Snow Liu's Web

Inside Episode 2 of Game Plan

In this week’s episode of Game Plan, I caught up with my high school classmate Kyle, now a junior at UNC Chapel Hill studying data science and statistics. What made this conversation stand out was Kyle’s unique perspective—not just as a former student-athlete, but as someone who played soccer at the highest level of student competition in China.

Kyle’s soccer story started back in second grade, when he joined a casual after-school program. What began as a fun activity quickly turned into something more serious: by the time he was in high school, Kyle was representing Beijing in the Jung Zihan tournament, one of the top-level student competitions in the country. While he never set out to go pro, Kyle reached a level many players only dream of—training daily, balancing academics and athletics, and competing on a national stage.

One of the most insightful parts of our conversation was Kyle’s explanation of the Chinese soccer system. He broke it down into levels: professional, semi-professional, student-athlete (like himself), and casual play. At his previous school—Bai Hao University, known as the top soccer university in China—Kyle was part of an elite training program that mirrored many aspects of a pro environment: six practices a week, including strength training and scrimmages.

But Kyle was always clear-eyed. He told me he never truly saw himself as a professional prospect. While he scored a rare goal in the prestigious CHE tournament, he always viewed soccer as a pathway to education, not a long-term career. His parents supported that mindset, encouraging him to leverage his athletic experience to gain admission to strong academic programs rather than aiming for a professional contract.

When we shifted to talk about early development, Kyle made an important point: kids serious about soccer should start as early as age four or five. He emphasized the value of building technical foundations young and finding the right coaching support. He also had great advice for parents—don’t just sign your kid up; educate yourself about the sport and commit with them.

Now at UNC, Kyle’s relationship with soccer has shifted. No longer chasing tournament titles, he plays casually with the Chinese soccer club on campus. In his words, “it’s more fun now.” Without the pressure of performance or rankings, he’s rediscovered the joy of the game.

As someone with experience in both China and the U.S., Kyle also highlighted key differences in support systems. He pointed out that American universities generally offer more flexibility and resources for student-athletes—something that Chinese schools often lack. In China, students in the U system often face limited academic choices, whereas U.S. universities allow athletes to explore diverse interests and futures.

Looking ahead, Kyle is focused on his career in data science and possibly graduate school. Soccer may not be on his résumé, but it’s clearly a major part of his identity. He credits the sport with helping him develop discipline, confidence, and resilience—qualities that have carried over into his academic life.

We wrapped the episode with a reflective moment: would he push his own child toward a professional sports path? Kyle’s answer was thoughtful. He’d want his child to experience the joy of sports, but not necessarily the pressures of turning it into a career. After all, the most meaningful parts of his soccer journey weren’t about trophies or titles—they were about growth, teamwork, and finding balance.

🎧 Listen to Kyle’s full episode: https://youtu.be/pmy9uCXMaC4
📸 Edited & hosted by Snow | Game Plan cover art by me
📬 Got someone with a sports story worth sharing? Reach out—let’s keep the Game Plan going.