Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Vang.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started playing soccer at the age of five by being inspired by the movie Shaolin Soccer. I first started out playing Park and Rec until my dad, Tay Vang started a club in St. Paul called St. Paul United (SPU) to help kids play and compete with other clubs in Minnesota. My dad has been my coach for my whole life and still trains me to this day. I grew up playing for that club, then moved to another team called Minnesota Thunder Academy (MTA). I would play in the league with MTA and would sometimes play in tournaments with SPU. When I was 13, I hit the age where I was old enough to play in the league called US Development Academy (USDA), which is now MLS Next. I played with MTA for three years and in 2014, I was fortunate enough to get a call-up to the US National Team Camp. I received another call-up the following year. In my junior year of high school, I moved to a private school called Shattuck St. Mary’s, which also competed in the USDA. I played there until the end of my high school career and committed to playing division one at the University of the Pacific.
I arrived at Pacific for preseason, but cut my collegiate career short when I got a call from my dad asking if I wanted to take the chance to go play in Portugal. I decided to do it and left college. I spent a year and a half in Portugal. I started out playing with their u19s and in my second year, I got called up to the first team. In November 2019, I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere and needed to change my environment and find something else. My dream was to turn pro and I was desperate to make it happen. I decided to come home and try out for a team called Saint Louis FC. I thought I did very well and they told us that they’ll call us if they’re interested. A week goes by and I don’t hear anything. Two-three weeks have passed and still no word. I had to work at Target because I needed money. I only worked at Target for two days because I knew it wasn’t for me and I was still trying to pursue my passion. My brother Brian, who played pro at Michigan Stars, at the time, was going to a tryout for Forward Madison. I asked if he could get me in as well. So, he asked his college coach to speak with the coaches at Madison and they let me come. I told myself, “This is the last try.” I was already planning on going to UCLA in the spring to play there, but something just told me to give it one more go. I went to the combine and thankfully enough, they signed me. On January 15, 2020, I signed my first professional contract. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. After everything I went through the last couple of years, facing rejection after rejection, I finally did it.
I spent two seasons at Madison and even had the opportunity to do preseason with the MLS side, Chicago Fire. I just finished my season with Columbus Crew 2 in the MLS NEXT PRO, in which we won the championship.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a really bumpy road. When I was in Portugal, I had to deal with the language barrier, different culture, and being Asian in a country where you don’t see many. I felt like giving up while in Portugal and told myself maybe I have to face the reality that I can’t reach my dream of turning pro. The thing was that I wanted it so bad that I couldn’t give up on it. I would do anything it took to make sure I finished what I started. In my second year of Madison, I dealt with a lot of adversity. I was supposed to be the main man for the team but got pushed aside like nothing, which dropped my confidence a lot. Even this past season with Columbus, I fell into a dark place and doubted myself a lot. I thought about stopping and what life would be like if I hadn’t played soccer. There were a lot of times when I didn’t want to go to training and a lot of times when I cried because it really got to me. A lot of sleepless nights. A lot of people think that we live the perfect life and everything is great, but this lifestyle comes with a lot of stress physically and mentally. I tell people that it’s not exactly what they think when you think of a pro soccer player. I get lonely because I don’t have my family and friends around every day. I’m constantly tired physically and mentally from training and games.
The journey is never going to be a straight line to the top. There are going to be ups and downs. You just have to believe in yourself and remember you’re there for a reason. I kept telling myself that these bad days won’t last forever. If I keep my head down and continue to trust myself, then things will turn in my favor one day. Having a family to talk to helps me get through hard times as well. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind to others. I also journaled my thoughts, so I didn’t keep everything bottled up. I’m glad I went through what I did because it made me who I am and helped me grow as a person on and off the field.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional soccer player. The first Hmong professional soccer player. I’m most proud of being an inspiration to younger athletes and someone they can look up to as an example. I’m proud of scoring my first professional goal with Madison on my professional debut. Finally, winning a championship with Columbus Crew 2. I would say what sets me apart from others is my technical ability and creativity.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My mentor has been my dad. He’s been there for me since day one and has taught me everything I know. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for him or my mom. I would say to find someone you trust and who only wants the best for you. Find someone who is honest and doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvang.8/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelvang.8
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_michaelvang_
