Introducing the PACK PERSPECTIVE, our newest series providing Madison College student-athletes, both current and former, an opportunity share about the experiences of competing for and belonging to the WolfPack in their own voice. The first installment comes from recently graduated men's soccer player, Gabe Voung...

One of the best decisions I have ever made was choosing to go to Madison College. I always knew I wanted to play soccer at the highest level possible and worked towards that goal my whole life. When the time to choose a college came, I was left with little selection. To be completely honest it was a hard pill to swallow. I wanted to continue playing at a high level, but there wasn't that opportunity at the time. This led to me almost quitting soccer all together. Luckily, I have some great friends, parents, and a very supportive twin brother who all pushed me to keep playing. I eventually decided on Madison College, and I wouldn't trade my two years for anything.

Coming into Madison College my expectations were low. I initially chose the college because they had soccer, they were more affordable than other schools, it was close to home, and I would have the opportunity to transfer. I thought that it was a junior college so it wouldn't be as nice or as professional, but it was far from that. Immediately I was greeted by a great coach and team who supported me and helped me succeed at this level. My coach during this year, Tim Bruner, was probably one of the best coaches I've had and who I credit with a lot of my success during my freshman season. I think I probably played some of my best soccer during my freshman year at Madison college, and it was because of him and the coaching staff. It was a great feeling, especially because of what happened with my recruiting prior to coming. I was able to find my spark again.

Unfortunately, my coach stepped away from the program after my first year and he was replaced by another coach, Logan Fye. He turned out to also be great. Of course, I was a bit skeptical at first, but as the season progressed, I grew a strong relationship with him, as well. He was another great coach who believed in me, and he played a key role in getting me to my next school. So thank you coach Fye. My sophomore year as a whole wasn't as successful as my freshman year, but it was a fun ride. I made even more great friends and relationships throughout this year that I know will last a lifetime.

One of my greatest memories at Madison College was all the time spent with my teammates, especially after training.  We had this thing where after training we would all go to the cafeteria and get breakfast together, specifically, the "Big Breakfast". This is where I formed great relationships with my teammates, as well as shared some great moments with each other. This started my freshman year, but there wouldn't be that many of us. We would tend to get around 5-10 people for breakfast at times my sophomore year, but I remember one morning after training Coach Fye said breakfast was on him. We pushed together multiple tables and had almost the whole team for that breakfast. That was really a great moment for me just being able to enjoy breakfast with all my teammates and coaches. It was a great representation of my experience at Madison College. I also want to give a quick shout out to my volleyball class during my sophomore year. It was a great class and very fun.

I would have to say the worst thing about Madison College was how fast it goes by. It felt like I blinked, and it was over, but that still doesn't take away from all the memories and relationships I made here. I loved my experience here so much that it was hard to say goodbye. 

I want to thank everyone in the athletic department for everything they did for me during my two years. I want to thank my coaching staff during both seasons. Although they were two completely different groups of coaches, they all pushed me to do my best not only on the field, but in the classroom, as well. I want to thank my teammates for making my experience as great as it was. I truly met some great people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I also want to thank the players and coaches from the other athletic teams. Madison College felt like a family, and it was because of you guys as well.  

I don't want this to sound like an advertisement for Madison College, but my experience here changed my life. I was on the verge of quitting soccer and giving up on my dreams, and now two years later, I am further along than I ever thought I would be. The support from everyone here is so great and I feel like it is a great environment to excel and grow, whether that be academically or athletically. At the end of the day sports will come to an end. The memories and relationships you make throughout your experience in sports is what sticks with you, and I am glad to say I made many during my time at Madison College.

Follow WolfPack athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube