As a journalist you are not supposed to pick favorites when it comes to players or teams, but sometimes you can’t help it. There are just those that rise above the crowd, those that stand out on and off the pitch.
I first met Hunter Gilstrap when he was a young goalkeeper with the Cleveland City Stars of USL-1. He was already a fan favorite there for a lot of reasons: spectacular athleticism, natural leadership, and complete devotion to the community. He was a very talented player on a very talented team, a squad full of big-time names like Gordon Kljestan, Evan Bush, and Alioune Gueye.
It was a special experience for all involved, especially for Gilstrap.
“I’m so thankful for my experience in Cleveland with the City Stars. I probably had more life-shaping experiences through my time there than at any other point in my life. I learned to put Christ first, and the importance of serving and loving others. The soccer was great too; it never hurts to win a championship! Because of the City Stars and the people involved there, I left Cleveland a better man than when I arrived.”
Gilstrap struck me as a good person from day one and I would go on to follow his career for a number of years. He was a man driven by his faith and spirituality as well as a determined effort to reach his dreams.
“It’s become clear that soccer’s just something that God’s brought into my life because he’s allowed it and he wants to use it for something bigger than me. Learning to be thankful and satisfied no matter what the ‘soccer’ situation is still presents a challenge, but God makes it easier and easier. I’ve played way more games than I ever “earned.” It was only later in my career that I started to be thankful for all those that I’d already played- trying to see each one beyond that as an undeserved blessing.”
It all started for the Asheville, NC native with the PDL’s Greenville Lions. From there Gilstrap played with seven teams, making a big impact at each stop. He would find himself in a variety of settings, but found success with every team. The journey would take him across the country and even to South Africa. Interest from as far away as India showed what kind of talent Gilstrap possessed.
The longest stint of his career was five seasons (2010-2014) with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL. He became quite a fixture in the Pittsburgh soccer scene, emerging as the one of the Hounds’ top players and one of the USL’s best shot stoppers.
Gilstrap was closely connected to the community in every instance as he knew how it important it was for the success of any franchise.
I think being involved in the community is paramount. Outside of MLS, pro soccer teams only exist because people come to watch them. It’s important to acknowledge that and show those people how important they are. A great way is by working with charities. When I was in Cleveland we spent time each week working with kids in the local Salvation Army. They didn’t have much knowledge or love of soccer, but we got to spend time with them and build relationships. We were there to try to bring a little fun to those kids’ lives. I think if your community knows that you’re there for them, not the other way around, that’s when the club and the fans really develop a special relationship. Most of the teams who’ve been around the ‘non-MLS’ soccer scene for some time are still around because they do a great job of that.”
He finished his playing career with the Carolina RailHawks and Charlotte Independence in 2015. His last stop was one of the most special experiences for Gilstrap.
“Last year, beating the New England Revolution in Boston during my loan spell with the Independence was really special. It was exciting to be part of the last USL teams remaining in the tournament. That was a first for me.”
With his playing days wrapped up a few months ago, Gilstrap returned to the coaching ranks. He had over 10 years of coaching experience at the youth level and two high-profile assignments with Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh under his belt. He was the perfect choice to lead the Riverhounds’ efforts in the youth soccer market as their Director of Goalkeeping. It’s a role he is excited about.
“I’m in charge of running our year-round goalkeeper academy initiatives as well as training and managing our goalkeepers. Basically, if it has to do with goalkeeping, it’s part of my job. I also have a lot of freedom to explore new ideas and programs both related to the academy and beyond. My mission is to provide a high level of coaching to as many youth goalkeepers in the area as possible.”
Having a coach of Gilstrap’s caliber is invaluable to the Riverhounds Academy and the region as a whole. He has big plans for the club.
“I believe we’ve got one of the most talented goalkeeper staffs of any youth club in the country. It’s my job to manage them and also identify other talented up-and-coming coaches who might be able to help us.”
Gilstrap is the coach any player or parent would love to have. He is detail-oriented and has a clear vision of where he wants his players to end up.
“A large part of my job is helping our keepers get to the college level and to have success there. I’m trying to teach goalkeepers to be technical and well-rounded, but also be able to make good decisions and handle adversity. I think I have a big personality and try to bring as much energy as possible to sessions. I think the players notice that and appreciate it.’
Gilsrap has a lot to offer his players and we know that any organization with people like him will certainly succeed. It’s an exciting time for soccer in western PA.
“God’s blessed me with so much during my career as a pro player,” Gilstrap concluded. “I never imagined I’d play 10 pro seasons. I’m really excited to see what he’s holding in my future.”
We are just as excited to see what Hunter will do in the future. We’re certain he’s going to be doing great things.
