One of my biggest academic and professional goals is to earn a degree in business from Colorado Mesa University while continuing to play collegiate soccer. My long-term vision is to launch a goalkeeper training company that offers elite coaching and develops specialized gear designed specifically for goalkeepers. I want to create something that combines my passion for the game with my entrepreneurial mindset, something that not only supports athletes physically but also mentally and emotionally. For the past three years, I’ve been giving back to my soccer community by coaching young goalkeepers. That experience has been incredibly meaningful to me. I’ve worked with kids at different levels, helping them develop confidence, technique, and a stronger understanding of the game. But what’s inspired me the most isn’t just their progress on the field, it’s seeing how much they grow as people. I’ve had the chance to mentor players through wins, losses, and personal challenges, and that’s shown me the power of leadership and guidance. It’s also taught me that giving back isn’t just about instruction, it’s about connection. These coaching experiences have inspired me to build a future where I can make a bigger impact, not only in sports, but in young athletes’ lives. I want to create a space where goalkeepers are trained, mentored, and supported in reaching their full potential, both on and off the field. I’ve seen firsthand how much a good coach or role model can shape someone’s confidence and future, and I want to keep paying that forward. Through my education and future career, I’m determined to help others the same way people have helped me. One of the most rewarding parts of coaching has been watching young goalkeepers overcome fear and doubt, and start to truly believe in themselves. Whether it’s helping a kid dive for the first time without hesitation, or seeing them bounce back after a tough game, those moments have reminded me why I love what I do. It’s not just about teaching technique, it’s about helping someone discover what they’re capable of. Coaching has also taught me patience, communication, and how to lead by example. These skills that I know will serve me both in the classroom and in business. I’ve had to adjust my coaching style to fit each player’s needs, find creative ways to explain concepts, and build trust with kids and their families. It’s challenged me to grow, and it’s made me even more motivated to pursue my degree and bring my ideas to life. My goal is to eventually open a training center focused solely on goalkeeper development, one that not only offers high-level coaching, but also mentorship programs, workshops, and community outreach. I want to create a space that feels like home for young keepers, where they feel supported and pushed to grow. I also want to use this platform to give back by offering free clinics in underserved communities, donating equipment to families in need, and using my story to inspire others who may be facing challenges of their own. Giving back has already shaped who I am. It’s not just something I do, it’s something I plan to build my life around. I’ve learned that real impact comes from consistency, care, and showing up for people when it matters. That’s what I want to carry forward with me into college, into business, and into every opportunity I have to make a difference.

My name is Michael Gale, and I’m a first-generation high school senior, a dedicated student-athlete, and someone who’s always believed in chasing excellence on and off the field. I currently hold a 3.8 GPA while playing elite-level soccer, and I’ve recently committed to playing for the men’s soccer team at Colorado Mesa University, where I will also pursue a degree in business. Soccer has been a driving force in my life. I’ve had the opportunity to play at the highest levels of youth competition, including with the LA Galaxy Academy U15 and U17 teams, and I’ve trained with professional clubs like LA Galaxy 2, San Diego Loyal, and ALBION San Diego. These experiences have taught me discipline, leadership, and perseverance. These qualities I also apply to my academics. But my journey hasn’t been without challenges. Over the past year, my parents have been going through a divorce, which has placed emotional and financial stress on our family. The cost of legal fees and maintaining separate households has made it increasingly difficult to afford college. Despite the uncertainty at home, I’ve stayed committed to my goals, finding strength through my sport and my studies. This scholarship would be a game-changer for me. It would relieve some of the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus fully on my education and athletic development. My ultimate goal is to launch a goalkeeper training business, one that combines high-level coaching with innovative gear designed specifically for goalkeepers. But more than that, I want to build a community where young athletes can grow not just in skill, but in confidence and character. Like Sean Kelly, I believe in pushing myself to be the best version of who I can be every day, in everything I do. His story reminds me that true excellence is about commitment, purpose, and the impact you leave behind. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to follow a path that honors that same spirit. As I prepare to start this next chapter at Colorado Mesa University, I know the lessons I’ve learned through adversity, athletics, and academics will stay with me. I’ve learned how to stay focused in the face of uncertainty, how to lead by example, and how to persevere through setbacks. These are not just tools I use to succeed in school or on the field, they're qualities that will carry me through life and into my future as an entrepreneur and mentor. Being a student-athlete has taught me that success doesn’t come from talent alone, it comes from showing up every day with the mindset to grow, even when it’s hard. I plan to bring that same mindset into my business, using what I learn in college to create opportunities for others. My goal is to give back to the game that’s given me so much, by supporting the next generation of goalkeepers through training, mentorship, and purpose-built gear. I want to create a space where young athletes feel seen, supported, and inspired to pursue their goals no matter what obstacles they’re facing. Receiving the Sean Kelly Memorial Scholarship would mean more than just financial help, it would be a reminder that people believe in my journey and in the future I’m trying to build. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to apply and to be considered for a scholarship that honors someone who lived with the same values I strive to live by. Thank you for considering my application. I’m ready to carry this opportunity forward and use it to reach my goals and help others reach theirs too.

