Evan Imai
2027
Evan Imai
Rightback /Centerback/Forward
Graduating June 2027
Height: 5'8
Weight: 140 lbs
Position: RB CB FW
Dominant foot: Right
DOB: September 19, 2008
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Club: Ayagaza Esen Spor
*click link for stat page
About:
An American Citizen from Riverside, CA.
Raised in Istanbul, Turkey as an expat. Driven to play football at the highest level. Extensive International playing experience.
He describes himself as:
Agile
Explosive
Fast
Competitive
Calm Under Pressure
Consistent
Coachable
Adaptable
Team First
Turkish International School Football League.
Varsity All Tournament Defender
1st place October 2025
Exact Sports Highlight Reel
July 2025
"I want to play at the highest level I possibly can. I hate losing more than I love winning. " -Evan Imai
Academics:
Academics:
International Gateway Academy
Graduating June 2027
GPA : 3.2
Fluent in Turkish
Extracurricular/ Hobbies:
Reading
Video Games
Family
IGA Boys Volleyball Varsity Team
IGA Boys Soccer Varsity Team
Areas of interests:
Athletic Training
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive Science
Physical Education Kinesiology
Exercise Science
Honors/AP Classes:
IGCCE:
English Literature
English Language
World History
AP:
English Literature
World History
An American citizen from Riverside, CA.
Raised in Istanbul, Turkey as an expat.
Multicultural, International and Dynamic Team player
Teams:
Ayagaza Esen Spor : Turkish Football Federation Club
Istanbul, Turkey
Oct 2024- Present
U16, U18, Amateur League
*holds registered license in Turkish Football League
Coach : Emre Cize
"Evan, whom I have been coaching for approximately three years, started playing football at a young age and has shown significant development during this time. His ability to play in many different positions has brought great flexibility to our team.
Among his most notable qualities are his speed and agility, and he has made significant contributions to his team with goals and assists in matches where he played in the attacking zone. His tempo and dynamism on the field have increased our team's playing strength, and his fighting spirit has always made a difference.
Evan, who works in harmony with his teammates, has also stood out with his positive energy and motivation on the field. He has taken on different roles as a versatile player in difficult moments and has successfully fulfilled the responsibilities given to him.
With his discipline, hard work, and openness to development, I wholeheartedly believe that Evan will achieve significant success in his future football career." (translated from Turkish)
-Emre Cize - coach
Exact All American
London, England Boy's Soccer
November 2025
Coach: Kevin Doyle
Colorado College
“I had the distinct pleasure of taking Evan on a 7 day tour to England in November of 2025. He immediately stood out as a terrific leader and a wonderful human being. On top of that, he had an excellent week of soccer. He was most natural in the back, but was willing and able to play anywhere on the field. All he wanted to do was compete and win- and he was very good at bringing his teammates up to his level. Evan will be a true asset for most any college soccer program.” - Coach Kevin Doyle
IGA Boys Soccer A Team (Varsity)
Istanbul, Turkey
Oct 2024-Jan 2025
Oct 2025-Jan 2026
Coach: David Schellenberg
Turkish International Schools League Tournament
All Tournament Defender October 2025
Central & Eastern European Schools Association Tournament
All Tournament Defender October 2025
Exact Soccer Recruitment Camp
July 27, 2025
Coach: Guillen-Lopez
Pomona-Pitzer College
"Evan Imai stands out as a remarkable talent well-suited for the Defender position, showcasing exceptional skills and an innate understanding of the game that any coach would value. His acute spatial awareness allows him to anticipate opponent movements effectively, making timely interceptions and clearances that disrupt attacking plays. With impressive physicality and speed, Evan not only holds the line confidently but also excels in one-on-one situations, consistently neutralizing threats. His communication skills are another asset, as he coordinates seamlessly with teammates, maintaining defensive organization under pressure. Additionally, Evan demonstrates strong leadership potential, inspiring his peers with his work ethic and dedication on and off the field. Bringing Evan onto your team means investing in a defensive cornerstone whose potential for growth and impact is unquestionable." -Coach Guillen Lopez
Real Madrid Foundation
Football Club
Istanbul, Turkey
Oct 2023-May 2024
Coach: Rodrigo
14U Team Captain
IGA Boys Varsity Volleyball
March-May 2026
Coach: Heath Suiter
" have known Evan Imai for 3 years. I have been able to observe him on the soccer pitch, in social settings, and lastly as his volleyball coach. The first thing that you notice about Evan is his passion. Not only is he a great competitor, but because of his heart, his athleticism, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to make the play, I always wanted him on the court. Even though Evan was the only player on my varsity team who had never played before, I wanted him on the court because I knew he would make a difference in the game. He earned that spot on the varsity squad because he was so humble and coachable that he progressed more quickly than most. Lastly, and most importantly, Evan is a person of character. This I knew before I coached him due to observing him in social situations. But on the court this year, he proved it again by the way he won, the way he lost, and the way he handled himself when calls didn’t go his way. I wholeheartedly recommend Evan Imai for your program."