Athlete of the Week: Kaylee Gillespie scores two goals against Lincoln University

The William Jessup University women's soccer team is 2-3-1 to start the season but the Lady Warriors picked up a big 4-0 win against Lincoln University from Oakland on Friday. Sophomore midfielder Kaylee Gillespie scored two goals in the contest and has led the Warriors with six goals and an assist in the first six matches. Gillespie led William Jessup University as well last season with 11 goals and four assists. Lady Warriors goalkeeper and Lincoln High alumna Megan Handl explained how Gillespie instills more confidence in the team when she is out on the field. "I feel that she helps everyone be better because she is super talented. However, she doesn't hold onto the ball too long and she lets others play as well while connecting some of our most beautiful plays throughout the field," Handl said. "She can be very motivating not only to show girls that you can be an amazing player but she helps girls keep their heads up when they start to lose their confidence. She has such a fun and amazing personality and I feel that also helped her have such a positive effect on the team." The Lincoln News Messenger asked Gillespie some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about playing soccer at William Jessup University? Gillespie: "The best part about playing soccer at Jessup is my teammates and all the knowledge I've gained to add to my game so far." How long have you been playing soccer competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Gillespie: "I've been playing soccer since I was 4 years old but competitively since I was 10. My biggest motivation has always come from my parents and grandparents, who are my biggest supporters, as well as my desire to try and always be the best player on the field no matter where I am at." You scored two goals in Friday's game and have six goals in your first six matches. What has contributed to your early success on the attacking front? Gillespie: "The two goals I scored Friday were both off crosses, which isn't as common for me. Coach Amsalu Fantahun has really been working with me and my runs into the box, so I think this game I really pushed to be in the box and it worked in my favor." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Gillespie: "My favorite professional athlete is Cristiano Ronaldo. How hard he works is very inspiring and I've always looked up to him." Did any of your family members play sports? Gillespie: "My dad played soccer growing up and my mom was a swimmer as well. Neither played past high school, though." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Gillespie: "Soccer has always been my number one sport but I did a little softball as well as gymnastics growing up while playing soccer too." What are your biggest strengths as a player? Gillespie: "I think my biggest strengths as a player are my speed and being left footed." What is/has been your favorite class in college thus far and why? Gillespie: "My favorite college class so far is any of my teaching classes. We get to do a lot of in-classroom work, which is really fun for me." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Gillespie: "My favorite artists are SZA and Lil Baby. Sza is my go to for everyday music and Lil Baby for pregame hype." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Gillespie: "My favorite restaurant is Jack's Urban Eats and I love a good salad." Outside of school and playing soccer, what do you like to do in your free time? Gillespie: "In my free time, I like to spend time with the family and my boyfriend as well as work out and I really like to take photos and do stuff with photography." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Gillespie: "I'd love for soccer to one day be my job if I can make it that far! However, I am currently studying to get my teaching credential and I want to be a first-grade teacher and coach soccer on the side." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Gillespie: "A piece of advice for another local athlete would be to just continue to follow your dreams no matter how big because you can do anything if you set your mind to it and you work hard. There isn't anything stopping you but yourself."