James Gurgone '23 Recruiting Profile

My family has influenced who I am today. Being Italian and Mexican, family is always first. They always make sure I am at the top of my game whether that be sports, school, or life. Coach Dave Nolan and Coach Neil Oyston made me fall in love with this game by teaching and helping me improve as a player and person. Not only that but I found key characteristics of mine through soccer. My determination, grit, ability to be a leader, and a listener helps me on and off the field. I'm very compassionate about the sport and that's what pushes me to do my very best. The biggest obstacle for me was moving across the country and starting from scratch. I moved to California from Bridgeport, Illinois when I was 6 years old. I played for San Clemente Surf for most of my competitive career in California. I moved going into my freshman year and it was an obstacle starting from scratch. But I think that’s another strong characteristic I have, adapting to a new environment and excelling in whatever I pursue to do. My academic goals are to graduate High school, continue to be on the honor roll. I plan to attend a 4-year University and graduate with a Bachelor's degree. As far as my skills, I get stuck in, I’m a very physical defender, I have speed, can switch the field, I like to make runs down the lines, and overall I believe I'm an athletic player that won’t stop working.