Noah Gillespie '16 Recruiting Profile

I began playing soccer when I was ten, and saw my first college game when I was twelve.  Since then, my goal has been to play at the collegiate level.  To that end, I work very hard to improve my skills, overall fitness, and agility to become a better player and athlete.  I try to take advantage of every opportunity to learn.  I recently began training with the Beastmode soccer program here in Richmond.                                 

As an athlete, I thrive when I am challenged  to perform at my best and have opportunities to contribute solidly to my team.  I am hard working, competitive, determined, strong, fast, agile, and a quick learner.  I strive to support and encourage my teammates, and to stay calm and positive even in tough circumstances.  On my high school team we have many inexperienced players, and it provides me with the opportunity to practice patience, model good sportsmanship, and display positive leadership.

My GPA does not reflect my true academic ability, as I was not as well focused in my freshman year as I should have been.  I  improved in my sophomore year, but still did not work to my full potential.  I did not mature as a student as quickly as I did as an athlete, however I have became more aware and focused, and am fully committed going forward to working as hard in the classroom as I have been on the field.

Besides school and soccer, I have volunteered with my local YMCA, a Unique4Life soccer program for youth with Autism, Convoy of Hope, Operation Christmas Child, and Urban Outreach, as well as playing as a partner on my sister's Special Olympics softball team.  I am active in my church, and our youth ministry, Fortitude Youth.  Last spring and summer I worked at SCOR (Sports Center of Richmond, working with children eighteen months to nine years old in the Lil' Kickers soccer instruction program.

I would prefer a Christian college, where I can mature and develop academically, athletically, and spiritually.   I would prefer a medium to small sized school, that allows for a more personal learning experience.  I am considering studying Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Youth Ministry, followed by Physical Therapy.  I believe that passions, talents, and abilities are God given, and I want to develop and continue to discover these during my collegiate experience so that I can serve faithfully throughout my life.