Gabrielle-Genice Moser '23 Recruiting Profile

Hi! My name is Gabrielle-Genice Quitugua Moser, but please call me Gabi from now on because after reading this personal statement you will know all there is to know about me. :)

I am currently a senior in high school attending Harvest Christian Academy on the island of Guam. I am almost full Chamorro, but my last name, as well as my height, comes from French origin. Soccer is a huge part of my life and who I’ve become, and it is my dream to become a doctor of physical therapy and play collegiate soccer on my journey to helping others. 

The “student” comes before the “athlete” in “student-athlete,” and I believe that’s true both in the literal and figurative meaning of the word. Although soccer has become my passion, my studies and grades are something that I refuse to neglect. I have maintained a 97% or higher in all my classes throughout middle school and high school, and I am an active member of NHS (National Honor Society), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), EP Club (Environmental Preservation), and Service Club. 

Many student-athletes have been playing soccer from the moment they learned how to walk. I, however, discovered the sport a little later in the game, and I started taking it seriously when I entered my first year of middle school-- and thankfully, I've stuck with it since. I started playing the position of the goalkeeper when I was 12 years old, and doubling as a basketball player, catching a ball was second nature to me, so I instantly got the hang of it and grew to love the position. 

I have been blessed with the opportunity to train and travel with the Guam Women’s National team, and over the past 5 years, I have flown to many different countries to participate in international training camps and compete in AFC tournaments and qualifiers. I have experienced dozens of different playing styles and have adapted to be able to counter whatever is thrown at me. I have been on both ends of the soccer spectrum: I have won several championships, but I have also been blown out in double-digits by international teams as a 13-year-old. I can proudly say that whatever the outcome may be, I have grown in some way through each experience. 

Most people believe that the goalkeeper only has one job - to keep the opposition from scoring. And while that is definitely a part of playing the position, it is not the only important task. Goalkeepers must have an exceptional understanding of the game and all the other positions on the field in order to communicate effectively with their teammates. Through training with the Guam Women’s National team and simply taking the time to discuss plays and tactics with my coaches and teammates, I have grown my soccer IQ massively. I am able to pick up cues from the other team and identify plays before they are executed so that I can communicate with my back line, forwards, and mids and choose the right option when it’s time to distribute the ball. Some of these cues like, when they are about to shoot, if they are about to switch the field, if they are about to send a through ball or break a line, where they are going to pass to next, etc., are just simple things I’ve picked up over the years that allow me to play to the best of my ability. 

I have learned that being a goalkeeper is definitely not for the weak - physically and mentally speaking. I am a reliable and confident player who can perform under pressure and make decisions on my feet. From the moment I step foot on the field, all nerves that I might have felt previously leave, and I switch on because I know that 10 other people are relying on me to make the right decisions and protect the goal. I am very mentally strong, and in the event that I am scored on, I don’t get discouraged. I have witnessed so many people “throw a game away” because they are too busy dwelling on a previous goal or mistake, and I have learned that it’s more important to forget about it and continue fighting than to play timid and suppress your voice on the field. Physically speaking, I am definitely not afraid to be aggressive and close down on any player that enters my box whether it’s on a corner kick or in a 1v1. Protecting the goal is a priority, so I will do what I need to do to make sure that the other team doesn’t even get the opportunity to take a shot. 

The phrase "you can't save them all" is something I have heard from many parents, players, and coaches throughout my career, but it's a phrase that I will never stop trying to defy. I am constantly competing with myself and trying to elevate my game and athleticism. Giving my 110% is all I know how to do,  but I believe that my hard work speaks for itself when it comes to the commitment I've put into the game whether it be through field training, gym training, or video sessions. 

I believe that my character and personality complement my position extremely well. I have always been a leader to my teammates and peers off the field, so it’s natural for me to lead on the pitch, being the only player who can see the entirety of the field. I am usually the team captain not only in soccer but also in volleyball and basketball, and I’ve also received the “Coach’s Award” multiple times. But other than being a natural leader, I am an extremely lively person who always brings energy to the team. Once, I was described as “the spark” the team needed by our local news. Personality-wise, I am not shy by any means, and I’m an extrovert who has a good sense of humor and isn’t afraid to crack jokes around the team. Of course, when it’s time for business, then the jokes go away and it’s time to work, but there is nothing wrong with having fun. Honestly, I’ve learned that when the vibes are good, the chemistry flows, the bond grows, and the better everyone plays. 

I would definitely be a refreshing asset to your team because I am a dedicated, hard worker and a team player who doesn’t have a problem getting along with everybody and serving others. I believe that my exceptional understanding of the game of soccer sets me apart from the rest. But, no matter what team I end up committing to, my work ethic will remain the same and my vibrant personality and island culture will definitely follow.