Zack Gilson leads his team with his best foot forward as he hopes to four-peat the State Championship for his senior year and see his team thrive.
Throughout his tenure as goalie, the Oliver Ames Boys Varsity Soccer Team has already had 17 shutouts and some big wins. This season is pretty successful so far, but it is only just the beginning. The team is 4-0-3 as of Monday.
“We beat Needham. They were ranked sixth in the country before we beat them so that was a big one. And then Attleborough, as well, cause they were undefeated going into that game.”
Zack, captain and goalie, has stuck with soccer for 12 years and despite trying lacrosse and football, he always came back to soccer. He hopes he can make the most of the season for his team and continue their positive atmosphere throughout the rest of OA. Playing for himself but also his teammates helps him learn from his mistakes and lift the team up.
“Again, that goal of winning it all is just always in the back of my mind. Anytime I’m playing. Like, to reach that, what do I have to do in this game to give it my all, to eventually reach that point?”
Besides soccer, Zack has many passions that excite him and allow him to have time for himself despite the business of being soccer captain, college applications, and senior year. He tries his best to prioritize what keeps him happy and motivated, thus why he tries his best to not let pressure get to him.
“I mean I would say… my faith is the most important thing in my life, but I guess going along with that, um people and building good, strong relationships, and friendships. I’ve always felt that working hard is like something I need to be doing constantly. So whether it’s training for soccer, working out, I like to find joy, I find fulfillment in those things.”
He is aiming for a bright future and hoping to get into a great college and seeing if he will want to continue soccer during college. He hopes throughout his college career he can pursue his passions and follow his dreams.
“My top school is UVA so I want to apply early decision there and I wanna do aerospace engineering. UVA is like a top division one school so I’m not sure I can play there. But I think if I feel capable… I’ll try to walk on.”
