02/06/2026
🏆 This week we want to highlight the incredible work of Jason Smith, who interned with the Institute during his senior season on the Men's Soccer team at Syracuse University.
Returning from injury and starting off his senior season as a 3rd string goalie, Jason worked with EWI President Matt Davidson to rebuild a sense of self and purpose. As someone who had already developed strengths of drive, persistence, and focus, it was not more skill development that he needed. In fact, it was actually the hyper focus on self that was becoming a performance barrier. The ability to get outside of himself is what would eventually open up the field and enlarge his world to those around him. Adopting a "going pro" mindset meant translating his own self-efficacy and greatness to those around him. He says, "If I kept it for myself, I wouldn't be the best I could be. But if I gave it to others, I would be my highest self."
This isn't to say that success then came easy. But having learned blessed acceptance, Jason was able to reframe setbacks and obstacles. The very adversity that he had not chosen—injury, loss of role, uncertainty—became the training ground that prepared him to achieve his ultimate goals. Jason goes on to say, "At the conclusion of my time at Syracuse, I didn't get the opportunities I desperately wanted, but the foundation of a young pro who could impact locker rooms in whatever role he was in."
Jason went on to join the Chattanooga Red Wolves in USL League One, where he had a record-breaking, award-winning rookie year with an outstanding group of people. "I got to experience the side of playing that I loved, and I kept carrying the values of my time at 'Cuse into each role I was in at my time in Chattanooga. I also experienced some major setbacks, but I could handle the adversity in stride and be all in for my team's success, while waiting for my next opportunity! The 'going pro' mindset became actualized. I was the pro we were cultivating in New York."
We are thrilled to have had the chance to work with Jason. He is an extraordinarily good person and extraordinarily talented athlete. We are full of hope for the journey that lies ahead for him!
