Chris Beach was willing to cover some miles to find the right fit for college.
Turns out, that fit sits in the Chicago suburbs.
Beach, who played defense and midfield for the Durango High School boys soccer team, signed on to continue his soccer career and education at NAIA Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill.
Beach landed on the Trojans’ radar during his junior year through the recruiting service National Collegiate Scouting Association. And after getting to know the program a bit better and what the school had to offer – particularly when it came to his faith – he was hooked.
“Being in a Christian college was very important to me. I visited the campus, and really what coach Dalon (Parker) is trying to do at DHS, coach (Patrick) Gilliam at TIU has already done,” said Beach, son of David and Kimberly Beach. “It’s a very cool atmosphere to go into.”
Like many recruits, Beach said the atmosphere of family he found at Trinity International helped draw him in. And that feel also helped put his mind at ease about being so far away from his actual family for long stretches in the Midwest.
“When you go to a good college, it becomes your family,” he said. “And when I went there, the team really brought me in. You’re already a part of the family the day you step on campus.”
He’ll be one of a group tasked with helping to turn around the Trojans. Trinity International went 4-10-3 last year, including a 3-7-1 mark in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. But Beach said he’s excited about the size of the incoming recruiting class and the ability of the returning roster, saying the Trojans are closer than it may appear to turning the corner.
“The program is growing, and it’s growing a lot. They’re trying to sign 10 or 11 guys this year,” Beach said.
For the next level, Beach said he’s hoping to ensure his fitness stays at a strong level or improves before he hits the collegiate ranks, and he credited Parker for helping get his skillset college-ready.
Off the field, Beach said he plans to double major in athletic training and youth ministry, challenging himself both academically and spiritually.
“Athletic training I’ve been interested in since my junior year. I took some classes at (Fort Lewis College),” Beach said. “And youth ministry, I feel like that’s where God wants me to go right now. That’s where I’m going to go.”
rowens@durangoherald.com
