*This is part of a short story athlete feature series written for Instagram*
Aiden Grew doesn't get tired, in fact, we're not even sure if he's human.
That's probably because the left-footed men's soccer rookie is also a talented runner who turned down a collegiate track and field scholarship offer to pursue his university soccer dreams.
For Grew, who ran the 4x400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m at Lambrick Park Secondary, track was just something he did on the side for fun, something that soccer and basketball prepared him for, something that came naturally, and something he enjoyed but didn't necessarily love.
When he didn't make the
@uvicmsoc team in his first year, he could've wavered and turned to track and field, but he had his heart set on playing varsity soccer and wasn't about to let up. Instead, he put his head down and got to work, confident his time would come.
Grew spent the year playing Division 1 soccer for Vancouver Island Soccer Leagues' Westcastle United, improving his skills and getting stronger with every game.
Just one year later and Grew is now the starting left wing back on the Vikes men's soccer team, currently ranked tenth in the nation.
So, how does an athlete go from getting cut in year one to landing a starting position the following year?
According to men's soccer head coach
Larry Stefanek, "he worked his butt off. He played VISL Division 1 and got stronger, faster, fitter, and better. He was our fittest guy in training camp, and as a left-footed, left-sided player, he's the perfect fit for that wing back position that requires endless running."
Off to a stellar start, the rookie has already tallied three goals and one assist for the Vikes this season. It turns out when you do what you're passionate about, and put in the time, the results will follow.
To get cut and show up the following year ready to throw down is not for the faint of heart but Grew did just that. He's the perfect example of grit, determination, and what it means to be a Vike.
The men's soccer team suit up this Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1:30PM vs the UBC Thunderbirds at Centennial Stadium.
