LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (September 11, 2008) -- While growing up in St. Michael's Barbados, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania sophomore goal keeper and physical education major Andre Wilkinson (St. Michael's, Barbabos/William Grady) gravitated to soccer just as something to do as it was custom in his hometown.
The thought of ever going to college and playing professionally were far from his mind.
That all changed in 2005 when he first came to America and he started to take soccer more seriously. Wilkinson got his first taste of competitive soccer at William Grady High School in New York. At first, he tested his skills as a striker but found his true calling on the field thanks to a childhood habit.
“From birth, I used to like diving on the floor, diving on my bed,” Wilkinson said. “I don't know why, I just liked diving. I figured goal keeper is a good feel for me.”
Excelling in track as well at Grady, Wilkinson's search for a college came with one exception -- he wanted to go to a school that had both a solid soccer and track program. When in track mode, Wilkinson runs anywhere from the 55 to 400 meters. His track workouts have helped him on the field by improving his quickness, strength, and discipline.
Wilkinson has continued to star in the classroom as well, earning Dean's List honors following his freshman year.
Despite his natural talent, Wilkinson admits that goalkeeper is a tough position and he has room for improvement. It is basically the last line of defense for the team. He takes pride in his skill and giving his teammates motivation, encouragement, and advice.
“My leadership, diving skills, and my reaction time,” as Wilkinson explains what he needs to work on. “For me it was natural, but you have to be into it. You have to be dedicated to it. You have to love the floor because I know some goalies don't like diving. It's a very tough job. No matter what, nothing is passing me. I'm going to try and save everything that comes my way.”
Last season Wilkinson recorded 33 saves as the team went 3-9 for the season. He played an excellent game against Penn State-Brandywine on September 10 as the team tallied their first win of the year. Wilkinson made three saves in an emotional win.
“It's good, but there is room for improvement,” says Wilkinson. “I think that for the rest of the season, now that we know how to win and we know what it feels like, we will be enthusiastic to push and keep wining to make the soccer program at Lincoln much better.”
Not only was it a big day for Wilkinson and his teammates, it was also a milestone as first year head coach Z. Joseph Jallah guided his team to his first victory in his young career. Wilkinson feels good about his new coach. Even though there are not too many new faces on this year's team, there still is an adjustment period as both coach and players learn about one another.
“He's a young coach,” Wilkinson said. He has a lot of enthusiasm and he is willing to work with us and be patient. He should be a good coach for the long road.”
Wilkinson knows about adjusting. The Lincoln men's soccer team consists of many international players and that can lead to different styles and philosophies.
“It just shows that soccer is more of an international sport,” Wilkinson says. “It's not emphasized as much in America. To come together as a team, it's kind of hard. The chemistry is not as good in the beginning, but as you go on the chemistry improves.”
A fan of team Arsenal and player Thierry Henry, Wilkinson aspires to play soccer professionally overseas. He believes that if he works on the small things such as reaction time, that one day he will get there. He just needs the opportunity.
“I'm hoping someone will be able to see me and I will be able to pursue my dream in becoming a professional goalie on the international stage,” says Wilkinson.
For the kid who used to dive on his bed and floor, his love for playing goalie and the nuances that go with it may just be enough for him to catch someone's eye.
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