Indiana University Athletics
Student-Athlete Spotlight: Kerel Bradford, Men's Soccer
8/26/2013 12:00:00 AM | Varsity Club
Aug 26, 2013
Originally published in the 2013-2014 Varsity Club Annual Giving Campaign brochure.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Kerel Bradford has achieved what few athletes at IU ever have--winning a national championship for himself and for a group of former IU athletes.
All my coaches played here, went to school here and now coach here. Bringing glory to old IU, winning a championship for them was really something amazing and memorable. Just seeing them smile and hug each other was my proudest moment.
This soccer star from Arizona first came to IU during a summer camp.
"After coming to camp, I just loved it--the atmosphere that surrounded IU and the team. After how I did in camp, the coach ended up offering me a scholarship. I've been blessed that the team liked me and the coaches liked me."
During his time on campus, Kerel has made the most of becoming a Hoosier.
"I'm actually part of the Hoosier HEROES Mentor Program. I mentor between eight and 10 freshmen. We get to know them, and I usually email them every week to check in on them. We just try to talk to them so they can be open and get the stress off. We have certain activities every week to invite them out to. We try to get their minds off things."
Kerel does this because he knows first-hand how hard it is to transition to a different community and way of life. To him, helping other Hoosiers is part of what being a Hoosier means.
"We've always had a tradition of excellence. This is what I can do now. Someday, I want to be one of those donors. I want to be successful enough and also give to the future athletes."
When asked why, Kerel says, "You just want the legacy to continue and improve.
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