What your son really gets when he plays GU soccer
Published: December 21, 2022
While Soccer Coach Chris Swift savors the conference tournament championship that his Greenville University Panthers just secured, he treasures the post-season confessions of his players more.
We’ve seen their winning ways on the field, but here’s a glimpse at strong character and selfless service in the making off the field. If your young up-and-coming soccer player wants to kick that ball in college, this may be the program for him . . .
Came as a kid, left as a man
Greenville men’s soccer program has changed my life forever. I came to this school as a kid, and I’m now proud to say I’m leaving as a man. My four years here have been filled with ups and downs. I was injured for two of those years. It required lots of dedication and hard work for me to get back to a team and family that brings me so much happiness. Like every journey in life, nothing comes easy. Guided by coaches and players, I’ve managed to continue playing the sport I love and continue to assist the program in any way I can. This season was just the cherry on top for me to end my soccer career. I’ll never forget the memories created; I’ll share them amongst my family and friends. The SLIAC championship, championship t-shirts, and hopefully rings will forever recall an unforgettable season with my brothers. This program changed my life forever, I will forever be thankful for this beautiful experience, and for the people I’ve met along the way. - Santiago Alzate
Saying “I’m in” to accountability
Swift credits the strength of this year’s team to determined student leaders who led on and off the field. They provided spiritual guidance, modeled behavior, and held their teammates accountable “to the highest standards.”
- They adopted “selfless” as their theme last spring when they laid plans for a 2022 season of team-first commitment.
- They dispensed with “Player of the Week” recognition, opting instead to focus on team outcomes.
- They rallied around teammates who endured injuries, loss, and trying family issues.
A better person, leader, student, and disciple
I came in as a freshman in 2019 with high expectations as a player. I was humbled immediately by injury and the pace of the game; I did not play much at all my first year. I was frustrated with myself and struggled to find my role on the team. [But] I learned from older players and from the coaches about what I could do to improve and realize opportunities to play. After working hard all summer, I returned my sophomore year, stronger and better, with something to prove. The coaches affirmed my growth as a player, and I began to take roles in leadership as well. 
As I improved on the field as a soccer player, I also grew as a man of faith and as a leader. I have been blessed to participate in the leadership group, learn from the coaches, be captain for the last two years, and serve the team.
This last year, my senior year, was the most incredible experience with soccer I have had in my life. Led by coach Swift, we made selflessness a priority from the start. We put hard work, trust, discipline, and faith at the center of our program. This took a talented group of guys and made it into a family. The trust, support, and companionship amongst the coaches and players was indescribable. We supported each other on and off the field through hard times and celebrated with each other through the good times.
Winning the conference championship was the icing on the cake in a college soccer career I did not expect. The individual awards do not come close to the significance of the team trophy and the growth we have seen from every single member of the team. I will remember this team and this year for the rest of my life and will show my kids the SLIAC championship t-shirts and hopefully rings that recall an unforgettable season with my teammates, whom I consider brothers. This program has not only made me a better player, but it has made me a better person, a better leader, a better student, and a better disciple [of Jesus Christ].– Kyle Sunderland
International players, my brothers
My experience in the Greenville men’s soccer program these past five years has been life changing. I have met new friends from all over the world who I now consider my brothers. I have the opportunity to spend another two years with the team as graduate assistant. We have accomplished so many things as a group. Winning the SLIAC this year was definitely a huge accomplishment. Overall, I would not trade this team and coaches for any other team or coaches. This group of guys is a team I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.” - Jared McPeek
GU men’s soccer playbook begins with welcoming international players
To learn more about Panther soccer, email Assistant Athletic Director and Head Men's Soccer Coach Chris Swift, chris.swift@greenville.edu, or call 618-975-2471.
