Colorado Springs

Switchbacks forward Austin Dewing had quite an interesting rookie season in 2019. The former Air Academy star played soccer at Air Force and was given permission to play for the Switchbacks but that didn't get finalized until midway through last season and he played for three coaches during that span. Not an ideal situation but he's one of just four players back from last season and coach Alan Koch says he has plans for guys like Dewing. Which Dewing gets more playing time and a fair shot, "For a young player like me, it's really kind of necessary," says Dewing. Dewing managed to make an impression during his time last season, despite all the obstacles, "I'm thankful that I got to see a lot of different coaches, but that's also tough because coach Walde Harris had me playing this way and coach Koch came in and he had a new strategy. It's new for me. I was trying to figure out how I best fit into it and what my opportunity would be. I think for me this year, that was pretty invaluable. It's like getting a couple of years in one half of a season," says Dewing. A lot of athletes dream of playing pro sports, few get the chance to play in their hometown, something Dewing doesn't take for granted, "Serving my country is something I always wanted to do. And growing up playing sports, and playing professionally is something I've always wanted to do. When I get the opportunity to do both, it's been the best of both worlds. To be able to play here where my family, my extended family, my high school coach can come out and watch me play, this worked out much better than I ever thought it could. I thank the lord for that. I'm going to keep on running and enjoy my time," says Dewing.