Nathan Ekberg is a third-year defenseman on the Case Western Reserve University’s men’s soccer team. Since his first year at CWRU, he has started in 38 of the 40 games he played in, netted five goals and played a cornerstone piece on the team. The special bond and moments shared with his teammates are what keeps him coming back each year. Outside of the classroom, he studies chemical engineering and takes part in engineering extracurriculars.

What is your favorite part of being on the soccer team? Why?

My favorite part of being on the soccer team is the family culture that our program has established. Everybody on the team is a brother and my teammates and coaches have my back both on and off the field, which is special.

Do you have any games that you remember being particularly special? Why?

I will never forget beating Kenyon in penalty kicks during the Sweet 16 last year. Running down the field after Charlie Fink saved the last penalty kick while friends and alumni rushed the field was one of the most exciting moments of my life.

Aside from soccer, what else are you involved in on campus? What do those activities entail?

I am a member of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity that promotes professional development for its members. I am also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

Why are you majoring in chemical engineering? What interests you about it?

I chose to major in chemical engineering because I have always been curious about the different ways we use science to transform and improve the world. Many of the pressing issues in the world today are also inside the realm of chemical engineering and whether I end up working to combat these issues or not, I hope to have a job in the future where I can work on something interesting but also innovative and meaningful, which is exactly what chemical engineering offers.

What is your favorite quote or what inspires you?  

“You have to be able to accept failure to get better.”—LeBron James