University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Gildea Awarded Blake Nettles Scholarship
10/15/2018 5:49:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Gildea received the annual scholarship on Sunday, prior to the Golden Eagles match against UTEP
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss junior goalkeeper Karsen Gildea was awarded the Blake Nettles Scholarship prior to the Golden Eagles match against UTEP on Sunday, October 14.
The Blake Nettles Scholarship is awarded annually to one Southern Miss soccer player in honor of the life of the former soccer coach and his contributions to the Southern Miss soccer program.
Nettles was a prominent member of the Hattiesburg soccer community. He began coaching soccer in 1980. Through the years, he coached many players in the Pine Belt area, including several that went on to play at Southern Miss and other colleges across the country.
The patience, generosity and integrity of Nettles are all things that positively influenced those that he came in contact with throughout his life. Nettles passed away unexpectedly in 2005 while lending a helping hand to people who were affected by Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After his passing, his family established the Blake Nettles Scholarship in 2016.
The purpose of the Blake Nettles Scholarship is "To provide a women's soccer scholarship to a member of the Southern Miss soccer team who has demonstrated community service."
Gildea is known as a tremendous leader for the Southern Miss soccer team both on and off the field. "Karsen's constant work ethic and top notch character are a big reason why she was chosen for the Blake Nettles Scholarship. She got here and immediately changed and improved our culture," said Southern Miss assistant soccer coach Megan Soileau.
"I can't thank God enough for putting this amazing family in my life. I will forever be grateful for the Nettles family. I will continue to work hard and try my best to inspire people in a way that would make Mr. Nettles proud. I am so blessed to have met the Nettles family and I am very grateful for the sacrifice that he made for the coast," said Gildea.
What makes Gildea being chosen as the 2018 recipient of the Blake Nettles Scholarship even more special is that she is a native of Ocean Springs, Miss. No one can truly appreciate the sacrifice that Nettles made like a gulf coast native who experienced the damages of Hurricane Katrina first hand.
The Blake Nettles Scholarship is awarded annually to one Southern Miss soccer player in honor of the life of the former soccer coach and his contributions to the Southern Miss soccer program.
Nettles was a prominent member of the Hattiesburg soccer community. He began coaching soccer in 1980. Through the years, he coached many players in the Pine Belt area, including several that went on to play at Southern Miss and other colleges across the country.
The patience, generosity and integrity of Nettles are all things that positively influenced those that he came in contact with throughout his life. Nettles passed away unexpectedly in 2005 while lending a helping hand to people who were affected by Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After his passing, his family established the Blake Nettles Scholarship in 2016.
The purpose of the Blake Nettles Scholarship is "To provide a women's soccer scholarship to a member of the Southern Miss soccer team who has demonstrated community service."
Gildea is known as a tremendous leader for the Southern Miss soccer team both on and off the field. "Karsen's constant work ethic and top notch character are a big reason why she was chosen for the Blake Nettles Scholarship. She got here and immediately changed and improved our culture," said Southern Miss assistant soccer coach Megan Soileau.
"I can't thank God enough for putting this amazing family in my life. I will forever be grateful for the Nettles family. I will continue to work hard and try my best to inspire people in a way that would make Mr. Nettles proud. I am so blessed to have met the Nettles family and I am very grateful for the sacrifice that he made for the coast," said Gildea.
What makes Gildea being chosen as the 2018 recipient of the Blake Nettles Scholarship even more special is that she is a native of Ocean Springs, Miss. No one can truly appreciate the sacrifice that Nettles made like a gulf coast native who experienced the damages of Hurricane Katrina first hand.
Players Mentioned
GK
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