Jack Terry’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and hope. Despite enduring unimaginable trauma and loss during the Holocaust, he found a way to not only survive, but to rebuild his life and dedicate it to helping others. His journey—from a 15-year-old orphan who didn’t speak English, to a medical doctor, Army officer, and public speaker—shows the power of resilience and the human spirit. What inspires me most is how he used his pain as fuel, transforming it into purpose. He didn’t just overcome adversity—he turned it into something meaningful. Over the past year, I’ve experienced one of the most difficult challenges of my life: my parents’ divorce. While it may not compare to the trauma Jack endured, the emotional and financial impact has been incredibly real for me. My parents have always been a team in supporting my soccer and academic goals, but watching their relationship break down brought a sense of instability during what’s already a huge transition in my life—preparing to leave home for college. At the same time, the cost of the divorce has made paying for school much more difficult, creating added pressure on top of everything else. Through this, I’ve had to grow up quickly. I’ve learned how to manage my emotions, stay focused, and not let personal challenges derail my goals. I’ve continued to push myself as a student, maintaining a 3.8 GPA, and as an athlete, training and competing at the highest levels of youth soccer. I’ve realized that resilience doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay—it means showing up and doing the work even when things aren’t. Like Jack Terry, I’ve found strength in moving forward with purpose. At Colorado Mesa University, I’ll be studying business while playing on the men’s soccer team. My goal is to build a goalkeeper training company that not only offers elite-level coaching but also produces high-quality gloves and gear made specifically for goalkeepers. But more than just a business, I want to create a community—one that supports young athletes in becoming not only better players, but stronger people. My company will offer mentorship, guidance, and training that helps goalkeepers build confidence, discipline, and character. In this way, I hope to give back by creating something that lifts others up, just as Jack Terry did with his life. His legacy reminds me that no matter where you start or what you’ve been through, you can turn adversity into impact. I carry that lesson with me as I move forward—not just for myself, but for every athlete, student, or young person who might need someone in their corner, believing in them the way others have believed in me.

Being a student-athlete has shaped nearly every part of who I am. It’s taught me how to handle pressure, stay organized, and stay committed to my goals, even when things get difficult. Juggling a 3.8 GPA with high-level soccer isn’t easy, especially when your days start early and end late, and your weekends are spent traveling for matches or tournaments. But I’ve learned to embrace that lifestyle because I know it’s preparing me for the future—both as a college athlete and as someone who wants to launch a business one day. Playing for elite programs like LA Galaxy U15 and U17, and training with professional teams such as LA Galaxy 2, San Diego Loyal, and ALBION San Diego, has shown me the level of work it takes to succeed. These environments demand more than just talent—they require consistency, focus, and a real understanding of how to work within a team. In high-stakes games like the MLS Next Cup or the Generation Adidas Cup, every moment counts. As a goalkeeper, I’ve had to develop mental strength and the ability to stay locked in, even when the pressure is high or things aren’t going our way. Academically, I’ve carried that same mindset into the classroom. I treat every assignment, test, and project like part of my training—an opportunity to improve and push myself. There have been times when I’ve had to study on the road or finish work late at night after training, but that’s part of the commitment. Being a student-athlete isn’t just about managing your time; it’s about making sacrifices, setting priorities, and staying focused on long-term goals. It’s also about learning to bounce back from setbacks—whether it's a tough loss on the field or a disappointing grade—and using those moments as fuel to come back stronger. Teamwork is another huge part of the experience. Soccer has taught me how to communicate under pressure, how to lead by example, and how to support others even when I’m facing challenges of my own. That’s something I take seriously, whether I’m in the middle of a game or working on a group project in school. Being a good teammate means being reliable, staying positive, and holding yourself to a high standard—not just for your own success, but for the success of everyone around you. No matter what’s happening in my life—whether it's personal challenges, academic stress, or big moments in my soccer career—being a student-athlete gives me structure and purpose. It reminds me of what I’m working toward. As I head into college at Colorado Mesa University, I know the habits I’ve built will continue to serve me. I’m ready to take on new challenges, grow as both a player and a student, and keep striving to be the best version of myself.

