IN TODAY'S FAST-PACED, SOCIAL MEDIA-DRIVEN TEEN LIFE, FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY'S IAN AVILES IS MORE OF A RENAISSANCE MAN.
The uber-talented senior says goodbye to Eagle Nation as he flies the nest to conquer the world. He just might.
The all-state midfielder on the pitch also has some Pitch Perfect in him.
"I've been playing soccer for quite some time," he said. "I'm also a part of the FBCA worship team and my church's worship team. I also do music on my own, trying to book some gigs too. Those are my passions – soccer and music."
Let's start with soccer.
Aviles has been the go-to guy for the Eagles, helping lead FBCA to the area round of the playoffs, but the beautiful game has also taken him across the globe.
"As a freshman, I was invited to train with the pro team Tottenham Hotspur in London," he said. "It was my first time to Europe. All the pro teams have youth academies where they train young athletes who have aspirations of playing professionally.
"I got better in one week than I had in years. The training was incredible but being in the pro facilities was eye-opening. To see first-hand how the players live was awesome."
Aviles returns to England as he will attend the University of Chester to play soccer and pursue his music passion.
"Something about England has drawn me," he said. "I know the soccer competition is going to be great. Those kids come out of the womb playing soccer. I also auditioned and got into their Music Production Performance program, which I will be majoring in."
The National Honor Society and Music Honor recipient at FBCA, sings, plays the piano and guitar. His faith also ignites his passion for music.
"It's an honor to lead people in worship," he said. "That's the way I connect with God and to share that with others is awesome. In the future, I hope my music inspires people to seek a relationship with God that is unique to them. Something that is personal, fresh and new."
As he leaves the FBCA hallways for England, he will always appreciate the time and relationships he made at school.
"FBCA has meant everything to me," he said. "It's given me the opportunity to grow as a musician, a soccer player and a human being. I've built my character here and the great people here have pushed me along the way."
