Gill helps steer a new era of Bryant Men’s Soccer

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Captain George Gill (Cork, Munster, Ireland) has seen the Bryant Men's Soccer Program at various stages in his past four years playing for the Black and Gold. Gill has helped to steer a new era of Bryant Men's Soccer and this past weekend he scored his first career goal as a senior on the team.

"It was great, and to be honest a long time coming," said Gill. "I probably should have chipped in a few more since I started here, but nevertheless it was a great buzz and I'm glad that I could help the game go in our favor."

Gill was named a junior captain of the team last year and gets to serve as a captain again this season with classmates Victor Rey and James Cochrane.

"Being a captain means a great deal to me and is something I'm very proud of. The team is like a family, the boys are great, and to be able to lead them with Victor and Jamie is an enjoyable and awesome feeling."

Since his arrival at Bryant four years ago, Gill has been a leader in moving the program in the right direction, but not without the help of his teammates and coaches, Gill says.

"We had some very tough times where things often did not go our way," said Gill. "But I think it shows the character of the players and the coaches that are here to stick at it and keep going."

The Bulldogs know what this year's team is capable of and have been emphasizing on their work ethic everyday to continue to get better.

"We knew that we could change things for the better. The work that everyone puts in is starting to show from reaching the NEC finals last year to pushing again this year with a great out of conference win last weekend against Siena."

It's been a long time since the Bulldogs have won an out of conference game, three years to be exact, and five since a victory came from a road game.

"It's not an easy thing to keep trying to stay positive after tough losses, but the determination of the lads here is unreal."

This year is different than the last, the team knows what it takes to get to the NEC final game. The new goal is to take home the conference trophy for the first time in program history.

"It has been a special few years playing for this team and I think if I can help out with winning our first title and advance to the NCAA tournament it will leave a great impact on the team and program going into the future."

One person Gill is thankful for through his time at Bryant is head coach Seamus Purcell. Purcell not only helped Gill perfect his game, but also helped him tailor it. Gill explained that the style he played at home in Ireland, is much different from the style played in America.

"Seamus has been great with me since I came as a freshman," said Gill. "We are both from Ireland, so we often see things in a similar way on the field. He helped me adjust (from the style in Ireland) while still holding onto my identity and how I would have played at home."

Gill's gratitude for Purcell doesn't stop at game play either, extending off the field as well.

"It's nice having someone that understands the difficulty of being away from home. Simple things like having a chat about the Irish (soccer) team playing or just about what you miss from home has kept me feel in touch with Ireland."

The Black and Gold are ready to take the next step with Gill at the forefront looking to give back to Purcell.

"I will always be grateful to Seamus for giving me the chance to come to Bryant and hopefully I can return the favor by helping lead the team to an NEC title."