University of Chicago men's soccer graduate Richard Gillespie has been chosen as the UAA's representative for the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA)'s annual Division III Student-Athlete of the Year Award for Men’s Sports.
Final conference submissions were submitted last week with regional selections scheduled to be announced on Aug. 10 with the DIIICA Student-Athletes of the Year scheduled to be announced on Aug. 24.
Gillespie excelled both on and off the soccer pitch for UChicago, which captured the 2022 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship title in an historic season that saw then head coach Julianne Sitch become the first woman to lead a men's program to the NCAA title. Gillespie registered a 3.894 grade point average while majoring in economics and minoring in romance languages and literature.
"As a member of a nationally ranked top soccer program, it is vital for all members to work towards the same goal. Richard led by example and was an integral part in the development of our program and the success of our team. His positive attitude, leadership qualities, and work ethic have been exemplified by his willingness to learn new techniques and functions in whatever role would best help the team," stated Sitch, who is now leading the women's soccer program at University of Denver. "Not only did Richard lead the team through his work ethic and positive attitude, he was dedicated to his teammates, fitness, and mental and physical preparation for practices and games. He was also highly respected by all his teammates because he truly worked hard for all he accomplished and is an inspiring young man to be around. This respect from his teammates is best shown by the fact he captained our team to its first-ever national championship"
In addition to serving as team captain, he earned his second consecutive D3soccer.com National Defender of the Year honor, and garnered first team All-America honors from both the United Soccer Coaches and D3soccer.com organizations. The 2019 UAA Men's Soccer Rookie of the Year, Gillespie earned three All-Association honors, being named to the first team each of the past two seasons.
A 2023 magna cum laude graduate, he picked up first team College Sports Communicators first team All-Academic accolades this past fall. "Although I am extremely honored by these awards, I am most proud of the national recognition that our team’s success brought to the UChicago community. The forward-thinking mindset that is a UChicago trademark was lauded by many around the country," he commented.
"What a wonderful way for Richard to cap his time with the UAA and the University of Chicago men's soccer program by receiving this honor. Richard leads by example and has been an integral part in the development of the men's soccer program and the overall success of the team," said UChicago Director of Athletics and Recreation Angie Torain. "His positive attitude is contagious. I am so happy that I’ve had the chance to get to know him and watch him play."