To win the Bergen Invitational tournament, Bryan needs to make the shot of his high school soccer career; he sets up the ball 12 yards away from the ball. He takes a deep breath and exhales, the cold November air steaming as he marches to take the final shot of his soccer career, which started in kindergarten. He hits the top corner and celebrates with his teammates one last time. Bryan Hwang’s journey on the soccer field is not just about goals and victories; it’s a testament to resilience, leadership, and the indomitable spirit that defines champions. The varsity soccer captain at Cresskill High School, Bryan’s story is one of overcoming setbacks, fostering team cohesion, and achieving triumph against the odds.
A season-ending collarbone injury is a devastating blow for any athlete. For Bryan, it was an unexpected turn that plunged him into uncertainty before his junior season had started. Playing as a starter his sophomore year on varsity, “When I initially broke my collarbone, I didn’t know it would be season-ending. I never felt lower in my life,” Bryan reflects. The bench became a physical and metaphorical space for him—a place to observe, learn, and rebuild. During this period of enforced inactivity, Bryan found a new way to engage with the game. “All I was able to do was sit on the bench and improve my game using my eyes,” he shares. This forced detachment allowed him to analyze plays, understand the nuances of the game from a different perspective, and develop a mental fortitude that would prove invaluable in the days to come. Once cleared for activity, Bryan didn’t just return to the field; he came back stronger. “After I was cleared for activity, I worked harder than I did before, knowing that being able to be active is a privilege,” he notes. Bryan’s journey toward his comeback highlights his iron will but also his realization of his love for the game.
As the varsity soccer captain, Bryan shoulders not just the responsibility of leading by example on the field but also the crucial task of fostering team spirit and cohesion. The early challenges of the season, starting with a 0-4 record, tested Bryan’s leadership skills. “Well, we started off the season 0-4, but as the captain, I had to stay hopeful and constantly believe in our team as I know we are capable of much more than what our record shows,” Bryan explains. In the face of adversity, he maintained a positive outlook, a quality that resonated with the team. To strengthen the team’s bond, Bryan and co-captain Rocco initiated team dinners and captain practices. These initiatives aimed not only to enhance physical coordination on the field but also to create a sense of camaraderie among team members. When asked how he tried to get the team to come together, he stated, “Rocco and I held team dinners to help bond the team stronger and also hosted captain practices for a stronger bond with the players.” This commitment to fostering unity off the field played a pivotal role in turning the team’s fortunes around.
Winning the Bergen Invitational Tournament marked a significant milestone in Bryan’s soccer journey. The victory symbolized not only the team’s prowess on the field but also Bryan’s personal triumph over adversity. “Winning this tournament feels great. It made me think of where I was last year (on the bench injured) but also where we ended off as a team last year,” he reflects. The memory of a devastating loss in double overtime from the previous year added depth to this triumph. “I am proud of my team, and we’re able to help the seniors end their high school careers with a trophy. “
Bryan Hwang emerged not just as a skilled athlete but as a leader who inspires resilience, fosters unity, and celebrates victories with humility. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of sports—a realm where setbacks become stepping stones and triumphs are earned through sheer determination. As Bryan continues to lead CHS on the soccer field, his story serves as a beacon of inspiration for teammates and aspiring athletes alike, reminding us all that success is not just about winning games but conquering the adversities that guide the path to greatness.
