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USL Phoenix Rising FC

Granger Brings 'Aloha Spirit' to Arizona United

June 15, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Arizona United SC Defender Brock Granger
Arizona United SC Defender Brock Granger
(Phoenix Rising FC)

For most vacationers, Hawaii is a tropical travel destination; but for Arizona United SC defender Brock Granger, it's a place he's proud to call home.

A Honolulu native, Granger reflects on the close-knit community where he was raised and the strong Hawaiian traditions he still upholds.

"I was lucky to grow up there, and I think my parents taught me the right way to spread the aloha spirit," Granger said. "I try to bring that over to the main land and give it to everybody."

As a youth soccer player, Granger played for Honolulu Bulls SC, one of the largest and most successful youth clubs in Hawaii. Though there are not many soccer clubs spanning the islands, the soccer culture, as Granger describes, is extremely competitive, producing a lot of talented athletes.

Granger was a part of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) throughout his youth years with Honolulu Bulls. ODP afforded Granger and other talented athletes the opportunity to travel outside of Hawaii and compete with other youth ODP programs in the U.S.

"We had a really good team," Granger said. "It was a lot of fun. I met a lot of great friends and coaches that I'll probably know for the rest of my life, and thank them for where I am today."

As a youth ODP player within a competitive Hawaiian club, Granger received the outside exposure needed to catch the attention of college scouts. Granger continued his soccer career by attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas his freshman year, then eventually transferring to the University of Louisville for his remaining eligibility.

"The University of Louisville was an amazing experience," said Granger. "It's a top program, a top athletic program, we got treated really well, and we did really well. They prepared me for where I am today."

After graduating college, Granger was drafted by Real Salt Lake in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, but chose to forgo the opportunity to play with an MLS club and began his professional career in the USL with the Dayton Dutch Lions. In February 2015, Granger signed with Arizona United and has since played a key role in the team's developing success.

"Brock is a pro that is sort of an unsung hero," said United's head coach Frank Yallop. "He plays a lot of positions, trains really well, and always gives one hundred percent. He's a very versatile player, and a great character to have around, so he has done a great job."

On the field and among his teammates, Granger is one of the most hardworking, positive, and friendly people. Arizona midfielder Sam Garza is roommates with Granger and describes his laid back demeanor.

"Off the field, he's pretty much the same," said Garza. "Just really relaxed at home. We like to kick it, and just hang out, play some video games, watch soccer, with a little banter here and there."

From the small island of Oahu to the professional soccer stage, Granger continues to embrace the spirit of his beloved Hawaiian culture and implement a strong work ethic on the field to contribute to the growth of Arizona United.

"I love the coaches, I love everybody on the team," said Granger. "We work hard during the week and we try to do our best during the weekend."

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Arizona United SC Defender Brock Granger
Arizona United SC Defender Brock Granger
   

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