When he was about 5 years old, Channing Chasten began playing soccer.
While he recalls trying a couple of other sports, Chasten says soccer quickly became his favorite.
“Soccer was the one that stuck with me. It’s the one I fell in love with,” he says, adding that for years, he dreamed of first playing soccer in college at Ohio State, and then on a professional level.
Chasten even wrote these two goals on a piece of paper when he was younger—a memento he still has to this day.
Chasten, who is from Queen Creek and played soccer at Hamilton High School, has now achieved both of his childhood goals. After playing for Ohio State, he was signed in January by Phoenix Rising FC for a multi-year contract.
The 21-year-old forward made 40 appearances for Ohio State in three seasons, scoring one goal and five assists in 1,859 minutes.
“It was beyond exciting when I found out I was going to be signing with Phoenix Rising. To make a childhood dream come true is something to never take for granted,” Chasten says, adding that he is especially appreciative to play locally. “To start off my professional career in a place I’ve spent half my life is amazing. To have my family close by to see me play is amazing. I can’t wait to make them and my community proud.”
Last summer, Chasten trained with and impressed Rising Head Coach Rick Schantz before returning for his junior season at Ohio State.
“Channing is a very good player with a bright future,” Schantz says. “He is very athletic and can play right wing or right back. He gives us versatility and has a great ability to learn quickly from our experienced players. He should push for a starting position. I’m also very excited to add another player from Arizona. Building our youth program and developing players in Arizona is vital for our future. It is important for young players to see the opportunity of playing for Phoenix Rising in their hometown is achievable.”
Chasten says he plans to complete his degree at Ohio State online while beginning his pro career with Rising. The two-time Academic All-Big Ten forward will provide depth in attacking roles for the top-scoring club in North America.
“I am looking forward to learning from these experienced players here at Rising, and getting better every day. I love seeing myself progressing as a player,” he says, adding that his goal is to make his debut this season. “That is something I am really looking forward to. I like to live in the present and take it one day at a time.”
Chasten, who had been to a few Phoenix Rising FC matches, says he was impressed by the great atmosphere and the energy the fans brought to the match.
Now, he is excited to begin his professional career with Phoenix Rising, and continue to play the game he has loved since he was a young boy.
“What I love about soccer is that I can express myself through the way I play. I consider myself a creative player who likes to make things happen. Soccer is the perfect sport for that because there are no set plays or rules to follow in each situation. The fluidity of the game is what makes it so appealing and beautiful to me.”
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona history. Tickets are available at 623.594.9606 or PHXRisingFC.com.
