Personal Statement
Hello,
My name is Ian Gesell and I am part of the 2023 Classof Bellevue Christian School. I currently play for Eastside FC 05 ECNL as a starting center back. Although I have participated in many sports, I fell in love with soccer from the very beginning. I played basketball, track, and baseball for a little bit, but soccer has always been my preferred sport. I was a striker when I first began playing soccer for a recreation league. But transitioned overtime into a holding mid when I was recruited to play Select soccer for Kent City FC. At middle school, I was invited to join the DA team of Eastside FC (later became ECNL) where I've been playing center back. I love this position and have enjoyed every second of it. I push myself to become a better player through every practice and game. I always give my all for the team and work my hardest every time.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to participate in Surf Cup, EPD, DA, ECNL, and other tournaments within and outside of Washington State. in 2019, I had a chance to travel to Brazil and played against Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Boavista. My team is in Northwest ECNL Conference. In 2020 we qualified for ECNL Nationals, placing 3rd in Washington State, but the event was cancelled due to Covid-19. In 2021, we also qualified for ECNL Nationals, which will be held in North Carolina in July 2021.
Even though I work to continue my progress on the field, maintaining a good GPA is extremely important to me. I am an A Honors student and have been on the honor roll all throughout middle school and so far in high school. I took Honors Biology as a freshman and currently taking AP History in my sophomore year. I believe that I show leadership qualities both on the field during games and off the field during group projects in school. I believe that leadership is a big trait needed for center backs, telling players to tuck in or spread out or telling midfielders to drop back and mark up.
I am looking for a university where I can find a good balance between athletics and academics. I would ideally want a college that has a fantastic academic reputation in the field of engineering or sports medicine. For soccer, I want a place where I have an immediate connection with my teammates and coaches and where I could make a immediate impact for the team in a good way. I would love to play and learn at the DI level, however, I think that the DII and NAIA level would also be a good fit for me.
Sincerely,
Ian Gesell
