By Emily Masseth, NWAC intern
About Yitagesu
I started playing soccer at a very young age in Ethiopia - this is all we did all day long. We used to make our own soccer balls and we played street soccer with friends until night time. The first time I came to America I was 11 years old. When I was a sophomore in high school I was drawing in one of my classes and one of the ladies asked to see my art. She was very impressed with what I had been creating so she told me to keep it up and that gave me the motivation to do more. Art is my home it helps me express myself, calms me down, it shows who I am and my story.
Who is your greatest influence?
My family and friends.
What advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
Be yourself because all you need is in you.
What is one challenge or obstacle that you have had to overcome in order to get where you are today?
Losing my parents at a young age.
What is something you enjoy doing outside of your athletic pursuits?
Listening to music and making art pictures. I also enjoy reading the Bible. Listening to T.D. Jakes.
What are your plans after you graduate?
To become a professional artist and build an art school for kids. Also to make a cartoon movie of my life using my art.
Name one fun fact about yourself:
I am from Ethiopia.
The Olympian article where Yitagesu showed his art at the Fall Arts Walk: https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article177553706.html
Yitagesu’s artwork is hosted in Orca Books, the largest independent bookstore in Olympia: https://www.orcabooks.com/event/spring-artswalk-art-yitagesu-dowty
Follow Yitagesu’s journey with SPSCC Men’s Soccer: http://www.spsccathletics.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/schedule
