Goalie stands strong behind top-ranked m. soccer - Athlete of the Week: Ravi Gill

Senior men's soccer goalie Ravi Gill has learned a few things since he transferred to Hopkins from Rutgers two years ago.

One: "An Indian kid from the suburbs of Jersey, in no way, shape or form could be an OG."

Two (regarding being from New Jersey): "You can pay for school, but you can't buy class."

Three: "I'm built to be a better mathematician than athlete."

Gill's first two points are up for interpretation (which I'll set aside for someone else, seeing as I'm neither an original gangster nor, more importantly, from New Jersey), but his third is just plain wrong. That, or Gill's really, really good at math. Because he's definitely really good at soccer.

Gill has taken seven shutout games this season, leading the Jays along to a 14-2 record. And though coming to Hopkins meant he had to say "bye bye Colt 45, hello Keystone Light," he's ultimately glad he made the decision.

Since he's dropped the OG title, Gill replaced it with the Player of the Week title from the Centennial Conference, as well as picking up a spot on the Centennial Conference Honor Roll. Maybe he's not so bad at math after all.

Soccer, math - what else is Gill good at? Ladies.

"They call him 'The Fish' because he would be a great catch for any lucky lady," confesses junior midfielder Chris Wilson.

"I started playing soccer when I was old enough to realize that soccer players had the hottest girlfriends and wives compared to other pro athletes," he said. "I always wanted to be pro and the women factor was what pushed soccer over the top for me."

Though he hasn't gone pro just yet, Gill's still grabbed a smoking girlfriend. "I like to spend time with my girlfriend, Jill. She's the greatest GF in the world!"

See? He can even get a great GF without being an OG.

But before spending time with Jill, drinking Keystone, doing math sets or playing soccer, Gill needs to take some time for himself. He starts each day with a 5:30 a.m. meditation and yoga ritual, followed by a breakfast of egg whites.

"I try to avoid carbs to stay nice and lean and to keep my 12-pack perfectly shredded," he said. After that he shreds his mind by "getting my learn on in class and kicking it at MSE."

But what about soccer? Gill was named Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week two weeks in a row this season. So far this season, he has made 49 saves, led the team to eight shutouts, and posted a .907 save percentage.

Despite his stellar skills in the goal, Gill would much rather spend his time talking about his other loves, like Jill, Jay-Z and pizza. Or complaining about his number one pet peeve: "Hot Indian girls that date mediocre white guys."

Luckily, Gill's teammates are willing to speak up for him when it comes to actually talking about the sport he plays.

"As our goalie, Ravi sets the tone for our team each and every game," said freshman midfielder Brendan Sumpio.

Considering Gill claims that during games he only thinks about "What's for dinner tonight?" and "Damn, that girl looks good," this tone has to be pretty interesting.

But senior goalie Neil Maclean, Gill's backup, finally sets the jokes aside and tells us that Gill does have skill.

"Ravi brings an intensity and focus whenever he steps in between the pipe that truly is remarkable. Seeing the saves that he can pull off, there's no doubt in my mind that he's one of the best in the country."

Apparently Gill does have fans across the country. "I actually have a Ravi Gill fan club online," he says. "Right now, the only members are my parents and an old Asian woman who loves dark chocolate."

Want to be part of the fan club? Go cheer on Gill and the rest of the Blue Jays as they take on Gettysburg at their next home game. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Homewood Field.