Sachiel Ming ’24. Photo: Syracuse University Athletics.
Re-introduce yourself to Sachiel Ming who was a part of the 2024 graduating class after spending three years here at Northwood. Sachiel played on the soccer team for all three years before being recruited to play Division 1 soccer and study at Syracuse University last fall. He just completed his first fall season in college and was featured in numerous games. Since making the transition, he has much to reflect on from his first 8 months post-Northwood.
“It’s been really cool, a lot different to Northwood, especially being at one of the larger schools in the country,” said Sachiel. The transition from high school to college can be different for everyone but Sachiel has fully embraced it.
“I would say it’s been a challenge, but the resources around you make it hard not to succeed. That being said, I’ve adapted well, and the challenges that come with being a student-athlete become less challenging with the help we are able to receive. There’s been most definitely a much larger workload,” added Sachiel. As college is less structured than high school, it is up to the student-athlete to balance their time and work more efficiently.
“Personally, I felt I could’ve done much better (on the field), but looking back, I achieved things that many freshmen may not achieve in their first collegiate season, especially when playing in the best conference in the country,” said Sachiel. Playing in the best conference in the country for soccer takes some adapting, especially coming straight out of high school.
“The thing I miss most is the friendships I made; I speak to my boys from Northwood every day and miss them dearly. I can’t wait to link back up with them and hang out like the old days,” added Sachiel. Being in such a small environment like Northwood, it is inevitable that you will make tight friendships that last a lifetime.
“I would say to just listen and use the resources given to you. Student-athletes get so much help as long as you reach out for it and get it yourself. Because at the end of the day, nothing is done for you in college as no one is checking on you, and you don’t have time to study,” Sachiel added lastly. He seems to have enjoyed his freshmen year so far and wants to make each year better than the last for as long as he is in college.