Over the past year, my parents have been considering divorce, and they plan to finalize it once I leave for college in August. This has been an incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing experience for me. While I understand that this decision is necessary for their personal growth and happiness, it has left me in a position where I’ve had to juggle my emotions and responsibilities, particularly as I prepare to leave for college. For as long as I can remember, my parents were a unit in supporting me, not only in my academic and athletic pursuits but also in maintaining a sense of stability. The thought of their divorce, especially now as I approach such a significant life change, has brought an unexpected amount of emotional strain. Seeing their relationship become strained over the past year was difficult; watching the tension and uncertainty without being able to do anything to ease the situation made it even harder. Despite this, I’ve had to maintain focus on my goals—my academics, my soccer career, and preparing for college. While the emotional impact is significant, the financial strain has been just as challenging. The costs of their divorce, including legal fees and maintaining separate households, have left our family in a precarious financial situation. This financial stress has made paying for my college education even more difficult than anticipated. My parents have always worked hard to ensure I have the resources to succeed, but with the added strain of the divorce, they are now struggling to provide the financial support I need to attend Colorado Mesa University. As the cost of tuition and other college expenses continues to rise, this has become a major concern. Despite the financial strain, I am determined not to let this setback define my future. I have worked hard throughout high school to maintain a 3.8 GPA while also excelling in my athletic pursuits. As a student-athlete, my commitment to soccer has been a constant source of stability, and I plan to continue that at Colorado Mesa University. My passion for both sports and academics drives me to succeed, even in the face of personal challenges. The financial burden my family faces is overwhelming at times, and it is especially challenging knowing that the resources I have to continue my education are limited. Both of my parents are working hard to support me, but with the divorce in the mix, the financial support is stretched thin. This scholarship would be an incredible relief, allowing me to focus on my studies and athletics without constantly worrying about how to cover my tuition and other expenses. The pressure of trying to fund my college education amidst these challenges is one of the most daunting aspects of the situation, and receiving this scholarship would help ease that stress and allow me to focus on building a successful future. Beyond the financial aspect, the emotional toll of my parents' divorce has taught me invaluable life lessons. It has forced me to mature faster than I expected. I’ve learned how to cope with uncertainty and how to stay focused on my long-term goals despite the turmoil surrounding me. This experience has taught me resilience, responsibility, and adaptability. I now know that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes we must adjust our expectations and push through adversity. These lessons have not only shaped my personal growth but also influenced how I approach my academic and athletic challenges. Ultimately, this scholarship would provide more than just financial support; it would allow me to continue pursuing my dreams without the constant worry about my family’s financial struggles. It would give me the opportunity to focus on my education and soccer career without distraction, allowing me to thrive both academically and athletically at Colorado Mesa University. The past year has been one of the most challenging in my life, but it has also been a time of growth and reflection. Through my parents’ divorce, I have learned the importance of resilience, hard work, and perseverance. I am determined to take these lessons with me into my future, using them to overcome any challenges that come my way as I work toward achieving my educational and career goals. This scholarship would be a crucial step in helping me achieve those dreams and make a lasting impact in my community, both as a student and as a future entrepreneur.

