Choma brings more then just laughs to the Profs

Whether it’s his hard work and dedication on the field or his light-hearted nature off the field, senior midfielder Jason Choma provides an intoxicating and motivating personality. This spirit is a major reason why Choma has greatly improved in his four-year career with the Profs men’s soccer team and now leads Rowan (10-5-2), who entered Wednesday night’s game in a three-way tie for second place in the New Jersey Atheltic Conference (NJAC) with a 4-2-2 conference record, as one of the three team captains.

The first thing that stands out about Choma is his lively and outgoing nature and his ability to make people crack a smile. It’s that facet that makes the senior from Belford, N.J. the source of the team’s comic relief.

“He’s hilarious, just so funny,” said fellow captain Jason Dugan. “If we’re all uptight or something, he can always crack a joke to get the team to laugh and bring the team together.”

Of course, when Choma needs to shed the comic relief and put on his game face, he works tirelessly and provides the framework to motivate his teammates to succeed.

“He’s a great motivator,” said junior back Randy Kohr. “He gets everybody pumped before games.”

“I think he’s a great leader who provides a lot of inspiration,” said sophomore goalie Kevin Owens. “When he’s not playing, there’s a big difference.”

Choma began to break out as a soccer player sometime before his junior season. With Choma’s desire to win and determination to be his absolute best, his hard work began to pay off in a major way. Choma began to listen to the coaching staff more and paid attention to his off-season habits, turning himself into one of the best players on the team.

“As a freshman, and not getting a lot of playing time, you always think you know the answer,” Choma said. “As time goes on, you listen to coach more. He knows exactly what he’s talking about; you just have to listen to him.”

“He showed up here in terrific shape,” said head coach Dan Gilmore. “He became one of the best players on the team, and this year, he’s led by example on and off the field.”

Choma finally realized the changes with a major goal in the Profs’ conference opener last year at Montclair State University. Choma netted a goal from the left corner well outside the 18, and since then, his game has been turning on all cylinders.

“I kind of showed myself that I could step up,” Choma said. “That was the turning point, and ever since I feel like, I’ve been playing smart and playing simple.”

While his game broke out on the field, Choma’s character also began to shed some new skin off of it. He began to be more outgoing, showing the character his teammates and friends love. The captain said the change occurred when he realized the need to get out, network and become friendlier. With this realization, Choma’s relationship with his teammates improved as did his play on the field. He became the go-to man both on and off the field. To Choma the explanation is simple.

“I’m cool. I’m hip. I’m down with everything. It’s my personality, son.”

A personality that will hopefully lead the Profs far into the playoffs.