A Season To Remember
The son of a Waikiki beach boy grows up to be America’s pro soccer star of 2006
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Ching celebrates after scoring on a bicycle
kick, which was later named MLS Goal of the
Year
who lives in Waikiki. Younger brother Patrick recently moved to Waipio Gentry.
“My mom is my biggest role model,” says Ching. “Her work ethic and her drive to raise me and my brothers basically by herself, I think that had a huge impact on the way I turned out and the way I am. And I think I learned a lot from my brothers through being competitive with them growing up.”
As for the highlight of his professional soccer career so far, Ching says it’s going to the World Cup.
“Every soccer player sees it as basically the highest honor in their sport because you’re representing your country - you’re one of 23 guys who go and play at the highest level of competition in your sport,” he says. “I think for me, that was the highlight, just being on that team, even though I didn’t get to play at all.
“I remember being on the field when they were playing the national anthem and hearing all the U.S. fans sing along. For me, that just made everything feel that much more special. It was such an honor and exciting time.”
And among the thousands of fans at the World Cup were Ching’s math teacher from Kamehameha Schools, Meg Melahn, and his former high school coach, Chris Nied.
“Ms. Melahn really pushed for me to go to school, and my soccer coach helped me develop as a player and just develop a mental toughness as far as my attitude on the field,” says Ching. “I still talk to them, and that was special that they were there.”
With mom Stephanie Whalen and wife Charisse
While soccer may not be as popular as the NFL, NBA or the MLB, Ching says he can’t really complain about his job.
“I’d say I wish it was on the same level as far as salary wise as the other major sports, but in the end it’s not really about that for me,” says Ching, who reportedly earns about $173,000 a year. “A lot of my teammates, we do it because we enjoy playing the game and we enjoy traveling. The places I’ve seen and been allowed to go to because of soccer has made it an amazing experience. I’ve been to China, Japan, Germany, Scotland, Guatemala, Mexico, just all over.
“Also, as a soccer player you get a lot of time on your hands. We only practice two hours a day, and the rest of the day is pretty much in your hands.”
Dwayne De Rosario hugs Ching, who celebrates one
of his four goals during Houston’s 2006 home
opener against the Colorado Rapids in April
For Ching, a lot of that free time is spent reading. He lists Clive Cussler as one of his favorite authors, and he also enjoys reading autobiographies. He’s currently reading a book about mishaps at the Grand Canyon, which he picked up during his honeymoon, and a book on investing.
“Besides playing soccer professionally, if I could choose my career, I think I would love to open up a gym and help kids who want to get better in their sport,” says Ching, 28. “Those are things I’m looking at right now. I enjoy working with kids and I enjoy being in the outdoor environment. And I definitely think that would be the ideal job for me when I’m done playing soccer. And having a background in accounting would be huge in understanding the financial side of the business.”
Until then, Ching remains focused on his pro career while making Hawaii proud.
Pro-Xtreme Holiday Soccer Camp
Dec. 26 through 29 Waialae Iki Park Cost: $200 (includes camp registration and camp T-shirt)
Open to children 6 to 14 years old, and of all levels (from beginners to advanced). Participants will learn individual skills training, such as dribbling, passing and striking; see demonstrations by professional soccer players and collegiate soccer players; and take part in a Q & A and autograph session with the pros.
To register, log onto www.hawaiisoccercamps.com or call 561-4663.
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