TicketsBearcat to Watch: Jeremiah Gallegos
10/27/2004
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by Jaime Aronson, Sports Communications Student
Senior midfielder Jeremiah Gallegos came to Cincinnati from Laguna Beach, California after receiving several offers from other schools due to his stellar high school soccer career. His achievements in high school included being named MVP and Defensive Player of the Year during his senior year, and a four-time all-league choice. This impressive resume brought offers from schools such as St. Johns, UC Santa Barbara, and California-Irvine.
So why the University of Cincinnati? "There is just something great about this place," Gallegos says with a wide smile. Not to mention that he really liked the guys on the team and the high-paced soccer atmosphere.
Gallegos' choice to play at UC turned out to be the right one for both himself and UC. During the course of his freshman season he saw action in nine matches, starting five of them. He ranked third on the squad in scoring with four goals and one assist. His greatest t play during his first year was scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime against Wisconsin. His hard play did not go unnoticed he was honored with being named team freshmen of the year.
As a sophomore he started 17 matches and recorded one goal and three assists for five points and was named team MVP. His junior year Gallegos returned from an injury to see action in 15 games and start three of them. He scored the game-winning goal against East Carolina. The California native shines with his outstanding technical skills, aggressive playing in the box and excellent one-on-one ability as a proven goal scorer.
Gallegos has enjoyed living in Cincinnati, however there are parts of Cali that he misses. As a hobby Gallegos gets his hair in the Pacific Ocean by taking out his surfboard. "Surfing is my second passion after soccer, I love it." He has been surfing since he was twelve and plans on continuing catching waves. He appreciates surfing so much that he considers Pat O'Connell, professional surfer, to be his role model. "Pat just has a really great outlook on life."
Gallegos is not just concerned with his athletic exploits, but also his education and future career. He is a marketing major with a minor in real estate. After graduation he is unsure about what type of real estate he would like to go into or where he would like to live and work. Although he does have an interest in maybe moving to Australia and seeing how things go there.
In the spare time during the week that Gallegos rarely comes by you can catch him watching surfing videos, riding horses, or just relaxing. On the weekend s Gallegos is usually out with friends or busting a move out on the dance floor.
Time here at UC has passed by quickly for Gallegos, now playing his senior season. Up to this point in the season he has scored an impressive five goals, second on the team. He scored UC's lone goal in the double-overtime tie against Butler. Gallegos has enjoyed his time being part of the Bearcat family. He is going to miss playing soccer here and being around the college environment.