Pitman had an amazing summer
Ethan Pitman, new to the Alberta Sport Development Centre — Southeast's Athlete Enhancement Program this year, had a summer to remember.
He participated in the Whitecaps FC soccer camp when it came to Medicine Hat. During this camp, he took part in a skills competition. Out of 5,000 participants across Canada, his results put him among the top 100 based on his point score as well as his attitude. He was invited to take part in the first ever Whitecaps FC Skills Challenge finale in Vancouver.
In addition to the skills competition invitation, Pitman got a tour of the team's players facility and was given tickets to a Whitecaps home game. As a special bonus, all finalists had the opportunity to be on the pitch during the opening ceremony of the MLS match as flag bearers.
Out of all 5,000 participants, Ethan won the entire competition! He received a soccer ball autographed by Whitecaps FC players. He said the experience was amazing and helped him to realize what it takes to play at a professional level, which is his dream.
Ethan, who moved to Medicine Hat from Grande Prairie two summers ago, is settling in quite nicely. He has made many great friends so far. He plays soccer for the under-17 Rattlers Athletic Soccer Club team, as well as volleyball for Medicine Hat High School. His application to our Athlete Enhancement Program was highly recommended by his club soccer coach, Travis Hyde. In Travis’s recommendation letter he highlighted that Ethan was extremely coachable, very intelligent and eager to learn. Ethan was a team player and a leader on and off the field. Without hesitation, Ethan was accepted into our program. We want athletes that are committed to reaching the next level, and have the athleticism, leadership, teamwork and drive to improve their sport performance.
Ethan looks up to professional footballer Kevin De Bruyne, who plays for Manchester City. He plays midfield and is ranked among the best players in Europe. Ethan, as a fellow midfielder, likes to watch De Bruyne as he admires his composure and his fantastic play making skills.
Ethan is excelling in the ASDC program and enjoys our 6:30 a.m. workouts. He had nothing but positive things to say about our strength and conditioning coach, Alex Graham. Upon graduation, Ethan wants to play for a U.S. post-secondary institution with the goal of being recruited by a professional team.
It is a pleasure having Ethan in our Athlete Enhancement Program. He has the drive and determination to reach the next level. He has been playing soccer since he was four years old and has built the passion, talent, work ethic, attitude and commitment to reach his goals. His work ethic and talent will take him anywhere he wants to go.
Kristina Segall is the coordinator of the Alberta Sport Development Centre — Southeast and she would love to hear from you and chat with you about the ASDC-SE programs and services. She can be reached via email at ksegall@mhc.ab.ca and via phone at 403-504-3547.