Matt Gilliland '18 Recruiting Profile

    During the summer of my sophomore year, I transferred out of a very large public high school, where I played freshman basketball, to a small school called Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. At this small school of about 25 kids my sophomore year, a basketball team would be established that year and play a varsity schedule. I worked out with some players the coaches had brought in during the summer, and the ones that came to the school became some of my best friends hopefully for life. Our sophomore year, which was the first year of the basketball program; we progressed to the final four of the state playoffs. It was a tough loss but we kept working harder and harder and won the state championship my junior year!

    These events have taught me valuable life lessons. At the previous high school I attended, our freshman team just played basketball and didn't really play as a team, by coming to Mt. Bethel, I learned what it is like to be part of a team with players and coaches I truly care about. This makes you see past yourself and focus more on the team and helping you make sacrifices for the good of everyone else. I have gained a valuable work ethic, which I believe is one harnessed by very few people, making me ready for Collegiate basketball.

    My goal for the collegiate level is to be a part of a team where I have a role and can help my team be better. I want to be part of a team where everybody cares and is there for each other like a family. Also, I want to find a school that is a good academic fit for me, where I can further my education.