Play, leadership make Demiralp a key to Falcon soccer success

Play, leadership make Demiralp a key to Falcon soccer success

By Ken Grosse

When now soon-to-be 18-year-old Ali Demiralp came with his mother and sister to the United States from his native Turkey just over four years ago, there were a number of challenges to overcome. The completely new environment, his father still being in Turkey, a significant language barrier, almost immediately starting high school and trying to assimilate as a soccer player onto a traditionally strong Torrey Pines boys’ team.

Four years later, with his father having rejoined the family, Demiralp is fluent in his second language, performing admirably in the classroom and not only a starting midfielder but one of the captains on Torrey Pines’ No. 1-ranked (CIF) boys’ team that is well on its way to a third consecutive Avocado West League title. He’s clearly earned the respect of his Head Coach Andy Hargreaves. (more)