Fernando Gil '91 - Alumni Spotlight

Fernando Gil ’91 had an impact on the Marianapolis community from day one. Coming from his home country of Mexico, Fernando came to Marianapolis and was a fixture in the classroom as well as on his athletic teams. A three sport athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and tennis, Fernando was most successful on the soccer field. Voted as an All-Star, Fernando helped the boys’ varsity soccer team go 13-3-1 his senior year, scoring 19 goals. As one of the most talented and hard working Knights, Fernando continued his soccer career after Marianapolis at the college level and eventually the professional level. Despite not playing professional soccer anymore, Mr. Gil continues to play recreationally and has enjoyed starting a family and working back in Mexico. Fernando Gil was a terrific addition to the community when he decided to attend Marianapolis and he will always be considered a Knight! Knight Nation was able to catch up with Fernando...

College attended and major:
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Industrial Engineering

How did you get into playing professional soccer?
While I was playing at Tec de Monterrey, I had a proposal from Santos Laguna (the professional team in Torreón, the place where I live), to go to the preseason in Chile (South America). I went to the try outs so the coach could decide if I stayed or not. So at the end of the preseason he spoke to me and told me that he counted on me to be part of Santos Laguna.

Current profession:
Operations Director at AMMNSA

How did Marianapolis prepare you for the rigors of life after high school?
Marianapolis taught me the values of discipline, effort, and dedication.

What are your greatest memories from your Marianapolis playing days?
The whole year was a great experience, playing soccer, basketball, and tennis. I also met people who, even today, we are still in contact.

Who were the coaches that had the biggest impact on you during your Marianapolis days?
Mr. Gustavson and Coach Mead in soccer, Chuck Bourgeois, Bob Werge, and Glen Ravenelle in basketball, and Mr. O'Hara in tennis.

Greatest accomplishment since leaving Marianapolis?
My greatest accomplishment was graduating from college while playing professional soccer.

Greatest moments playing in college?
My greatest moments playing in college were when we won the CONADEIP tournament, which is where the best universities play against each other.

What advice would you give your high school self?
Follow your dreams and work hard to achieve them.

Do athletics still play a role in your life?
I still play soccer every Sunday and work out in the gym every morning.