Channing’s Story
When the Why Is Big Enough, the How Doesn’t Matter.
A Kid With a Dream
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![Young boy in soccer uniform standing on a field, with blue soccer bags in the background.]()
Big Goals Start Small.
When I was just 3 years old, I knew I would someday play for The Ohio State University. But I had no idea how to get there.
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![Group of young male and female soccer players celebrating together on the field at night, smiling and laughing after a game.]()
Not Everyone Believed I Could Do It.
Even the other kids in my class and my teacher doubted that I would stick with my goal, But I worked hard every day,
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![Five young male soccer players in white Ohio State uniforms standing on a grassy field, with one holding a soccer ball, posing for a group photo.]()
Even When I got to Ohio State, New Challenges Arose.
When I didn’t get the starting position I expected, I had a decision to make. Stick to my dream, or enter the transfer portal.
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![A soccer player wearing an Ohio State jersey with the number 8 is running on a field and kicking a soccer ball.]()
I Stayed and Dedicated Myself to Getting Better.
I decided that if I could get 1% better at something every day, I could earn a bigger role.
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![Soccer players competing for the ball during a match, with one player in a white and red uniform trying to maintain possession while three players in navy blue uniforms attempt to challenge him.]()
My Hard Work Paid Off. On the Field and in the Classroom.
With my new goal, my grades got better and I started every game my junior season. By the time I graduated, I was getting attention from MLS and USL recruiters.
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![A soccer player in a red uniform is running on the field with a soccer ball at his feet, with spectators and team benches visible in the background.]()
I Joined the Phoenix Rising and Started the 1% Kid Foundation.
Today, I share the lessons I learned with people that dream big. With practice, perseverance, and patience, anything is possible.
Our Approach
Literacy. Mindset. Sports
Reaching your dreams will always require you to grow in body and mind. Literacy is at the center of our curriculum, with book readings included in every schoolroom presentation.