Recently, I caught up with Sergio Neto ‘24, a Northwood alum now studying and playing soccer at Gettysburg College. Reflecting on his first year, Sergio shared insightful details about academics, athletics, and college life transitions.
When asked about his first impression of Gettysburg, Sergio expressed that his initial reaction was far from positive. “I’m gonna hate it here,” he recalled when he arrived. “I didn’t like the environment and the town itself.” However, his feelings quickly changed as he began to meet more people and immersed himself in the community. “As more people started arriving at the school and with the start of classes, I started making more friends and getting along with many different people.” Today, Sergio speaks with great affection about his experience. “Now I love Gettysburg,” he said. “Despite all the difficulties and challenges with soccer and team performance, I do feel like a part of the community and get along well with everyone.”
In addition, one of the aspects that stands out most to Sergio about Gettysburg is the people. “Everybody is super warm and welcoming,” he shared. He finds it easy to connect with others, and the inclusive environment has helped him build strong friendships. “They are all super connected, and we can easily create a belonging community inside the college,” he explained. The ease of socializing and making new friends has been one of the most positive aspects of his experience. “It is very easy to socialize and create new friends,” he added, stressing how important this sense of belonging has been throughout his time at college.
However, like any college experience, Sergio has had stressful experiences. He acknowledged that his first-year seminar was demanding of him. “My first-year seminar stressed me out,” he admitted. “I wouldn’t say there is something I hate the most, but it was a tough adjustment.”
Most importantly, as a student-athlete, Sergio’s experience with the Gettysburg soccer program has been fantastic, thanks to the leadership of Coaches Mettrick and Malone. “The program has treated me wonderfully,” he said. “Coach Mettrick and Coach Malone are excellent coaches that know how to create a strong connection with the players.” Sergio appreciates the personal attention and guidance provided by the coaching staff, which has made his time at Gettysburg heartwarming.
When comparing the soccer programs at Gettysburg and Northwood, Sergio highlighted some significant differences. “There is a strong need to have extremely physical players who are fast and physically strong as well. It demands more on the physical side than Northwood did.” The style of play at Gettysburg is more direct, often relying on long passes. This contrasts with the more possession-based approach at Northwood, where “every single player on the pitch was free to play their best soccer.”
In terms of overall quality, Sergio shared that Northwood produced athletes capable of competing at a higher level. “Northwood produces D1 athletes or athletes that could go D1 yearly,” he explained. In comparison, he observed that while Gettysburg has talented players, “most of the team could not play at a higher level because of lack of technical quality or physical abilities.” Despite this, he acknowledged that there are always exceptions, with a few standout players who could compete at higher levels.
In conclusion, Sergio’s journey at Gettysburg has been filled with unexpected events and valuable experiences. His initial skepticism has turned into great appreciation for both the school and its people. Whether adjusting to a new playing style, overcoming academics, or finding a sense of belonging, Sergio’s time at Gettysburg has shaped him for personal growth, both on and off the field. “I love Gettysburg,” he said, summarizing his experience in a simple yet powerful way.
