As an NSR student-athlete at college in the US, without knowing it, you build yourself into a role model who future athletes are inspired by.
This is an experience that Western Australian soccer athlete, Gavin Gillies has realised recently in his US college pathway.
Entering the college system at JUCO Feather River College in 2014 and then transferring on to University of West Florida this year, Gavin has built himself an impressive collection of accolades, both on and off the soccer field.
“My Freshman year I did really well, I got offensive player of the year for my conference and was the top goal scorer. I had a really good year.
“Sophomore year was good as well, I had a strong year which gave me a lot of good footage to be able to send to colleges after that,” Gavin said.
Changing scenery
Gavin’s coach at Feather River aided him in the process of transferring, sending footage to hundreds of schools.
Although Gavin says he received a lot of offers from division one schools, he chose a solid division two program, University of West Florida, a school that he felt more of a connection with.
“My favourite one was West Florida because I like the coach, the location…I had options at higher levels but I felt like the team at West Florida suited me more and would be a challenge for me but at the same time I’d be a good player in the team and able to contribute, so I chose here and got a really good scholarship,” he said.
Relocating from inland California to the coast of Florida, Gavin has had the chance to absorb different American lifestyles, while studying and playing elite sport in a college environment.
“It’s weird being in the mountains then coming to the beach over the other side of the country. I’m happy I’ve gotten to experience both,” Gavin noted.
Gavin’s goals
With a range of accolades already supporting him, Gavin’s aspirations are in no way slowing down. From one strong soccer program to the next, he has big plans for where he sees his team heading in the next few years at West Florida.
“My highlight so far was to be able to play for one of the best division 2 schools in America. We’ve been ranked nationally and we’re in one of the most competitive conferences in division 2. I just think that playing at such a high level with great players is my highlight so far,” Gavin noted.
“I’d like to win our conference, which is going to be hard. I want to win that either this year or next year, go to the regionals and be able to compete regionally and rank in the top 25 for division 2 men’s soccer. It’s sort of all of our goals in the team and it’s mine as well.”
Not only was Gavin Offensive Player of the Year in the Golden Valley Athletic Conference in 2015 at Feather River College, he was awarded a 2015 All-GVC First Team selection, All-GVC Academic team in 2014/15 and also led the GVC in goals in 2015.
Gavin’s ability to balance and perform highly in both academics and sport is a credit to him and the US college system for student-athletes.
Paving the way for future NSR student-athletes, Gavin notes that his journey proves that following a US college pathway can be hugely beneficial for young people.
“I feel like it’s something that looking back on now, it looks good for people coming over to Junior College. What I’ve done shows you the kind of things you can achieve. Just because you go to a small school doesn’t mean you can’t go on to a big school like where I am now.
“It’s a big school and a big powerhouse in men’s soccer. I think other students who are coming over can look at that like; look what you can make if you really want to, that’s what I like to think!” he said.
Making memories
While fantastic achievements on and off the soccer field have reflected incredibly on Gavin’s college career as a student and athlete, one of the benefits Gavin values the most about the US college pathway is the memories he has made and the friendships he has established.
“My Junior College was a small school but it had a strong soccer program for internationals, there was only two Americans in my Freshman year in the team. Everyone was international!
“Because we had a good soccer team a lot of us went to the same level, I’ve already played against three of my friends in my conference already. From my junior college, it was a small school so I’ve already played against one from Tennessee and one from Mississippi.
“I’ve made a lot of good friends that I will have for a long time from my first school,” Gavin said.
Through the close connections Gavin has made with students from all over the world, the talented soccer athlete now has spread his opportunities globally. He notes that even the challenges you face being an international student-athlete helped build these relationships and make them stronger.
“I was coming to a country where I didn’t know a soul, so once I got over here and made some friends and became friends with my roommates, that’s definitely something that really helped me through it.
“My roommates were all in the same boat, we were all really far from home because we were all internationals. Having them as friends, who I still talk to every week now even though we’ve all moved separate ways, was something that helped me get through it,” Gavin said.
Gavin’s US college pathway reflection
Gavin still has an exciting few years ahead at University of West Florida, with opportunities to advance his sport, education and travel experiences.
Studying Building and Construction Engineering, Gavin has no concrete plans for when he graduates from college, recognising the opportunities in both America and Australia that this college pathway has opened up for his future.
“It’s something that I feel like I’d be able to bring back home or I could get my masters, there’s a lot of schools down here that I’d like to live at…
“I’m not really set on anything. If I got an opportunity for an internship or to work over here I’d definitely love to do that. If not, I can always go home and give it a go back there.
“It’s something that I feel like I’d be able to get a lot of opportunities to work,” the talent noted.
Not only does Gavin value the opportunities his soccer and studies has built for him in the US and the world, he is extremely appreciative of the personal benefits he has gained from the US college pathway.
“It’s somewhere where you can play soccer and study in the same program and it’s a broad opportunity. Moving away from home builds a lot of personal skills and independence. It’s a challenge for me and I wanted to do it,” Gavin said.
Finally, the Perth athlete had a piece of advice to share with NSR athletes considering a future pathway to college in the US.
“My advice would be to work hard but study as well. In terms of being away from home you just have to stick with it. There were a lot of times that I felt like I was going to home but then a few months later I was happy. I wouldn’t be able to come to a place like this if I didn’t stick it out!”