College-bound soccer player is Gilmer’s first
When John Nix accepted a college soccer scholarship to Lander University, it was a historic moment for Gilmer High School.
Nix, a 2021 GHS honor graduate, is the first boys soccer player in the 17-year history of the program to go on to play in college. He discussed his soccer journey during a recent interview and hopes his destination serves to inspire others.
“By my freshman year, I knew I really wanted to play college soccer,” Nix said. “That’s when I really started to grow into myself size wise and as a person. I understood that if I kept improving at the rate I was that I’d definitely have the opportunity.
“It means a lot, and I really hope this paves the way for a lot of other Gilmer soccer players. I hope this makes it apparent that it’s doable even though we’re not from a soccer-first town. I know we have the talent, and it looks like the program is going in the direction that we’re looking to try and send players to college. I can definitely see a lot of players in next year’s senior class going.”
Lander is a public university located in Greenwood, S.C., which is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Ellijay. The Bearcats compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II as members of the Peach Belt Conference.
Along with North Carolina’s Brevard College and Pfeiffer University, as well as Tennessee Wesleyan University, they made up the top schools vying for Nix’s talents.
“Lander is a top-five program, which is what I was looking into and to make an impact,” Nix said when asked what led to his decision.
“I really like the coaching staff. They were really up front with how they saw me playing and how they saw me breaking into the first team. I really like the team and the environment. It seemed like they were very oriented on making sure everyone is a part of something bigger. I really like the area it’s in and really like the school.”
Nix visited Lander last November and was able to take a campus tour, meet players and coaches and even participated in a full practice.
“It was a great experience getting to train with the first team,” Nix said. “There was a little bit of a shock factor, and you could tell it was a high-level program. It was very quick, and you ran out of energy within the first hour and it was a 2 1/2 hour practice.
“The school was really nice and it’s really up to date. It has a pretty decent sized campus for where it’s located.”
Journey begins
Nix stared playing organized soccer locally in fifth grade and continued through middle school. He eventually joined the club circuit and played for both Georgia Impact in Cherokee County and Georgia ODP of Atlanta. He noted he had a trial with the U.S. Development Academy but that fizzled out last spring as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.
“It really made you surround yourself with players who are better than you,” Nix said of his four years of travel experience. “It forces you to improve if you want to compete with everyone.
“Before that, I only played low-level soccer like high school or with friends at the park. It really forced me to recognize what I was doing wrong because you’re definitely not the best player there. It was a really great experience.”
Nix earned a varsity letter in each of his four years at GHS and was a full-time starter by his sophomore season. He played multiple positions but was mainly defensive minded.
The Bobcats’ 2020 season was cut short by the pandemic, and Gilmer was able to play seven games before it was canceled.
“I felt like I had a chip on my shoulder my senior year with something to prove,” Nix said. “My junior year I really felt like it was my breakout season. I wasn’t just getting minutes, but I was one of the more important players. As a senior, I wanted to come back and show I had what it took to change the game and make the players around me better.”
Gilmer achieved a spot in the Class 3A state playoffs Nix’s senior year. For their efforts, GHS drew the No. 2 team in the state and eventual state champions, Coahulla Creek. For a half of play the score was tied, 0-0. However, the Colts came alive for seven goals in the second half as depth and fatigue started to plague the Bobcats.
“We knew it was going to be a really hard game and came out in the first half and it was tied. I really felt like the entire team rallied together,” Nix said. “I felt like we had what it took to win that game, and I don’t think that’s something we’ve seen ever with a team I’ve been on. Ending on that note, even though we ended up losing with that scoreline, I felt like I left Gilmer on a really good note.”
Nix was voted to the all-region team at the conclusion of the season. He credits middle school coach Adam Palmer, high school coaches Simon Phipps and Taylor Johnstone and his travel coaches for aiding his progression on the field and helping him realize his potential.
Looking ahead
Lander coaches have plans for Nix to be a reserve player as a freshman before working his way into the starting lineup.
“They said my initial year they can see me being a second-string player. I’m really hoping to go in and attempt to break into the first team my freshman year,” Nix said. “They said if not my first year then by at least late my sophomore year I could be a very important player. That’s what I’m hoping for; to break into the first team and be a player who can make a difference.”
Lander coaches have Nix slotted as a right back who will get forward along the wing, and he is pleased with the forecast.
“In high school soccer, I focused more on the defensive end of it,” Nix said. “I’m really looking forward to going into a position I’m more familiar with. That’s basically what I played growing up on travel teams was a winger and a right back. I really hope I can transform my game quickly to a college player so I can compete.”
In the classroom, Nix plans to either study pre-medicine or nursing.
“I want to be able to directly help people and have always wanted to do stuff for the betterment of others,” Nix said. “My mom (Laura) is definitely my biggest influence. I’ve seen how she’s helped other people. She’s a nurse practitioner, and I’ve always looked up to her for that.”