Alumni Spotlights are Q&A's with former Brandeis student-athletes, across a myriad of disciplines, as they reflect on their Brandeis experience and how it has shaped their lives today. Read more spotlight features here.

Name: Christopher White
Sports: Men's Soccer
Current job: Social studies, English and PE teacher
 
BIO
A native of Spencer, Massachusetts, Christopher White was a defensive stalwart for the Brandeis men's soccer team from 1993 to 1996. He anchored the back line for four years as the Judges posted a t least 12 wins each year for an overall record of 54-22-7 with 23 shutouts and another 29 games with only one goal allowed. Brandeis made three-straight ECAC tournaments during that stretch, including a title run in 1994 with three-straight road wins. As a senior captain in 1996, White earned first-team All-UAA and third-team All-America honors as the Judges never allowed more than two goals in a game, and outscored their opponents, 56-18. White earned looks from the professional ranks and was drafted into the United States Independent Soccer League into the New England Revolution farm system.

White served as Brandeis's equipment manager for a year, but in 1999, he started teaching Social Studies at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. After teaching in Colorado, and at Hingham High School and St. Leo School in Leominster, White returned to St. John's in 2022, where he has taught Social Studies, English and Physical Education and moderated for the mock trial team. White is married to his wife, Jessica, with two sons, Parker and Eli.
 
Christopher White will be one of six Judges inducted into the Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming on September 28th. Registration for the Hall of Fame is open now!

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Q: What attracted you to Brandeis in the first place?
I did not know that Brandeis existed until I received a packet from Coach Coven with a hand-written letter touting what a special place Brandeis was.  It was a genuine invitation to be a part of a unique community that would allow me to continue a sport I loved.  I recall talking on the phone with Coach and the subject of soccer was barely a part of the conversation.  He wanted to know more about me and my family than how he saw me as a part of the program.  The academic rigor that I later learned about made the decision to attend Brandeis an easy one. 
 
Q: Describe your overall experience as a student-athlete. What does it mean to you now/what did it mean to you while you were an undergraduate?
I feel very fortunate to have arrived at Brandies when I did.  The generation I was a part of made many positive contributions to the program.  We were very aware of our history and tried to build on the efforts of those players who came before us.  I just wanted to be a part of great teams with great teammates to add to that legacy. The standards that Brandeis presented in both academics and athletics was the primary focus of my time there. The drive to meet those standards motivates me even today.
 
Q: Do you have any advice for current or future Brandeis Student-Athletes?
I think it is important for student-athletes to be driven by a sense of purpose.  Balancing these roles takes a tremendous amount of effort and commitment to do them well.  It is also a tremendous privilege to be a part of a school community and athletic program like Brandeis.  Remember why you are there and be aware of the opportunities available to fulfill that purpose.
 
Q: Looking back on your career at Brandeis, do you have any one or two moments that you look back on and cherish?
Most of the moments I recall from playing are just little flashes of a much more important set of experiences.  I was able to play with some amazing people and it's their stories that I have carried with me since my time at Brandeis that have been my most meaningful memories.  And there are some great stories…
 
Q: What made you want to become a teacher after graduation?
I wanted a profession where I could feel like I could make a difference on a daily basis- where everyday is  a chance to provide my students with the skills necessary to be problem-solvers and engaged citizens.  Teaching requires a tremendous amount of accountability and responsibility which provides incredible challenges and opportunities for learning.
 
Q: What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of since you graduated?
Without a doubt, I am most proud of my family.  My wife, Jessica (Class of '97 and member of the Women's Basketball Program), is still the most amazing person I have ever met.  Our sons, Parker and Eli, are incredible young men who constantly inspire me to be the best father I can be.