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Gabriell Pakhtigian

Women's Soccer Paul Hembekides

Feature Friday: Women's Soccer Goalkeeper Gabrielle Pakhtigian


PHILADELPHIA – Junior goalkeeper Gabrielle Pakhtigian has established herself as one of the best at the position in La Salle women's soccer history, scattering her name across the record book through her first two-plus seasons.

Entering this season, Pakhtigian ranked in the top eight in six statistical categories and continues to rise on those. Through 11 games, Pakhtigian stands atop the Atlantic 10 leaderboard with four shutouts, all coming within the past five games for the Explorers.

While her play on the field stands out, Pakhtigian stakes more claim in her faith than any game-winning save could afford her; she has chosen to use soccer as a platform for exemplifying her devout beliefs.

“Because my relationship with Jesus Christ is the center of who I am, I can better answer the question, 'How does soccer play a role in my faith?'" Pakhtigian said. “Soccer is my spiritual act of worship to my Savior, so I step out onto the field because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate the freedom and joy that I have thanks to Jesus' sacrifice for me.” 

Pakhtigian has spent the last four summers playing for the BuxMont Torch FC, a soccer program aimed at using athletic competition as a vehicle to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a key member, Pakhtigian serves the community by volunteering her time to youth clinics as well as chapels through the program's mission.

“The word ministry means service, so our heart is for reaching others,” Pakhtigian said.

While she has ministered to hundreds, if not thousands of children, Pakhtigian says the experience has benefited her as well.

“It's been an important learning opportunity and has taught me that serving others is truly one of the greatest privileges and is something at which I need to continue to improve,” she said.

La Salle head women's soccer coach Paul Royal praises his goalkeeper's character, citing her example as being among the most admirable he's ever coached.

“In nearly 15 years of coaching college soccer, I've known few young women who possess the maturity, spirit, and character of Gabrielle,” Royal said. “Her integrity and loyalty is truly amazing and she is greatly respected by her peers, coaches, and professors alike. 

“In my experience, everyone who has an opportunity to connect with Gabrielle finds themselves a better person, and with a greater perspective on life, as a result of their relationship with her.”

Pakhtigian is involved in two campus organizations, serving on the University's Student Affairs Committee for the nursing program as well as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a women's soccer representative.

Despite her athletic obligations and involvement in extracurriculars, Pakhtigian has maintained a 3.94 GPA as a nursing student. She was selected to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area team in 2010 and was the recipient of the La Salle women's soccer Academic Award in 2011.

“Just like with soccer, school work is my opportunity to worship Jesus,” Pakhtigian said. “The Lord has entrusted me with a mind to think and to use to serve others. I try to take that very seriously.”

Even those devout in their faith have the tendency to waiver when adversity strikes, and Pakhtigian was given that opportunity in the spring of 2011. She tore her ACL and meniscus, putting her on the shelf and forfeiting her fall season as a red shirt.

However, Pakhtigian's response to her devastating injury speaks volumes about her character and her beliefs.

“Physically, recovery was challenging, but thanks to the work of the doctors and physical therapists and the support of my coaches, teammates, and family, I am fully recovered now,” Pakhtigian said.

“I say that the injury was one of the greatest things that have happened to me because I learned so much about the Lord's love and provision in my weakness,” she added.

Weaknesses don't seem all that apparent in the life of Gabrielle Pakhtigian, a student-athlete who comes across as unparalleled in her faith and commitment to character. While her soccer playing days will be over eventually, she will most certainly continue to shine by having a positive impact wherever she goes.

 “Gabrielle's passion and strong will is what drives her to be the truly remarkable person she is today,” Royal said, “and the contributions she will make to our community in the years to come.”  
 
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