The Shaping of RNY FC’s Journeyman, Ian Garrett

July 18, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Rochester New York FC News Release

Success is a journey, not a destination.

At least that is the mindset of Rochester New York Football Club’s very own Ian Garrett, who has reaped the benefits of his hard work this season. Garrett, who has a goal and assist to his name so far, has become one of Bruno Baltazar’s first options on the team sheet. The 26-year-old left-back boasts remarkable pace, technique and work ethic, but throughout his career, he’s had to be patient for opportunities to come.

His journey to Rochester was unconventional, to say the least. Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Garrett has been surrounded by soccer since he was 4 years old. Although it wasn’t love at first sight, Garrett owes his passion for the game to his father.

“My dad was my coach when I started until I left home at 16, and he probably still is a little bit of my coach even now,” he said. “Seeing my dad being super into [the game] was inspiring to me, and I wanted to play.”

Hence, Garrett only had one thing on his mind: the beautiful game. Opportunities came thick and fast, and he didn’t hesitate to take them. As a freshman in high school, Garrett was already punching above his weight class on the varsity soccer team. Playing time wasn’t guaranteed, however, and in 2013, when his senior year came around, he was already looking for ways to get to the next level.

Fearing that he wouldn’t be able to go up against more physical players at the time, college soccer wasn’t an option for Garrett. However, one thing was for certain; he needed to find somewhere that shared his passion for soccer.

As a short and practical winger, he knew he had to play to his strengths. After carefully considering his options, he discovered IMG Academy’s soccer program, which promised Garrett an opportunity to focus on developing the technical side of his game. It’s also where he also came across the first difficult decision on his journey. Leaving home for a new and unfamiliar place is challenging, but Garrett believed it was for the best.

“Everything is a step,” he said. “The first time away from my family was terrifying and for me that was tough, but it was a really good maturing experience. If I hadn’t done that, I don’t think the rest of my career would’ve looked in the way that it has.”

Garrett would play alongside current professional Christian Pulisic, who has gone on to captain the U.S. men’s national team, as well as feature for Premier…