Brighton Varsity Soccer Player Signs Letter of Intent

senior Alex Chwalibog, 17, has always wanted to be a soccer player and play at the college level, according to his father, John Chwalibog, and now he will get his wish.

Alex Chwalibog signed his letter of intent to play at Siena Heights University in Adrian on Saturday.

Chwalibog, a Bulldogs forward and outside midfield player, had offers from two other colleges as well: Albion College and Elmira College in New York.

"I went there (Siena Heights) a few weeks ago and stayed on an overnight," Chwalibog said. "I got to know the guys, played a little bit with them. and everything just felt right to me."

Chwalibog said the combination of the players on the team, the school's campus and its education program factored into his decision. He plans to study education and would like to teach someday at a middle school or high school level.

Bulldogs varsity coach Rob Williams said Chwalibog is the only member of his team to commit to playing soccer at the collegiate level so far.

"I was very happy to hear that he chose Siena because I played and graduated from there," Williams said. "Alex did a really nice job for us. He was in the program four years, and he just had a phenomenal season as a senior. He made some crucial goals during the season.

"I'm positive that he will be just fine at the next level," Williams said. "Obviously, there's a learning curve between high school and collegiate play, but I think he'll adapt very well because of his work rate and knowledge of the game."

Chwalibog's parents, John and Kelly, couldn't be more proud of the eldest of their five children — the youngest of whom is 9 months old.

"I think he's the first one to play sports at the college level on my side of the family and the second on John's," Kelly Chwalibog said. "He's a good role model."

"He always wanted to play soccer at the college level," John Chwalibog said. "And he put himself in the position where he had multiple opportunities. So he got to think about the school, the soccer, financial even, because he's going to be responsible for some of that cost. He put himself in a spot to pick what was best for him. And I think, as a parent, that's a pretty awesome thing to see your kid go through."