Growing up as a student-athlete has come with its share of challenges, both on and off the field. One of the biggest things I’ve had to overcome is balancing my athletic commitments with academics. Competing at the highest level of club soccer in the U.S.—with Albion SC MLSNEXT, and previously with LA Galaxy Academy—meant long hours of training, travel for national tournaments, and constant physical and mental demands. Despite the schedule, I’ve maintained a 3.8 GPA, and that discipline has helped shape me into someone who doesn’t make excuses and always finds a way to get the job done. Another challenge I’ve faced is financial strain. My family has always supported my dream, but the path I’ve taken hasn’t come cheap. Between training fees, equipment, travel costs, and the basic expenses of playing at an elite level, we’ve often had to make sacrifices. My parents have worked hard to give me opportunities, but the financial pressure has been real—especially as I look ahead to college, where tuition, housing, and other expenses will only increase. I’ve had to learn how to stretch every dollar, stay humble, and work for what I want. These challenges haven’t discouraged me. In fact, they’ve motivated me to be even more focused and driven. That’s why this scholarship would mean so much to me. It’s not just financial support—it’s a chance to relieve some of the burden on my family and focus fully on making the most of my time at Colorado Mesa University. I plan to major in business and play on the CMU men’s soccer team while working toward my goal of starting my own goalkeeper training and equipment business. Every dollar of this scholarship would go directly toward helping me build a future where I can give back to the sport and community that helped shape me. My experiences—training with professional clubs, competing in top international tournaments like the Generation Adidas Cup and Istria Youth Cup, and learning from some of the best coaches in the country—have helped me understand the value of opportunity. But none of it would have been possible without people believing in me along the way. I’ve also been shaped by the lessons I’ve learned from my dad, a U.S. Army veteran. His work ethic, discipline, and constant reminder that “you get out what you put in” have guided me through every challenge. Those words echo in my head when I’m pushing through a tough training session or staying up late to finish an assignment. This scholarship would not only help me afford the education I’ve worked so hard for—it would allow me to stay focused on achieving my goals and giving back to others through the business I plan to build. I want to help other goalkeepers succeed, not just with training, but with mentorship and support. And I want to show future athletes that no matter where you come from or what you face, anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.

My long-term academic and career goals reflect both my passion for soccer and my drive to build something meaningful. I plan to attend Colorado Mesa University, where I’ve committed to the men’s soccer team and will major in business. My ultimate goal is to launch a goalkeeper training business that combines elite-level coaching with the production of high-quality gloves and apparel made specifically for goalkeepers. My years of experience playing at the highest levels of youth soccer have shaped this vision. I’ve had the privilege of competing with the LA Galaxy Academy’s U15 and U17 squads and have trained with pro teams like LA Galaxy 2, San Diego Loyal, and ALBION San Diego. I also played in top international and national tournaments, including the MLS Next Cup, Generation Adidas Cup, and Istria Youth Cup in Croatia. These experiences helped me understand what serious goalkeepers need—not just in terms of coaching, but also equipment that supports their performance. That understanding is what I want to bring to my business: a place where goalkeepers train with purpose and gear that’s made just for them. Colorado Mesa University is the perfect fit for these goals. The school’s focus on both athletics and academics, especially through its business and entrepreneurship programs, gives me the tools I need to succeed. I’ll be able to keep growing as a player while learning how to build and manage a business, create a brand, and market to athletes like myself. With CMU’s support and resources, I believe I can bring my ideas to life and create something that helps other athletes reach their full potential. Beyond sports and academics, my biggest influence is my dad. He served ten years in the U.S. Army and has always led by example when it comes to discipline, hard work, and doing things the right way. He taught me that “you get out what you put in,” and that lesson has stuck with me through every practice, game, and challenge. I want to take the values he taught me and pass them on to the next generation of goalkeepers—helping them grow not just as players, but as people. When I graduate, I plan to use what I’ve learned to make a difference. I want to build a community where goalkeepers are supported, inspired, and pushed to be their best—on and off the field. Through training, mentorship, and innovation, I hope to raise the standard of what it means to be a goalkeeper, while also giving back to the game that’s given me so much.