Hailing from Northern Ireland, Gareth Elliott stepped onto the URI scene as a player in 1998, as a stick thin, gangly freshman touted to be a massive impact. Instead he was welcomed after 2 weeks with the statement from an assistant Coach of being 'a waste of a scholarship'. From that point, 'G' , as he has become known, hit his ground swallowing stride, and has never looked back. Among the top leaders in URI history in scoring, Two NCAA appearances as a player, Three as assistant coach to legendary 'Fast' Eddy Bradley, and since taking over the reigns at Siena as Head Coach, 'G' has completely changed the face of the soccer program. In it's history, Siena had only ever brought in two foreigner players to help bolster the squad. In 'G's' first year alone he brought in four from Europe. In four years he has set program records for wins, victories over Nationally ranked teams, producing All Conference Team MAAC players both on the pitch and in the classroom, and this past season achieving the honour of MAAC Conference COACH OF THE YEAR. All he ever needed was his URI Coaches initial challenge. And now there is one, just as great as all the ones he has faced before...back 'home'...in Kingston, RI. It's the challenge to turn our beloved Rhody soccer back into a Nationally recognized program. A place where many have come and gone, leaving only their hearts and fondest memories behind, with the promise to always return. Only this time to watch from the stands with all those who have pulled on a Rhody Blue before, supporting the new crop of talent while trading a hug and story of times past. You see, URI soccer is more then just what happens on the pitch. And no one understands, nor bleeds the Rhody Blue more then 'G'. But to achieve such bonds, requires a certain level of success and breed of players. Players who live by the statement 'Life goes as football (soccer) goes'. Players as well however, who will get the job done in the classroom realizing they may be footballers for life in the heart, but must be prepared should the body or professional opportunities dwindle. With 'G', he has proven that he not only has the eye for this 'breed' of talent, the ability to bring this potential professional level player into his program, but also the knowledge of how to unite all these individuals from different walks of life, to make a successful team....a family. Now we ask you, the selection committee, to do what a URI Coach did to Gareth back in 1998. To challenge him. There may be a couple other coaches on your list with more experience who are perhaps from bigger programs. But we can promise you that no other applicant who sits across from you will match Gareth's passion, love and knowledge for a program he once help build. So give him the challenge...we all have witnessed before the success that it will bring. Cheers, URI Soccer Alumni

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