggle.  I believe that Ian truly wants to do what it takes to play in college and if he continues to work the way he has for the past two years he will certainly challenge for a spot on the roster.