St. Mary’s senior women’s soccer forward Gillian Sawyer is a biology major and French minor with a passion for preserving the environment, among a slew of other interests. Sawyer keeps busy at St. Mary’s, as she is involved in numerous clubs and groups on campus and in the community. It’s no surprise that Sawyer has been playing soccer nearly her entire life, as her father is from England, where soccer reigns supreme among all sports. INTRODUCING … Gillian Sawyer.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   

I started playing soccer when I was five years old. My Dad is from England and lives and breathes the sport. While I tried other sports, it was largely his influence that kept me going back to soccer. I played at Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC) my entire career, aside from a year at Thunder, and played with the Olympic Development Program (ODP) during middle and high school.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  

I am a biology major and French minor. The most important thing I learned through my department is to always question. Just because a system is set up in a certain way, that doesn’t mean it is the only way or the best way. I was always encouraged to find novel solutions to things and to challenge the norm. As someone who wants to pursue a career in conservation biology, I firmly believe that being creative and asking “why?” is how we as a generation are going to find solutions to global environmental problems.

What is your favorite spot on campus (and why)? 

My favorite spot on campus would definitely be the docks. I have so many happy memories there, such as swimming and hanging out with friends, sailing, and watching the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. An enormous draw to St. Mary’s for me was the water, so I get down there as often as I can.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place to visit (and why)?    

My favorite place to visit would have to be the high street (main street) by my grandparent’s house in Northallerton, England. I grew up going there as a kid, walking through beautifully manicured gardens and side streets to get there. It has always felt like home, and brings back wonderful memories of family. I loved going to the bakery to get a fresh donut, and see what the vendors were selling on market day.

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  

I’m involved in Best Buddies at St. Mary’s. I was a chapter president of Best Buddies in high school, so the organization is very near and dear to me. I also volunteer at a local nursing home called Chesapeake Shores on the weekends. To me, giving back to the community is extremely important and is a great way to immerse yourself in a new place. I also co-manage the Sports Information student staff, which is a staff to work athletic events, such as announcing or doing the scoreboard.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career. 

One of the most memorable games I played in college was against Frostburg State my sophomore year. It was raining the first half, but by the time we came outside for the second half, the field was covered in puddles and it was pouring. We had to chip the ball instead of passing, because if the ball rolled through a puddle, it would just stop. We were absolutely covered in mud, and the field was a wreck. However, after a hard-fought game, we won and I remember thinking how much of a team effort that was, that each of us fought tooth and nail for the win.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life (and why)?  

I think one of the most influential people in my life is my third grade teacher, Ms. Icenogle. She was the first person to tell me I was a leader, even if not by choice and that it came with the responsibility to look out for others. She encouraged me to be myself and to have a huge heart. Her love for her students is very clear, as we are still in touch today.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students (and why)?

In my opinion, substance abuse is the most important social issue facing college students. Excessive drugs and alcohol in college can lead to hazing, sexual assault, injury and other problems. We have a view in college that everyone is doing it, and that you’re not cool unless you drink or do drugs, but it is just untrue. It is important to talk to incoming college students about the realities of college substance use, including accurate statistics, the risks and the alternatives.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it? 

If I could change anything, it would be how people view the environment. If people were more connected to where their water or food comes from, or where their trash goes, I think we would have a much better system of resource management. As a country, we only handle issues, like the lack of water in California, in a responsive manner, instead of taking preventative measures. I think it is really important to teach conservation to kids, because they are the next generation, and the more people we can make aware of the issues regarding recycling, pollution and waste, the bigger difference we can make.

What is your favorite form of entertainment (and why)? 

I am an artist, and love to create. My focus is oil painting; I paint portraits and landscapes, predominantly. I find painting extremely relaxing and reflective, and I can fade into my own world when I paint.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? 

Be kind, to each other and yourself. It doesn’t make you any better to make fun of others. We are all really the same, we are all people, so take care of each other, and help each other.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team (and why)?  

Gareth Bale is my favorite athlete. His work rate, confident attitude, and crazy skills are absolutely thrilling to watch. My dad is a big Tottenham fan, so obviously it was sad when he left the club, but I still like watching him play, he has so much talent.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with (and why)?   

I would have dinner with Jane Goodall, Mahatma Gandhi, and Harry Potter. I think I could learn a lot about leadership from these three people. All three exhibited perseverance, passion, and they all fought for justice. They have gotten people to listen to what they have to say, which can be very difficult. Also, like Gandhi, I am a vegetarian, so I think the meal itself would be pretty good!