KC Reporter

Imagine starting your senior year of high school while signing your first professional contract with Sporting Kansas City. This is the reality for 17-year-old Ian James, who balances being a professional athlete and a full-time student.

Ian's life involves both gameday preparation and completing school assignments. He manages to juggle these responsibilities with determination.

“I feel like with every minute I spent on the field, I got more comfortable, and I got more experience,” Ian shared. “And as the season's gone on, training I felt like really prepared me for the game. So, when I got the opportunity to step on the field, I was ready, and I was able to execute and do my job.”

Signing a contract with Sporting Kansas City has been a dream come true for Ian. "I mean, it was always a dream come true to sign the contract and be on the team. And it continues to be just an absolute dream come true every single day to be playing on the team," he said.

Ian also noted that being part of the first team requires more time than just attending practice sessions. “I think the thing that surprised me most was how much time you spend at the facility," he explained.

He described his daily routine: “There's eating well, sleeping well, there's hydration... But it's definitely a lot different now.”

Balancing schoolwork is another challenge Ian faces. “Yeah. It's definitely a juggling act... carving out time for what's most important," he said.

With his senior year approaching, Ian remains committed to finishing high school. “Yeah, I start school in one week... It feels good to be a little bit closer to being done."

Despite his busy schedule, Ian finds time for activities that remind him he's still a teenager. "I don't spend a lot of time with my friends... but when I have free time... hanging out with them is really grounding," he said.

Video games are another way Ian relaxes during travel. NHL battles with his roommate Jacob Bartlett are common occurrences.

Ian's competitive nature extends beyond sports into everyday activities. "If you ask my brother... I'm a very competitive person in whatever it is," he stated.

Whether playing soccer or studying from hotel rooms, Ian James exemplifies how one can pursue dreams while maintaining balance in life.