Jake Iller | The Wright State Guardian
The U.S. Virgin Islands’ senior men’s national soccer team is competing in the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers, and Wright State University’s (WSU) Jake Iller is among its elite company
Humble beginnings
From a young age, Iller has had several influences that set him on the path he is currently on today. Iller comes from a family of student-athletes at WSU with both his parents being former athletes in baseball and swimming.
“The first sport I was old enough to try was at the age of four. As I got older, club soccer was so fun with traveling around for games and tournaments, and getting to be exposed to coaches from Brazil, England and South Africa opened my eyes up to different cultures,” Iller said.
Playing on the next level
While participating with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ men’s national team, Iller is in company with elite talent.
Iller has teammates from notable leagues like the China Super League, Australian Premier League, MLS, USL, along with many Division one, Division two and Division three players are on the team.
USVI head coach Gilberto Damiano Jr believes he has a very young team with a bright future.
“I felt really part of the team and Head Coach Damiano has been creating a development plan for me to play professionally after I graduate WSU,” Iller said.
Semester goals
Playing for a team like WSU Men’s soccer has given Iller the realization of setting his future goals into motion.
“I think it's every player's dream to play professionally and I feel blessed that Coach Slemker believes in my talent and has high expectations for me not only for next season but also supporting me with the National Team and my goals professionally,” Iller said.
In Head Coach Slemker’s announcement of Iller’s signing, along with his class, Slemker said he would look forward to seeing Iller grow and develop over the next few years.
Helpful advice
Iller hopes to see future players like himself strive on and off the field.
“My advice to younger players would be to get good grades first. Good grades open the doors everywhere for you, but you also have to practice all the time. It's a grind and you have to be willing to put in the time,” Iller said.
