DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
The recruiting process for Division I athletes has only grown more stressful in the past decade as college athletics continue to evolve and the costs involved in high education across the country continue to rise.
For local soccer phenom Carly Gilbert, getting the process out of the way and committing to Morehead State at the end of her junior year means that she can focus on what she loves: playing soccer.
“My recruiting process was rough,” admits Gilbert. “It was long, stressful and not fun at times, but it was completely worth it. There were times I wanted to give up and just pick a place, but I was able to have cool experiences not many get to have.”
Gilbert made plenty of visits, alternating between in-state options and several MAC schools. While a number of schools in neighboring Ohio seemed like likely spots for the goal-scoring forward, it was a school in Kentucky that won the race to sign her.
“When I began the recruiting process,” says Gilbert, “I guess I fell in love with the Kentucky/Tennessee area because of that ‘southern charm’ feel.”
Gilbert noted that she felt that charm as soon as she stepped foot on the campus of Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.
“The location of it is perfect,” she says. “It’s close enough to still come home on the weekend but it is far enough to feel like I am going away for school.”
Located in a valley, Morehead is beautiful, Gilbert says, with wildlife and a picturesque backdrop.
“They even have a lake on campus, it is beautiful.”
Gilbert will major in exercise science with hopes of eventually getting into physical therapy school and becoming a physical therapist.
On the field, Morehead is the right choice, too, says Gilbert.
“Within his first year at Morehead, coach Fox flipped the program from consistently finishing towards the bottom of the OVC to having a winning record,” says Gilbert, who points out that last year the team led the conference for a large chunk of the season before finishing third. The team reached the semifinals of the conference tournament.
“This year will be his second year and he continues to build the program with high-level recruits and a strong team culture.”
Gilbert’s high school head coach Steve Lee has coached several players who have gone on to play high-level college soccer, including Emily Gunsett, who also began her college career at Morehead.
“I am confident Carly will be successful,” he told WZBD this week. “Soccer at the next level is a completely different ball game. She will have her work cut out for her and there will be many challenges in her next chapter, but Carly is hard working and goal driven.”
Continuing to play at the next level is the achievement of a goal Gilbert has held since she was in second grade.
“Going all the way back to when I started playing club soccer at Fort Wayne United,” she says, “this is what I always wanted. I think it became even more achievable when I moved clubs to FC Pride in Indy.”
Now that the decision is made, Lee expects to get even more out of his star senior this fall.
“She has had this dream for many years,” says Lee. “The process is very competitive.”
Lee points out that only 10% of players go on to the next level and only a quarter of those play at the DI level.
Joining Gunsett and Kristen Harvey as a player at that level, Gilbert will have high expectations in her senior season.
“Her letter of intent is just one box to check,” notes Lee. “Her goals are going to be set at the highest level for her final year. I am so proud of Carly for her dedication to achieve her goals.”
Gilbert also feels that making a decision, along with a recent position change, will lead her to a great senior season.
“I have gained a new perspective of the game and my passing percentages and communication have improved a lot,” she says. “I feel like because my decision is made I will be able to enjoy my senior year to the max. It will be my last year with all my best friends and I want to make the most of it. I won’t have to worry about being recruited anymore so I can focus on building up the underclassmen.”
It’s that leadership that has made a profound impact on the Bellmont program and it shone through last season after Gilbert was injured and unable to play in the postseason for the team.
“Last year she displayed that leadership on and off the pitch,” recalls Lee. “You really learn a lot about an individual when unfortunate circumstances take away something they love.”
Lee says the day after Gilbert broke the news of the broken bone diagnosis, he arrived to the Bellmont practice field to find the team already in training, going through a shooting drill.
Gilbert was leading the drill as a coach by herself.
“She knew her season was over but she still had team goals that were unfinished,” he says. “Carly became a very good coach the rest of the season.”
As for what next season might bring, Lee says the sky is the limit.
“There’s no doubt we will set very high expectations,” he says. “And it will take a lot of work for us to get there, but it is possible to reach the sky with hard work and dedication from the coaches and players.”
Gilbert can recite the goals she’s set for herself and her team.
“For high school, I want to reach 100 goals in my career, win conference, and make it through regionals again. Outside of that I just want to keep improving and prepare myself to compete at the Division I level.”
Gilbert ended her conversation with WZBD by thanking her parents.
“My parents get 100% of the credit. From driving and traveling with me all around the country, to paying for everything, and helping me through this recruitment process, they have been my biggest supporters and never fail to show up for me. Without them, I would’ve never been able to make this decision and I am so thankful for them.”
Congrats Carly! I had fun in Florida, tell Ian I said hi.