Senior Ellen Gose signed her official letter of intent to play Division I soccer at the College of Charleston today, National Signing Day for all college-bound athletes.

Gose, who began playing soccer at age four, is a four year varsity player for the Lady Seahawks. This year will be her second as captain of the varsity squad.

Playing collegiate soccer has always been a dream for Gose.

“I’ve wanted to play soccer in college since I was ten,” Gose said.

During the signing ceremony, varsity girls soccer coach Michael Astudillo, who took over the head coaching position last season, commended Gose on her perseverance and continuous dedication to the team in front of Gose’s family and Seahawk teammates.

Gose’s soccer accomplishments include being named to the Second Team All-Liberty District last year. Her leadership qualities and perseverance do not go unnoticed.

“Ellen leads by example,” Astudillo said. “She has persevered through injury and through college applications and school deadlines. She has always come out better, stronger, and faster. She has persevered throughout her whole high school career in the classroom and on the field. That is probably the most influential part that she has brought to the team.”

After playing through a knee injury during last year’s season, Gose had surgery on her knee in August. Yet, her recovery is going well and Astudillo expects her to be healthy at the start of the season.

“About six months ago, Ellen had an injury to her knee,” Astudillo said. “She had surgery and is back and better than ever. She had some ankle problems earlier in her high school career and she came back stronger from that. I expect her to come back stronger from this.”

Gose received offers from other Division II and Division II schools as well, but immediately fell in love with the College of Charleston for its southern beauty and welcoming nature.

“First of all, the College of Charleston is beautiful,” Gose said. “It’s in the south, and I have always wanted to go to school there. It’s in a historic area, which I really like as well. My aunt lives about an hour away as well. The team was just so welcoming and the coaches are so kind and open. When I went there, I was just like ‘this is the place that is made for me.’”

Gose plans to get back in shape during the high school season to prepare for the faster college soccer environment.

“I had knee surgery last August, so I have to really get back in shape,” Gose said. “[College soccer] is definitely going to be faster, so I’m going to be working a lot this summer and high school soccer will help me get in shape. I’m doing programs that will prepare me as well.”

While playing soccer at the next level, Gose will always have fond memories of her high school teammates and soccer experiences.

“I just love the team,” Gose said. “We’ve been through a lot with two different coaches, but the team spirit just never goes away and each year I have just loved being involved with these girls.”