Macalester College Athletics

As a Scot
Dean’s List recipient… Earned academic all-conference honors for Fall 2015… Precepts for MSCS and Psychology Departments… DeWitt Wallace Distinguished Scholarship recipient… Studying abroad in Budapest, Hungary for spring 2017.

2017
Started one of ten games played.

2016
Played in 20 games… Tallied one assist… Scored two goals including the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Northwestern University- Minnesota Oct. 10…  Member of the MIAC Academic All-Conference team.

2015
Played in 10 games… Registered an assist in a victory over Bethel Oct. 31.

2014
Appeared in 17 games for the Scots as a first-year… Scored his first collegiate goal in his first appearance of the season on Aug. 30 in a win over Northwestern… Also notched game winner against Dubuque on Sept. 21… Picked up an assist against Concordia Oct. 28 in a 2-1 win, in which the Scots clinched their first MIAC berth since 2010.

Before Mac
Picked up 2014 All-KingCo 4A honors with 9 goals, 4 assists as a senior team captain for Woodinville High School… Played for club US Youth Soccer Regional Champion and National Runner Up teams… Member of five-time Washington State Club Champion team… Earned National AP Scholar Award… Served as Senior Class Treasurer for 2013-2014… National Honor Society member… Given name is Ionatan Juan Kuperwajs.

Why did you choose to attend Macalester?
I chose to attend Macalester for a couple of reasons. First of all, Mac provided me with the opportunity to study at a phenomenal academic institution with many resources that can assist me beyond my collegiate years. Macalester also has a strong soccer program with an impressive tradition and strong potential for the future, and being able to fulfill my personal dream of playing college soccer while being at a top-level academic school was what I was looking for throughout the college process. The way that I was personally recruited by the coaching staff and the professional manner with which the soccer program here is run really appeals to me. Additionally, I love the focus that Mac has on internationalism, which is an important aspect of my life, as well as being near a large metropolitan area, such as the twin cities. Combining all of these factors made my decision an easy one.

What has your experience at Macalester meant to you so far?
My experience at Macalester so far has been incredible. Socially, I've met people and built relationships that I know will last beyond my four years here. I've thoroughly enjoyed my classes, am excited to delve further into my majors, and know that I will have both the knowledge and resources available to me to make a significant impact in my academic field later on. In terms of athletics, I've been able to compete for a phenomenal soccer program with a talented group of guys that have big aspirations for the next few years. I really couldn't ask for much more out of my college experience thus far.

How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester helped shape you as an individual?
My experience as a student-athlete at Macalester has greatly shaped who I am as an individual over the past two years. Being a part of this team, I've learned how to cope with adversity and find success within a highly competitive environment, and I've established relationships that will continue to be meaningful beyond my time at Mac. Academically, I've developed a strong work ethic and motivation to pursue what I'm interested on off the field. These are all important skills that I know will be important later in life, especially in graduate school or in my future career.  


How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester prepared you for life after graduation?
Being a student athlete at Macalester has tremendously shaped who I am and how I will tackle life after graduation. As a member of an athletic team, you have to learn how to balance academic, athletic, and social responsibilities while maintaining a high level of commitment and dedication in each of them. Additionally, I believe that many skills that you use on a daily basis during a sport, such as work ethic, teamwork, and a competitive drive translate well to many areas outside of that sport. Finally, I have built lasting relationships with my teammates and the coaching staff that I know will continue to grow even after I leave Macalester.