Feature: Uri-Malcolm Zodak Young, prevailing through soccer and faith

Uri-Malcolm Zodak Young, senior business marketing major, has battled off all sorts of challenges in both the sports world and through a pandemic.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Young transferred to USCA in the fall of 2019 from Lakeland Community College where he also played soccer — right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic presented its own set of challenges, as the fall season, which Young was set to play in with the university’s soccer team, was canceled.

The team trained through the forced off season. When the spring semester came, COVID got worse. “Every weekend, someone tested positive,” including himself, Young described.

Soccer has been an integral feature of Young’s life. Since elementary school, he has played soccer in some capacity. He started small in a recreational team in his home country, and his passion for soccer continued to build with age.

He says he really fell in love with the sport when, while recovering from a broken collarbone, he watched Christiano Ronaldo play at the Eurocup finals; and that’s when he knew that that’s what he wanted to do.

Young considers his parents as his biggest motivators actively and academically. He also lists two of his coaches, Coach Paul and Coach Mark, as huge motivators, shaping him into the player he is today. He finds relationships with other sports and players as well, like football star Odell Beckham Jr, as Young has also experienced injuries to his patella and tibia.

It was hard to deal with not being able to play, both physically and mentally, but seeing a famous player like OBJ, going through similar circumstances helped keep him going. He also had strong support from fellow teammates that helped strengthen him mentally to go on. Young emphasizes his Christian faith as a strong motivator and always tries to exhibit the mentality of treating others the way you would want to be treated.

When asked about balancing school, sports and a personal life, Young remarks that he strongly believes in the importance of a social life. Having a strong group of friends allows him to continue to enjoy his sport and never feel as though it’s a chore, which keeps it from being overwhelming.

Outside of soccer, he enjoys golfing, bowling and going out with his friends. “Typical guy things,” as he puts it.

As far as plans after graduation, Uri says it is mainly in God’s hands. He will follow wherever God leads him, but he would like to continue to pursue soccer professionally.  He also plans to finish his bachelor’s degree in business marketing.