9
Jun, 2021
Internationals SC alumna Alexis Gordon has made an incredible impact on and off the field at Lourdes University, a private university and NAIA program in Sylvania, Ohio.
“I learned a lot from this past season both academically and athletically,” Gordon said. “The two biggest things I learned athletically was to always trust the process and that you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. COVID-19 played an impact on our program as our fall season soon became a split season. COVID-19 also helped us in some ways like creating a sense of flexibility among everyone because everything was constantly changing.”
In her first season she appeared in 15 matches, making 11 starts for the Gray Wolves. She scored goals against Rochester and Madonna in March and tallied a total of nine shots. For her efforts she was named to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference All-Newcomer Team.
“It was a great feeling being honored by the NAIA,” Gordon said. “This recognition means a lot to me as I have worked so hard and overcome many doubters and obstacles to be the great player I am today. Being named as an All-Newcomer team member just confirms that all of my hard work and dedication to this sport is paying off.”
Despite the recognition, Gordon still has a lot that she wants to accomplish.
“Obviously like any other team in the conference, a short-term goal would be a chance at the championship match,” Gordon said. “Long-term, the goals I have for my team may seem simple but they have a huge impact on the game. If I could put it into one word, that would be family. Having a close-knit, caring, and fun group to be around gives off a sense of love and commitment to each other and our game. A huge goal I want for myself long-term is to be the person who is a leader and makes everyone feel involved, welcome, and needed in any practice, game, or outside event. All of my teammates and future teammates have something special about them that they can contribute to the team. A short-term goal I have for myself is my physical game. As I have now been able to adjust to the technical and tactical side of things, next on my list is my physical approach to each battle.”
Gordon clearly played an important role on the team.
“I would describe my playing style as a playmaker and creator,” Gordon said. “Constantly making runs on and off the ball to create new space for my teammates to fill. My favorite and best position is the number 10 or the attacking midfielder. This is where I feel most comfortable and it allows me to make different runs giving me a chance anywhere on the field at any time.”
The Medina, Ohio native has been impressed with the level of competition in the NAIA.
“The speed and level of play is very high at Lourdes,” Gordon said. “From training sessions to games, you must practice how you will play. Practice at a high level and speed of play and you will compete at a high level and speed of play. If not, other teams will be ready to take over. Competition throughout the NAIA is very high and there are many high-quality players and teams who all want to compete for the trophy.”
The Lourdes University coaching staff has been impressed with Gordon’s skills and progress.
“Alexis has been a fantastic addition to our program,” Lourdes University women’s soccer head coach Jackie Phillips said. “She has demonstrated an extremely high level of commitment which is evident in her daily habits as a student athlete within our program. The standard she holds herself to both in the classroom and on the field is what propels her to success at Lourdes. This season Alexis played within our attacking unit on the field. Primarily playing in the 10 role for us this season, she transitioned quickly to the college game. Her tactical understanding of the game as well as her movements off the ball allowed her to find success early in her career. The future is bright for Alexis."
Lourdes University has proven to be the perfect fit for Gordon.
“I chose Lourdes because of their small, tightknit community, athletics and excellent nursing program,” Gordon said. “I have grown very much as a student-athlete. Having upperclassmen on the soccer team who are also nursing majors has helped a lot. It gives me someone to lean on in times of need. My coaches were also a huge help in my growth so far academically. Having them always check in and provide extra resources was a great advantage.”
Gordon believes Internationals SC helped her reach the next level.
“Internationals Soccer Club is a large part of the reason I am playing at the collegiate level,” Gordon said. “Showing up to each practice session, I knew I was going to get better on the ball and off the ball. The one coach who I could say I almost grew up with and who made the biggest impact was Jared Rose. From my very first tryout at the age of nine to my final practice that I didn't know would be my last at the age of 18, he has made me into the player I am today and I will forever be grateful for all of his help. He was always willing to make time outside of practice to talk about anything related to soccer or anything you had questions about i.e. skills, goals, college. His knowledge about the game is top-notch and is hard to find anywhere else. If it weren't for him, I'm not sure I would be the player I am today.”
Rose, who serves as ISC’s Regional League Director, was quick to point out the contributions Gordon made as a member of the club.
“Alexis set the standard for what it means to play at Internationals,” Rose said. “She was with the club for nine years and was so dedicated and passionate about becoming the best player she could be, and competed all the time. This translated to every aspect of her life. I know with that mentality she will continue to help her grow and impact at the collegiate level. The club could not be more proud to have had a player like her as a part of our family.”
Gordon has accomplished so much in her first season but the best is yet to come for this Internationals SC alumna.
Photo Credit: Lourdes Athletics