Senior Spotlight: Ali Scheib
10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
By Katie Davidson, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
One of the greatest moments in a child's life is being able to make their parents proud. Ali Scheib, the senior forward on the MSU men's soccer team, had the pleasure of doing just that by following in his father's footsteps and pursuing a career on the soccer field.
Scheib was surrounded by the game early on. His father, Sam, finished his career playing professional soccer for Lebanon in 1979. A few years later, Ali was introduced to soccer at age four. He immediately fell in love with the game. Ali's father then started a club soccer team known as the Michigan Wolves, where Ali played until he was 18.
At the bright age of 16, Ali received interest from Michigan State, and felt that his hard work was beginning to pay off.
"I was talking to multiple colleges but Michigan State was another level. I trusted the coaches, the official visit was great. I loved the campus, and I even loved all of the people that I met during my visit," Scheib stated.
As a resident of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Scheib grew up supporting many colleges in Michigan. When he made the decision to attend Michigan State, and after dodging some jokes from friends who went to rival schools, he was overcome with joy to get a chance to play hard in the Green and White jersey. After four seasons with the team, Ali has no regrets about wearing the Michigan State jersey and is proud to represent the school. After earning his first career minutes against FIU in the 2014 season, he has remained active on the team, including earning Academic All-Big Ten for the 2014 and 2015 season.
"Anytime you're wearing the Spartan jersey, it's like a feeling when you strap on your helmet. You're a warrior, and you're going out there to fight. It means a lot to have my teammates behind my back before I'm going into the game," Scheib said.
He sees his teammates and the coaching staff as his second family because they support him and are always there for him. In addition, Ali has put in the hard work both on and off the field with the support of his family.
"They love the fact that I am still playing, and that I am getting a good education," Scheib stated.
The support of his family, especially from his mom and dad, has been very influential throughout Ali's career. He is also the youngest with four older sisters, with whom he's very close, and states that his family has been his backbone throughout his career. Ali also has a close relationship with his father, who has coached Ali since he was young.
"No matter how much I play, no matter what happens or the outcome, I can always trust [my dad]. He's my best friend for my whole life," Scheib stated. "He and my mom work so hard, and I try to work hard for them, and give back to them what they gave to me."
Not only is Scheib thankful to have his family by his side, he finds that his teammates, along with the administrative staff, such as the coaches, trainers, doctors and even people that work in the ticket office have all had an impact on making his time on the team so rewarding.
"They just all love Michigan State, and you feel closer to people that share a common love for MSU since it's such a significant part of your life," Scheib stated when describing how much the staff has greatly affected him and his time on the team.
With the support of his family, teammates and the staff, Scheib was able to overcome some adversity, such as injuries and fighting to get more playing time.
"If you continue to work hard and bust your butt, that can work for you," Scheib described how he motivates himself to get through some challenges on the field and off the field, including time management as a student athlete.
"Going to soccer is not just being there. It's the time before getting treatment, it's the time before eating, and it's even the time before playing itself, just getting ready," Scheib states to describe how emotionally and mentally involved one needs to be to be successful in their college career.
In addition to working hard on the field, Scheib has also worked very hard in the classroom. After graduating with a degree in kinesiology, Scheib would like to continue to pursue the pre-medicine route and become a doctor in sports medicine. He is currently searching for a M.D or D.O. program to be involved in after graduation. The next chapter of the Scheib book hasn't been written yet, but staying at Michigan State could always be an option, continuing his time as a Spartan.
