Casey Gilligan '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello!  My name is Casey Gilligan, and I live in Saratoga, California. I go to Saratoga High School and am part of the Class of 2022.  It is my goal to play soccer at a college that fits me. I am looking for a soccer program that will push me to become the highest level soccer player I can be while also challenging me to become a better person.

On my club and high school teams, my coaches play me in different positions depending on the game and our opponents. When playing outside back, I will usually play on the side that has the faster, stronger forward. I love this challenge!  If we need to score, they will put me up at forward. I have been a starter on the varsity high school team since my Freshman year, and during my Sophomore year, I had to play center defense a lot when we had an injury on our team. I feel I can adapt to different situations, and I love contributing in any way I can.

  My parents have been a big influence in my life. They work so hard and they are always so supportive of me and my goals. Christen Press is another person that has really influenced me to help me become who I am today. Whenever I doubt myself or if I’m in a bad mood, I watch Christen Press play on the television or in highlights, and she makes me believe in myself. I have learned so much about myself through playing soccer. I have learned to keep going and to never get my head down because I could spend that time becoming a better player or person. 

My academic goals are to always keep my grades up and try my best. I have a learning disability that makes some aspects of school more difficult, but I see it as motivation to work harder. In college, I want to study something in education, business, or communications. In college, I plan on working my hardest, so I can make an impact in this world on kids as a teacher. 

One thing that is unique about me is I have grown and donated my hair 4 times.  It takes a really long time to grow one’s hair, but it makes me feel good to give this gift to someone who is going through a tough time.  I don’t even get to see who gets my hair, but just knowing that it has made a difference makes me feel good. 

I feel the same way about my soccer teammates. I like helping them out by always playing my hardest on the field and being supportive off of the field.  While in middle school, I won 3 Sportsmanship awards and Best Female Athlete award, demonstrating my balance of athletic skills and character.  Now in high school and playing club soccer, I am improving these skills even more, and I am confident and excited I’ll be ready to make a great contribution to any college program on and off the field.

Thank you.