Men's Soccer Alum Young Kang (CIT '92) Names Covered Team Benches

The Carnegie Mellon University Soccer Facility received a pair of significant enhancements this spring, as two covered team benches were added for the teams. The benches were made possible through the generosity of Young Kang, a 1992 CIT graduate who played four years of soccer at Carnegie Mellon.

“It’s a way for me to give back to an institution that helped shape my career,” Kang said. “It also allows me to combine my love for soccer, so it’s a great way for me to show my appreciation for CMU and soccer.”

Kang, who named the Men’s Soccer Tartan Award three years ago, returned to Carnegie Mellon with his family for the dedication of the two benches on April 20.

“We are grateful to Young for his incredible generosity in support of our soccer program,” said Director of Athletics Susan Bassett. “Young has gone far beyond the role of generous donor in his advocacy among his peers by encouraging their support of department-wide initiatives.  Not only has Young named our soccer benches, he named the Men’s Soccer Tartan Award and encouraged two classmates to name a total of three additional Tartan Awards.”

Kang is eager to encourage others to give back to the athletics program and is excited about the program’s prospects for the future.

“It’s true that giving benefits the giver as much as the receiver. CMU plays an important role for student-athletes and we need to support them to keep CMU competitive in all aspects, on and off the field,” Kang said. “I hope we continue to build on the program and further strengthen the tradition and culture around the program.”

Head men’s soccer coach Arron Lujan was excited that Kang and his family made the trip from New York to see the impact of their generosity.

“Young has been an incredible supporter and we are proud to have his name on our team benches,” Lujan said. “He has made an important and lasting impact on each of the young men in our program, as well as the ones that will join us in the future.”

Bassett says Kang’s commitment to the program will make an immediate impact on the students and their experience at Carnegie Mellon.

“Young is an amazing champion of Carnegie Mellon Athletics. The addition of the Young Kang Soccer Team Benches helps make our facility one of the finest in the country,” Bassett said.